Restorative

Stainless Steel Crowns

Durable, pre-formed crowns that protect damaged baby teeth until they naturally fall out, restoring function and preventing further decay.

Close-up of dental tools on a clean, sterile metal tray, emphasizing hygiene and precision.

Protecting Your Child's Smile

When a baby tooth is severely decayed or damaged, a stainless steel crown offers a safe, effective way to restore it. These pre-formed metal crowns are designed specifically for children's teeth, providing full coverage and protection until the tooth naturally falls out.

At Atlantic Smiles, we use stainless steel crowns to save baby teeth that might otherwise need extraction. Even though primary teeth are temporary, they play crucial roles in chewing, speech development, and holding space for permanent teeth. Protecting them helps ensure your child's dental development stays on track.

Why Stainless Steel?

Stainless steel crowns are the gold standard for restoring baby teeth. They're incredibly durable, withstanding the forces of chewing and grinding that children put on their teeth. Unlike other materials, they rarely break or need replacement before the baby tooth is ready to fall out naturally.

The placement procedure is straightforward and typically completed in one visit. We gently prepare the tooth, select the right size crown, and cement it in place. Most children tolerate the procedure well, especially with our gentle, patient-centered approach.

When Are They Needed?

We may recommend a stainless steel crown when your child has:

Large cavities that can't be fixed with a regular filling
A tooth weakened by extensive decay
A baby tooth that broke or cracked
A tooth that had pulp therapy (baby root canal)
Developmental defects in the tooth enamel

These crowns remain in place until the baby tooth naturally loosens and falls out, usually between ages 6 and 12, depending on which tooth it is.

How it works

Examination & Diagnosis

We carefully examine the damaged tooth and take X-rays if needed to assess the extent of decay and determine if a stainless steel crown is the best option.

Tooth Preparation

We gently numb the area for your child's comfort, remove any decay, and shape the tooth to fit the crown. If needed, we may perform pulp therapy first.

Crown Selection & Placement

We select the properly sized pre-formed crown, try it on to ensure a good fit, then cement it securely in place.

Final Adjustments

We check your child's bite, make any needed adjustments, and provide care instructions. The crown is ready to use immediately.

Common questions

Will the silver crown be noticeable?+

Stainless steel crowns are silver in color, so they are visible when your child smiles or opens their mouth. However, they're most commonly used on back molars where they're less noticeable. For front teeth, we can discuss tooth-colored alternatives if aesthetics are a concern.

How long will the crown last?+

Stainless steel crowns are designed to last until the baby tooth naturally falls out, which could be several years depending on your child's age. They're extremely durable and rarely need replacement.

Does my child need special care for the crown?+

No special care is needed. Your child should continue brushing twice daily and flossing. The crown protects the tooth, but it's still important to maintain good oral hygiene to keep the gums healthy and prevent decay on other teeth.

Get in touch — Egg Harbor Township, NJ

Ready when you are — let's get you smiling.

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