Posterior Crowns
Stainless steel crowns or SSCs are the gold standard among pediatric dental crowns for restoration of severely broken down, or high caries risk posterior primary teeth. The metal allows them durability, adaptation to tooth structure, less tooth reduction, and better long-term result for children that grind their teeth. The metal is a silvery color, although it is not in an esthetic zone, is noticeable.
Zirconia (All White) crowns allow for a complete white crown with no metal coloring, similar to our anterior crowns for front teeth. Zirconia crowns require more tooth reduction to place the crown and although very strong, can fracture in children who grind their teeth. Zirconia crowns are our preferred option for posterior primary teeth as they are strong and esthetic. Contact us today to schedule your child’s appointment and learn which crown option is right for their smile.
Choosing between stainless steel and zirconia comes down to your child’s specific situation. During your consultation, Dr. Lamb evaluates the tooth’s location, how much natural structure remains, your child’s bite patterns, and how long the baby tooth needs to stay before the permanent tooth erupts. If your child is a heavy grinder, stainless steel may be the safer choice for durability. If the tooth is more visible when they smile and esthetics matter to your family, zirconia gives you both strength and a natural look. Dr. Lamb walks you through the pros and cons for your child specifically so you can feel confident in the decision.
The posterior crown placement process is designed to be as comfortable as possible for your child. Dr. Lamb carefully prepares the tooth by removing any decay and shaping the remaining structure to fit the crown securely. A local anesthetic keeps your child comfortable throughout, and the entire procedure is typically completed in a single visit. For children who feel anxious, we offer sedation options tailored to their age and comfort level so they can relax while we work.
Both stainless steel and zirconia posterior crowns are built to last until your child’s baby tooth naturally falls out, which can be several years depending on their age. During that time, the crown protects the underlying tooth from further decay and maintains proper spacing for the permanent tooth developing beneath it. Regular checkups and cleanings with Dr. Lamb help ensure the crown stays in great condition, and when the baby tooth is ready to come out, the crown simply falls out with it — no additional procedure needed.