Stainless steel pediatric crowns could last up to 10 years or longer with proper care. But in practice, they don’t last that long. That’s because they are placed on baby teeth, which fall out naturally and are replaced by adult teeth. Your child will usually lose their last baby tooth by the age of 13.

But because stainless steel pediatric crowns are so durable, you won’t have to worry about your child’s crown failing before their adult teeth come in. With routine brushing and flossing at home, six-month checkups at our office, and a healthy diet, their crown is sure to stay in great shape.

If you’d prefer for your child to have tooth-colored crowns, we also offer pre-fitted zirconia crowns. These crowns are just as durable and strong as stainless steel crowns and help protect your child’s baby teeth until their permanent teeth emerge. 

However, they are not metal and do not have the same silver appearance, which makes them a better choice for front teeth. Your child’s zirconia crown will look, feel, and function just like a “real” tooth.

Pediatric dental crowns are typically used to restore baby teeth damaged by dental trauma or extensive decay. For example, if your child’s tooth breaks while they're playing around, or they have a very deep cavity or an infected tooth, a pediatric dental crown may be necessary to restore their smile. 

Crowns are ideal for this because they cover up and protect the entire remaining tooth structure. Not only does this restore the shape, size, and function of your child’s tooth, but it protects their baby tooth and prevents it from being damaged until it’s replaced with a healthy adult tooth.

The best way to find out whether or not your child needs a dental crown is to visit a pediatric dentist in Fremont, such as Dr. Michael Wang. In some cases, either a filling or a dental crown may be an appropriate treatment. 

During your child’s consultation at Mission Peak Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Wang will examine their teeth, take any necessary x-rays, and then discuss his findings with you. Together, you will be able to take the next steps needed to restore your child’s oral health, whether it’s a dental crown or any other pediatric dental treatment.

No. You can treat your child’s dental crown just like you would treat a natural tooth. Make sure that they're brushing their teeth properly twice a day, for at least two minutes. You should also floss your child’s teeth once a day, or make sure they floss on their own if they're old enough to handle flossing themselves. 

Beyond that, just make sure you come and see Dr. Wang for a checkup every six months. Regular preventive care like teeth cleanings and oral exams help keep your child’s teeth and dental crown in great shape. 

In most cases, the answer is “yes.” When they're medically necessary to treat an issue like a broken, decayed, or infected tooth, dental crowns are covered by dental insurance, up to all applicable policy limits. I

f you have questions about your child’s dental coverage, we recommend consulting directly with your policy documents or contacting your insurance company directly. This is the best way to ensure that their treatment is covered, and to learn more about your deductible, yearly maximums, and other details about your insurance coverage.