Baby teeth in childhood are more vulnerable to cavities. Parents usually do not worry about them because they know that those baby teeth will be replaced by adult teeth soon. However, these cavities are more important than people think and they need to be treated. A dental crown is one of the treatment methods applied for cavities. So, when should crowns be applied to baby teeth? What risks can arise if they are not applied when needed?
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What Are Baby Teeth Caps?
Crowns can be expressed as a kind of cap placed over primary teeth. They have the function of natural teeth and protect the baby teeth until they fall. These crowns also referred to as caps, have more important functions for oral and jaw health than is thought.
When Does a Baby Tooth Need a Crown?
Crowns are a kind of coating applied to ensure that the teeth function smoothly and preserve their shape. They are used to repair or restore teeth that are broken, have cavities, have a material loss, or do not develop properly. It is a treatment method preferred depending on the recommendation of specialist doctors.
An advanced level of cavity or tooth fracture makes treatments such as fillings dysfunctional. In such cases, even if the filling is performed, it does not last long and falls off after a while. This will cause both the renewal of the treatment and additional procedures. Instead of this crowns are preferred. Crowns are much stronger compared to fillings and they exceed expectations.
Children first begin to lose their baby teeth at the age of 6-7 and this process continues until the age of 12-13. Backteeth fall out last. Therefore, it is almost a must to protect their health until they fall. Because they have a placeholder feature and ensure that the permanent ones come to the right positions.
The enamel of baby teeth is thinner than permanent ones. This situation causes the cavities to diffuse faster. Therefore, crowns on baby teeth are not just a treatment for a single tooth. It is also of great importance in preventing the spread of cavities to others.
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How Does a Dentist Put a Crown on a Baby Tooth? (Procedure Steps)
Applying crowns on baby teeth may differ depending on the condition of the cavity or fracture. But whatever the case, there are some common steps to follow. These steps can be listed as follows:
- The related area is anesthetized, thus preventing children from feeling any pain.
- A dental dam is placed in the area.
- Cavities are cleaned.
- The tooth is shaped to fit the crown.
The treatment is completed by following these steps. In the application of crowns in adults, patients usually need to visit the doctor several times. In children, all procedures are usually completed in a single session.
Do Crowns Fall Out with Baby Teeth?
Some parents may ignore it, considering that baby teeth will fall out. Although baby teeth are not permanent, they play an important role as long as they are in the mouth. They hold space for adult teeth and ensure that they come out in the right position. In case of early loss, crooked teeth, gaps between teeth, and similar problems may occur. In such a case, orthodontic treatment may be required.
Baby teeth are important for the development of speaking and proper chewing of food, as well as holding space for permanent ones. Considering that baby backteeth remains until the age of 13, the importance of these functions will be understood more clearly. Therefore, crowns on baby teeth have a much greater function than is thought.
Why are Baby Teeth So Important?
Primary teeth are replaced by permanent ones after a while. However, they undertake important duties until this occurs. Moreover, it is generally thought that these fall and permanent ones take their place in a very short time. However, the loss of all baby teeth is completed when children reach the age of 12-13. In short, baby teeth remain in children’s mouths much longer than is thought.
Baby teeth have many important functions. Prominent ones can be listed as follows:
- They act as placeholders for permanent ones.
- They contribute to the placement of permanent teeth in the right position.
- They play an important role in proper speaking and chewing of food.
How Many Different Baby Crowns are there?
Crowns on baby teeth have different options in themselves. Considering the condition of the tooth, needs, and expectations, the appropriate one is preferred and used in the treatment. The types of crowns and their details are as follows:
White Crowns vs. Stainless Steel Crowns on Baby Teeth
A significant number of parents wonder why stainless steel crowns are preferred to white crowns on baby teeth. There are, of course, important reasons why doctors prefer them. The outstanding ones are as follows:
- Stainless steel crowns are thinner than zirconium ceramic crowns. Therefore, they can be applied with less abrasion on teeth. This is a very important detail for the preservation of the tooth structure.
- Stainless steel has long been used for crowns on baby teeth. This has enabled the development of the right materials for stainless steel applications and has also enabled doctors to gain more experience. Because of these reasons, stainless steel has become an option that is long-lasting and successful.
- Although stainless steel meets expectations in terms of durability and functionality, the same is not true for aesthetics due to its silvery color. Besides, its silvery color causes thoughts that it contains mercury. However, these crowns are only silver in color and do not contain silver and mercury. As the name suggests, it is made of stainless steel.
- The cost of zirconium crowns is high.
- Zirconium ceramic is a material that cannot be adjusted, bent, or molded. Because of this, it is very difficult for it to fully fit the teeth. Therefore, it may be possible for bacteria to re-enter the teeth. So, extra attention should be paid to brushing and flossing.
Due to these reasons, doctors may prefer stainless steel more for crowns on baby teeth. However, it should be noted that depending on the situation, white crowns may also be preferred.
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Why Are Crowns Preferred Instead of Filling?
Baby teeth are quite small in size and accordingly filling application is very difficult to perform. In the treatment applied after the decay, a part of the tooth structure must be removed so that there are no more bacteria inside. Therefore, as a result of this, there may be a case where there aren’t enough natural teeth left.
The filling to be applied will not be enough to strengthen the tooth and may cause fracture and similar problems over time. Crowns on baby teeth significantly eliminate the risks of such problems and provide a smooth experience.
The treatment process for crowns on baby teeth is different than for adults. In adults, there are processes such as taking dental measurements, producing tailor-made crowns, and similar procedures. Crowns are pre-fabricated for children. They are sized immediately during the examination and are easily applied to the tooth. Thus, the process is usually completed in a single session.
CONCLUSION
Crowns on baby teeth are of great importance for oral and jaw health in adulthood. Therefore, the relevant treatment must be performed by specialists and experienced doctors.
Our dentists at COSMETICIUM will meet your expectations and needs at the highest level. The fact that thousands of people prefer our clinic every year is the most important sign of our quality and success.
By choosing our clinic, you can leave your children’s dental development to reliable hands. Contact us for more detailed information about crowns on baby teeth.
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