Zirconia Dental Crowns

Baby teeth, also called primary teeth, are essential for your child’s oral health development. They aid in speech and chewing and serve as guides for permanent teeth as they grow. If a baby tooth is removed too early, it may cause alignment issues that could require orthodontic treatment later on. 

Pulling a baby tooth is always a last resort. If a damaged or decayed baby tooth can be saved with a dental crown, this is the best option.  Have a consult with one of our knowledgeable Pediatric Dentists about how placing crowns will aid your child’s jaw growth and proper development and decrease future issues.

Dental crowns are custom-made armor-like coverings placed over a damaged tooth to restore shape, size, strength, and appearance.  These coverings replace the outer protective enamel shell of a natural tooth that has been damaged extensively. A white zirconia crown is a ceramic crown made from zirconium dioxide, a biocompatible material known for its strength and natural tooth-like appearance.

White dental crowns are the preferred choice for front teeth, as they blend in seamlessly with natural teeth and provide a more aesthetically pleasing result. However, zirconia dental crowns can also be used for back teeth, where strength and durability are key factors.

Pediatric dental crowns are crucial in treating severe dental caries (cavities) in children. There are several crown options available for your child’s restorative dental care, including:

1. Silver crowns: Stainless steel crowns are typically used for strength and durability when aesthetics are not a primary concern. They are often placed on molars that are hidden from view.
2. Pre-veneered stainless steel:  A white face is adhered to the metal surface, making the tooth look more natural. They are commonly used on prominent teeth, but the underlying metal may sometimes show through, especially near the gum line.
3. Bonded resin composite strip: These crowns offer a highly aesthetic and natural look as they are made from a composite resin material. However, they can be challenging to place on damaged teeth. Over time, resin crowns may discolor and are less robust than other options.
4. EZ-Pedo All Ceramic Zirconia: These prefabricated ceramic crowns are designed specifically for children and are made from zirconia (zirconium dioxide). White crowns offer a natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing solution, particularly for front teeth. The solid tooth structure, glazed with natural color, makes them exceptionally durable.

Zirconia crowns are a popular option in pediatric dentistry because of their durability and appearance. Here are 4 reasons parents and dentists prefer zirconia dental crowns over other options:

• Durability: White zirconia dental crowns are crafted from solid monolithic zirconia ceramic. They are resistant to discoloration, chipping, or degradation over time. Zirconia is a solid material that can withstand the daily wear and tear of a child’s activities.
• Appearance: Zirconia crowns have a translucent, tooth-like appearance that blends seamlessly with the surrounding teeth.
• Biocompatibility: Zirconia is a biocompatible material, meaning it is non-toxic and safe for use in the body. This makes it an ideal option for children’s dental restorations.
• Better oral hygiene:  Zirconia is resistant to plaque and decay. The crowns fit snugly over the tooth, making it easier for children to maintain good oral hygiene habits.

Unlike other types of crowns, zirconia crowns are not made in a dental lab. They are pre-manufactured and come in a kit with different sizes for each tooth. The fitting process is easy and does not require any impressions! No temporary crown-no second visit! 

The procedure for placing zirconia crowns includes:

• Tooth preparation: The dentist will remove any decay or damaged tooth structure and shape the remaining tooth to ensure a proper fit for the crown.
• Bonding: Once the crown is positioned correctly, it is bonded to the decayed tooth, and any excess cement is removed.
• Polishing: Finally, the dentist will polish the crown for a natural-looking finish.

It’s important to note that zirconia crowns require good oral hygiene, just like natural teeth. Encourage your child to brush and floss daily. Make sure you schedule regular dental check-ups every six months to monitor the condition of the crown and the underlying tooth.

Caring for your child’s primary teeth sets the foundation for their future oral health.  Zirconia dental crowns are a reliable and effective option to restore damaged baby teeth. 

At Lonestar Kid’s Dentistry, our goal is to educate parents and patients to create life-long, positive dental habits. Our carefully selected dental team is dedicated to making every visit comfortable for your little one. 

We proudly serve our little patients and parents at three locations: Frisco, McKinney, and Prosper. Our pediatric dentists, Dr. Paul I. Rubin, Dr. David Sentelle, Dr. Ashley Orynich, are committed to providing exceptional dental care for your child. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for your child and give them the gift of a healthy, beautiful smile!

If you are searching for a pediatric dentist in Frisco, TX, call (214) 618-5200 to schedule an appointment. We are located at 6801 Warren Parkway, Suite 115, Frisco, TX.

If you are searching for a pediatric dentist in McKinney, TX, call (214) 436-5555. We are located at 5323 W University Dr #100 McKinney, TX.

If you are searching for a pediatric dentist in Prosper, TX, call (469) 228-4402. We are located at 240 S. Preston Road, Suite 10, Prosper, TX.

• Dental crowns are armor-like coverings placed over a tooth to repair decay and protect it from further damage.
• Zirconia crowns are durable, white crowns made from zirconium dioxide that provide a natural appearance. White crowns are the preferred choice for front teeth. 
• Benefits of zirconia dental crowns:
  • Withstand wear better than other materials and does not stain or degrade over time.
  • Biocompatible zirconia material is safe for children’s teeth and hypoallergenic.
  • Crowns fit snugly to allow for better oral hygiene and are less prone to cavities than uncovered teeth.
• Zirconia crown procedure:
  • The dentist removes decay and shapes the tooth.
  • The pre-made crown then bonds securely to the tooth.
  • The tooth is polished to match the natural teeth.
• Maintain oral hygiene and visit your dentist to keep the crown in good condition for many years.