Why Do Kids Get Silver Teeth?

Children with silver teeth, sounds strange, right?

It’s true using metal crowns on baby teeth might seem unusual, but there are excellent reasons to consider them for your child’s dental care.

So, as a parent, are you curious about why dentists choose silver teeth for kid’s molars?

In this blog, we will explore why dentists use silver, metal-based material to treat cavities and decay in baby teeth and how this can help safeguard your child’s oral health!

Why Are Baby Teeth Important?

Baby teeth, also known as primary teeth, are vital to your child’s overall development. Not only do they aid in proper chewing and speech development, but they also contribute to the alignment and spacing of their permanent teeth.

Regular dental check-ups and maintaining your child’s oral health prevent common issues such as tooth decay, cavities, and potential early tooth loss.

These problems may impact their long-term dental development, leading to misalignment, crowding, or the need for orthodontic treatment in the future.

Establishing a good oral hygiene habit early on, like brushing twice daily and flossing, along with a balanced diet and limited sugary snacks, promotes healthy baby teeth and sets the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a cap-like structure that covers the entire tooth to restore its shape, size, and function. Crowns are often used when a tooth is severely damaged or decayed and cannot be repaired with a simple dental filling.

Crowns for children come in various materials, including stainless steel and tooth-colored options like composite resin and porcelain.

While white crowns are more aesthetically pleasing, stainless steel crowns (silver crowns) are the most commonly used type for children, especially for treating baby molars. Generally, medal crowns are more budget-friendly and commonly used for Medicaid-covered procedures.

Crowns vs Fillings

Both dental crowns and fillings play essential roles in maintaining oral health. 

• A Dental crown may be necessary when a tooth has significant damage or decay, as it covers the entire tooth, providing more strength and stability. Also, dental crowns, unlike fillings, are capable of distributing the forces of chewing more evenly across the tooth, reducing the risk of further damage or re-infection.
• Fillings consist of materials like amalgam, composite resin, or porcelain and fill the cavity after removing the decayed portion. Silver fillings are a popular choice due to their durability and affordability. Despite concerns about mercury, the American Dental Association has deemed them safe for use.

The choice between dental crowns and fillings depends on the extent of the tooth damage and the recommendation of your child’s dentist. 

Why Do Kids Get Silver Teeth?

Kids get silver teeth or stainless steel crowns when they have extensive tooth decay or damage to their primary teeth. 

When decay on a baby tooth is near the nerve or severely damaged and at risk of breaking, the most effective long-term treatment is a stainless steel crown. A silver crown is often necessary to preserve a baby tooth with a large cavity and ensure its survival.

Silver crowns are cost-effective, durable, and can last until the tooth naturally falls out, making them an ideal choice for children. 

The process of fitting silver teeth in kids is straightforward and typically results in a durable solution that safeguards their oral health.

Are Crowns Necessary on Baby Teeth?

While it might seem unnecessary to place crowns on baby teeth that will eventually fall out, the fact is that untreated decay or damage can cause pain, infections, and even early tooth loss.

Preserving these teeth is essential, as they are vital for speech development, biting, and chewing. Plus, they maintain the space for the adult teeth to grow properly.Failing to treat affected teeth can result in more complex dental problems in the long run.

Pediatric Dental Crowns Near Me

As we have learned, baby teeth are super important for a child’s development! They help with speaking and eating and affect how their permanent teeth grow and align.

Metal dental crowns are a great, budget-friendly option to handle serious tooth decay in kids. Not only are they durable and less likely to cause discomfort, but they also require fewer dental visits. 

So, if your child is experiencing dental problems, or it’s time for their regular dental check-up, don’t hesitate to contact Youth Dental.

If you are searching for ‘pediatric dental crowns near me’, or ‘best dentist for kids near me’, we can help. Our team of experienced dentists are committed to safeguarding your child’s oral health.

To book an appointment at one of our four locations, call (303) 953-8801 or complete the online booking form.

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