Crowns for Baby Teeth

What is a crown?

A crown, sometimes also called a cap, is a restoration which covers the entire tooth. In enables the tooth to be used for normal biting and chewing. It also improves the appearance and strengthens and protects the tooth underneath. 

Most people are familiar with crowns for adult teeth. With advances in children's dentistry people are becoming more aware  of the importance of saving baby teeth until they fall out naturally. See previous post - Are Baby Teeth Important? (click for link) 

New techniques and materials have led to crowns for baby teeth which have improved appearance and fit.

When do baby teeth require crowns?

• When teeth are severely decayed, worn or fractured and there is not enough tooth surface to adequately hold a filling. 
• Teeth with severe developmental problems of the enamel and dentine may also require crowns. 
• Teeth which have had the nerve removed due to severe decay and infection (see Root Canal Treatment for baby teeth - Pulpectomy) are more brittle and prone to fracture and usually also require a crown.

Advantages of Crowns

• Preserves tooth until it is ready to fall out naturally, maintaining space for adult tooth to come through into.
• Stronger and longer lasting than large fillings.
• Enables normal functioning of tooth for eating and speaking.
• Improves appearance and therefore self-esteem.

What types of crowns can be used for baby teeth?

Crowns for adult teeth are usually made in a dental laboratory after taking an impression mold of the prepared tooth. Crowns for baby teeth can be made in the same way, however, this procedure takes two visits and can be difficult for young children. Therefore, ready made, or pre-formed, crowns are often used.

Pre-formed metal crowns

Ready made metal crowns have been used, mostly for back molar teeth, with a high success rates for many years. They are relatively inexpensive and provide a good fit with minimal tooth preparation and adjustments. They are strong and will last many years, until the tooth is ready to fall out naturally.




However, many people do not like the appearance of the metal. With advances in dental materials, tooth coloured crowns are becoming more popular.

Metal crowns may be modified by replacing the front area with white filling material or by bonding a tooth-coloured facing to the area visible when smiling. The aim is to keep the strength of the metal but improve the appearance. Some metal usually still shows at the edges and on the back of the tooth. Tooth coloured facings sometimes de-bond and fall off. 

Tooth coloured crowns

Strip crowns, also called acid etch crowns, are often used for front teeth. They are made directly in the mouth from composite filling material using a celluloid crown former with the desired shape of the tooth. By choosing the right shade of filling material a very good colour match can be achieved. The durability of a strip crown depends on how much tooth is left and how well the tooth was prepared for the crown. Care must be taken as this type of crown is prone to being broken, loosened or dislodged if too much pressure is applied to the tooth. 

Pre-formed tooth coloured crowns

At Small Bites we are always keeping up with the latest advances in dentistry. We have introduced high quality, pre-formed white crowns made from zirconia for children's teeth. These are imported from the USA and available for both front and back teeth. Zirconia is a hard, tooth-colored material similar to ceramic, but stronger.

The crowns are pre-made to specific sizes and the teeth require a small amount of preparation before the crown is fitted. 

Although more expensive than other crowns they have the appearance of a natural tooth. Only your dentist will know that it is a crown. 

Zirconia crowns give improved fit, tooth shade matching and durability.

If you would like to know more please comment or visit us at Small Bites - exclusive dental care for children in Bangalore.

The Small Bites Difference

Small Bites is the first Exclusive Dental Centre for children in Bangalore. Dr. Premila Naidu, a specialist paediatric dentist, started the clinic in 2007 out of a belief that children deserve the very best preventive dental care. 

In June 2014 Dr. Premila received the National Dental Excellence Award for Best Paediatric Dentist in Bangalore.

Child-friendly Environment

Our clinic is specially designed for children, with their needs in mind. Parents find that, even though their little one may be anxious initially, they soon feel at home and don't want to leave when their visit is over.

Each member of the Small Bites team takes time to understand and reassure children, especially those who are anxious or have special needs. Treatment options are also carefully explained to parents.

Preventive Dental Care

We emphasis prevention, both by educating children and their parents on dental health issues and using preventive treatments, such as fluoride varnish and fissure sealants.

At Small Bites, we are always keeping up to date with the latest materials and techniques.

What do our clients say?

Don't just take our word for it. Here are some reviews from our clients:

"I find that Dr.Naidu is really friendly and calm and that rubs off on the kids. Her office also has a well decorated and well stocked play area. So my son loves coming to the dentist."

"My son always feared going to dentists until he visited Dr Premila Naidu. The ambience of the clinic and her way with kids has made it easy for us to take him for his procedures. No issues with the treatment until today."

"The play area is pretty good for kids at the clinic. Doc gives time to understand the problem and clearly explains."

"good clinic is well maintained. kids really love to play there. they are not feared of medical equipment. they feel comfortable. getting a appointment is also quite easy , through phone or internet. also communication regarding our appointment timings through sms is nice."

"Amazing pediatrician, if your kid has severe cavities she analysis and acts and creates a regime for improving the oral health so that there are no future cavities."

So, if you are looking for a caring, child-friendly dental practice in Bangalore, come and visit us and experience the Small Bites Difference.