Dental crowns are cap-like structures placed on top of a damaged tooth. With time, tooth deformities may occur because of decay, injuries, etc. The purpose of dental crowns is to safeguard, cover and even restore the shape of the teeth when fillings are not enough to solve the problem. Dental crowns are commonly made by using metals, porcelain, resin and ceramics. They are cemented into the tooth and cover the visible portion of the defective tooth.

Stainless steel dental crowns – are they suitable?

A stainless steel dental crown is a pre-made metal crown. Stainless steel crowns are made of stainless steel type of dental filling material, which makes them extremely strong and durable. Often, stainless steel crowns can tolerate a child’s aggressive lifestyle habits. Stainless steel crowns are utilized when the tooth has been severely damaged due to dental caries and may or may not have to undergo pulp treatment. It is also used when the crown of the tooth has been fractured or broken. Many a time, teeth abnormalities from birth, genetics or diseases may also mandate a dental crown.

Stainless steel crowns are non-toxic because they are usually a temporary measure. The use of stainless steel crowns more prevalent among children because of specific reasons.

1. Stainless steel crowns are more affordable than custom-crafted dental crowns.
2. They do not require multiple doctor visits for application.
3. They can be easily placed over the primary tooth, protecting the damaged tooth from additional decay.
4. When a permanent one replaces the primary or milk tooth, the applied stainless steel crown comes free on its own.

The merits and demerits of using stainless steel crown

The primary benefits of using stainless steel crowns are:

• They are more cost-effective than any other type of dental treatment for large areas of decay
• There is no requirement of using general anaesthesia or sedation while placing stainless steel crowns on the teeth.
• They are ideal for use after root canals when teeth are more susceptible to fracture.
• They are longer lasting than any other kind of dental restorations.
• The success rate of stainless steel crowns is almost 96 per cent when compared to other restorative materials.
• They adapt very well with the original teeth, and there is no leakage.
• They are also easy to manipulate for the dentist.

Some of the limitations of using stainless steel crowns are:

• The main drawback is the appearance of the silver metallic crown in the mouth
• The biting surface of the crown may wear out with time
• If the height is not adapted well to the tooth, gum irritation may occur. 

We can conclude by saying that stainless steel dental crowns are suitable and beneficial especially for children. They have extensively used all over the world to restore milk teeth.

In case of discomfort or pain in teeth or gums, please visit your nearest dentist at the earliest.

Book Appointment to find out which treatment might be best for you.