Crowns

Why a crown instead of a filling?

Fillings work beautifully for small and medium cavities, but when a large part of a baby tooth has broken down, a filling can be like patching a wall that’s lost its corners — there simply isn’t enough sound tooth left to hold it. A crown wraps around the whole tooth, protecting every surface at once. Crowns are especially valuable for baby molars that need to keep working hard for years before they’re naturally lost, and for teeth that have had a pulpotomy or nerve treatment, which can leave them more fragile. Your child’s clinician will recommend a crown only where it will genuinely serve the tooth better than a filling.

Crown options for children

We know that aesthetics matter. That’s why we offer Zirconia crowns — a high-end ceramic material known for its strength and durability. Zirconia gives the most natural-looking crown possible, blending in seamlessly with the surrounding teeth. It’s also non-allergenic and free of all metals, including nickel. Depending on the tooth, its position and your child’s needs, other options such as stainless steel crowns may also be discussed — each has strengths, and the right choice varies from tooth to tooth. Whichever option suits your child, none of our restorative materials contain mercury, which the old silver amalgam fillings used to have — that includes stainless steel crowns. Our parent guide to stainless steel vs white crowns compares them in plain language, and for front teeth, our guide to strip crowns explains how chipped or decayed front baby teeth can be beautifully restored.

What to expect at the appointment

Fitting a crown on a baby tooth is usually simpler and quicker than the adult version many parents remember. The tooth is numbed and gently shaped, the correctly-sized crown is selected and fitted, and it’s secured in place — typically all in a single visit. For children who are anxious or very young, or where several teeth need crowns, comfort options such as happy gas or treatment under general anaesthesia may be recommended so everything can be completed calmly and comfortably.

Caring for a crowned tooth

A crowned baby tooth behaves much like any other tooth: it’s brushed normally, it handles normal foods, and when the time comes, it falls out naturally with the baby tooth inside it — crown and all. Very sticky sweets are best kept occasional, as they can tug at any dental work. We’ll check the crown at each regular visit, and our guide to post-treatment care covers the first few days at home.

Frequently asked questions

Do baby teeth really need crowns?

When a baby tooth is badly broken down, a crown is often the most reliable way to keep it working until it’s naturally lost. Baby teeth hold space for adult teeth, so protecting a heavily damaged one can save trouble later. We’ll always explain why we’re recommending one.

Will the crown look natural?

Zirconia crowns are tooth-coloured and blend in with the surrounding teeth — most people can’t pick them. Where a stainless steel crown is recommended instead (often for back teeth), we’ll explain the reasons and what to expect.

Does fitting a crown hurt?

The tooth is numbed first, so the visit should be comfortable — children feel pressure and “tooth hugs” rather than pain. Mild tenderness of the gum for a day or so afterwards is normal and settles quickly.

Will the crowned tooth fall out normally?

Yes. The crown becomes part of the baby tooth, and the whole thing loosens and falls out on its natural schedule when the adult tooth underneath is ready to arrive.

How long do children’s crowns last?

Crowns on baby teeth are designed to last for the remaining life of that tooth, and they usually do. We keep an eye on every crown at your child’s regular check-ups and will let you know if anything needs attention.

Wondering if a crown is right for your child?

Book an appointment and we’ll assess the tooth, explain the options — including costs — and decide together, before anything goes ahead.