What are Zirconia Crowns?
At Little Roots Pediatric Dental, our pediatric dentists in Nassau County, NY know how important it is to preserve the natural beauty of your child’s smile while ensuring their dental restorations last. One of the options we offer is zirconia crowns, which combine excellent durability with an appealing aesthetic. Let’s dive into what zirconia crowns are and how they can benefit your child’s dental health.
What are Zirconia Crowns?
Zirconia crowns are high-quality dental restorations made from a durable ceramic material called zirconia. Known for their strength and natural appearance, zirconia crowns cover the affected tooth completely, offering both functional and cosmetic benefits. These crowns are particularly useful for restoring primary (baby) teeth that suffer from significant decay, fractures, or large fillings.
How Zirconia Crowns Help Your Child
At Little Roots Pediatric Dental in Westbury, NY, our goal is to provide the best possible care for your child’s dental health. Here’s how zirconia crowns can help:
- Expert Pediatric Care
Dr. Jessica Barzideh and Dr. Sunaina Vohra are highly skilled pediatric dentists who specialize in placing zirconia crowns for children. Their compassionate approach ensures your child feels comfortable throughout the process while receiving the highest standard of care. - Personalized Treatment Plans
We understand that each child’s dental needs are unique. Our team will evaluate your child’s dental condition and create a customized treatment plan. We’ll discuss the advantages of zirconia crowns and explore any alternative options, ensuring you’re fully informed before making a decision. - Aesthetic Appeal
Zirconia crowns closely resemble natural teeth in both color and translucency, making them an excellent choice for restoring your child’s smile. These crowns blend seamlessly with the rest of the teeth, helping your child maintain a confident and beautiful smile. - Exceptional Durability
Zirconia is known for its strength and resilience, making it ideal for children’s dental restorations. These crowns can withstand the forces of chewing and grinding, ensuring long-lasting protection for the treated tooth. - Preserving Tooth Structure
Zirconia crowns require minimal removal of the natural tooth structure, helping to maintain the integrity of the tooth. This conservative approach supports the long-term health and stability of your child’s dental development. - Biocompatible Material
Zirconia is a biocompatible material, meaning it’s safe, non-toxic, and non-allergenic. This makes zirconia crowns a great option for children with sensitivities or allergies.
Why Choose Zirconia Crowns at Little Roots Pediatric Dental?
By choosing zirconia crowns for your child’s dental care, you’re opting for a treatment that is both safe and effective. At Little Roots Pediatric Dental in Westbury, NY, we prioritize your child’s comfort and well-being, using the latest dental techniques and materials to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Contact Us Today
If you’re interested in learning more about zirconia crowns or if you’d like to schedule an appointment, please contact us today. Our pediatric restorative dentists in Nassau County are here to help restore your child’s dental health and support them in maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Dental Crowns
What are zirconia crowns, and why might they be recommended for my child?
Zirconia crowns are state-of-the-art, all-ceramic dental restorations made from zirconium dioxide, a remarkably durable material that closely resembles natural teeth in appearance. Unlike traditional stainless steel crowns, zirconia crowns offer both exceptional strength and aesthetic appeal, making them an excellent choice for restoring damaged primary or permanent teeth in children. They might be recommended when a tooth has extensive decay beyond what a simple filling can repair, following pulp therapy (baby root canal), for teeth with developmental defects, or for teeth that have been fractured due to trauma. Zirconia crowns are particularly beneficial for visible front teeth or when parents and children prioritize a natural appearance alongside durability. These crowns are biocompatible, resist plaque accumulation better than some alternatives, and maintain their color and shine over time. While typically more expensive than stainless steel options, many families find the aesthetic and functional advantages of zirconia crowns make them worth considering, especially for teeth that show when your child smiles.
How long do zirconia crowns last on children’s teeth?
Zirconia crowns offer excellent longevity when placed on children’s teeth, typically lasting until the natural exfoliation of the primary tooth or for many years on permanent teeth. For baby teeth, zirconia crowns generally remain intact and functional for 3-7 years until the tooth naturally falls out to make way for the permanent successor. Their durability comes from zirconium dioxide’s exceptional strength—similar to that of some metals while maintaining a tooth-like appearance. Factors affecting longevity include the child’s chewing habits, oral hygiene practices, and whether they grind their teeth or bite on hard objects like ice or pencils. Unlike some other crown materials, zirconia resists chipping, cracking, and wear exceptionally well, and won’t discolor over time regardless of what foods or beverages your child consumes. Regular dental checkups allow us to monitor the crown’s condition and integrity. Even in the rare case of minor damage, zirconia crowns typically remain functional until the primary tooth naturally falls out, avoiding the need for replacement and additional procedures.
How does the procedure for placing zirconia crowns differ from other dental crowns?
The procedure for placing zirconia crowns involves several precise steps that differ somewhat from other crown types. Unlike stainless steel crowns which can sometimes be adapted chairside, zirconia crowns come pre-fabricated in specific sizes and cannot be crimped or significantly modified, requiring more precise tooth preparation. First, your child receives appropriate numbing and possibly sedation for comfort. The dentist then removes decay and reshapes the tooth more conservatively than with metal crowns, preserving more healthy tooth structure while creating the specific shape needed for the zirconia crown. After selecting the appropriate crown size, the dentist may make minor adjustments to ensure perfect fit and bite alignment. The crown is then cemented permanently using special bonding agents designed specifically for ceramic restorations. The entire procedure typically takes 30-60 minutes per tooth, depending on complexity. Many pediatric dentists use specialized techniques like the Hall Technique or similar approaches to make the experience as comfortable as possible. Because of the precise fit requirements, some practices may occasionally need two appointments—one for preparation and temporary coverage, and a second for permanent placement—though single-visit procedures are increasingly common with today’s advanced materials.
Do zirconia crowns look natural in a child’s mouth?
Zirconia crowns offer exceptionally natural aesthetics that closely mimic the appearance of natural teeth in a child’s mouth. These ceramic restorations capture the translucency, color, and light-reflecting properties of natural enamel, creating a seamless blend with adjacent teeth. Unlike stainless steel crowns with their metallic appearance, zirconia crowns are available in various shades to match your child’s natural tooth color. The anatomically correct contours, including proper height, width, and subtle surface characteristics, further enhance their natural look. Zirconia’s inherent resistance to staining means these crowns maintain their esthetic appearance over time, without discoloration from foods, beverages, or medications that might stain natural teeth. This consistent appearance is particularly important for front teeth that show when your child smiles or speaks. Many parents report that even they have difficulty distinguishing their child’s zirconia crown from adjacent natural teeth. This natural appearance can significantly boost a child’s confidence, especially school-aged children who may be more self-conscious about their smile, helping them feel comfortable laughing, smiling, and speaking without worrying about noticeable dental work.
Are zirconia crowns worth the additional cost compared to traditional stainless steel crowns?
The value of zirconia crowns compared to traditional stainless steel options depends on several factors unique to each family’s situation and priorities. Zirconia crowns typically cost more—often 1.5 to 2 times the price of stainless steel alternatives—due to the advanced materials and manufacturing processes involved. However, many parents find the investment worthwhile, particularly for visible teeth, because of several distinct advantages. The natural, tooth-colored appearance can prevent self-consciousness and potential teasing, supporting your child’s confidence and social development. Zirconia’s biocompatibility makes it an excellent option for children with metal sensitivities or allergies. These crowns also demonstrate better gingival (gum) health around the restoration compared to metal crowns, resist plaque accumulation, and maintain their appearance without staining or discoloration. While stainless steel crowns remain an excellent, durable, and cost-effective choice for less visible back teeth, the aesthetic and health benefits of zirconia often justify the additional cost for front teeth or when appearance is a priority. Insurance coverage varies, with some plans providing partial coverage for zirconia crowns, especially when medically indicated. Our practice can help determine coverage options and discuss payment plans to make these premium restorations more accessible for families who choose them.