Restore Your Child’s Smile
We offer gentle, effective stainless steel crowns in Narraweena to repair decayed or damaged baby teeth, ensuring your child can eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
Stainless Steel Crowns for Kids
At Narraweena Smiles, we understand that finding a cavity in your child’s tooth can be worrying. Stainless steel crowns are a gold-standard solution in paediatric dentistry, acting as a strong "helmet" for baby teeth that have been weakened by extensive decay or trauma.
UNDERSTANDING STAINLESS STEEL CROWNS
- Stainless steel crowns are pre-fabricated metal caps used to restore primary (baby) molars.
- Unlike standard fillings which just fill a hole, these crowns cover the entire tooth, protecting it from further decay and breakage until it falls out naturally.
- They are durable, safe, and specifically designed to withstand the heavy chewing forces placed on back teeth.
Common reasons for stainless steel crowns include:
- Extensive tooth decay where a filling would be too large or unstable.
- Teeth that have undergone pulp therapy (baby root canal).
- Fractured or broken teeth due to trauma.
- Developmental defects affecting the tooth enamel.
- Children who have difficulty with long appointments (crowns are often faster to place than large fillings).
WHY CHOOSE STAINLESS STEEL CROWNS?
Choosing the right restoration for your child means prioritising longevity and comfort. Stainless steel crowns offer superior protection compared to large fillings, reducing the need for retreatment.
Unmatched Durability
Made from strong, biocompatible materials, these crowns are designed to withstand grinding and chewing forces, making them unlikely to crack or chip.
Full Tooth Protection
By covering the entire tooth, the crown seals out bacteria and prevents new decay from developing on other parts of the same tooth.
Cost-Effective & Efficient
They are often placed in a single visit and are designed to last until the baby tooth naturally falls out, saving you from repeated repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I consider a crown instead of a filling for my child?
If a cavity is small, a white filling is usually sufficient. However, if the decay affects multiple surfaces of the tooth or if the tooth is structurally weak, a filling may fall out or leak bacteria. In these cases, a stainless steel crown is recommended to save the tooth and hold space for the permanent tooth underneath.
Will the crown fall out?
The stainless steel crown is cemented securely onto the baby tooth. It will not fall out on its own but will come out naturally attached to the baby tooth when your child is ready to lose it and the adult tooth erupts.
Is the procedure painful?
We prioritise your child's comfort. The area is typically numbed with local anaesthetic to ensure they feel no pain during the preparation. For anxious children, we offer options to help them relax. Many parents report their children recover very quickly and return to normal eating the same day.
How much does a stainless steel crown for children cost?
The cost of a stainless steel crown for children depends on the tooth being treated and your child’s individual needs. Prices typically range between $170 - $400.
If your child is eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), part or all of the treatment cost may be covered. We’ll check your child’s eligibility, explain any out-of-pocket costs clearly, and discuss everything with you before starting treatment.
PERSONALISED PAEDIATRIC TREATMENTS
At Narraweena Smiles, we take a comprehensive approach to children's restorative care. We focus on comfort, durability, and long-term oral health. Our treatment options are designed to save natural teeth, preventing premature tooth loss which can lead to orthodontic issues later.
Custom Fit & Gentle Placement
For many young patients, the placement of a stainless steel crown is a straightforward process that provides immediate protection.
- Remove decay: We gently remove the damaged part of the tooth.
- Custom sizing: We select a pre-made crown that best fits your child’s tooth size.
- Secure cementing: The crown is cemented in place, allowing your child to bite and chew normally almost immediately.
- Space maintenance: Keeps the proper space open for the permanent tooth to erupt correctly.
Unlike complex adult crowns that require impressions and lab work, stainless steel crowns are placed in one visit, minimising time in the chair for your child.
AFTERCARE & MAINTENANCE TECHNIQUES
Ensuring the longevity of the restoration involves simple care steps at home. We provide guided instructions to parents and children to maintain their new shiny tooth.
- Avoid sticky foods: For the first 24 hours, avoid toffees or sticky lollies that might pull on the setting cement.
- Good oral hygiene: Brushing and flossing around the crown is essential to keep the gums healthy.
- Monitor comfort: Some minor gum sensitivity is normal for a day or two, but this subsides quickly.
Simple habits, such as regular brushing and avoiding excessive sugary snacks, will ensure the crown and the surrounding teeth stay healthy until the adult tooth arrives.
WHY STAINLESS STEEL FOR MOLARS?
While we offer tooth-coloured options for front teeth, stainless steel remains the superior choice for back teeth (molars) where chewing force is highest.
Strength vs. Aesthetics:
Restoring back teeth requires materials that can handle heavy pressure. Stainless steel is thin yet incredibly strong, requiring less tooth removal than white crowns. This makes it a conservative and highly successful option for active, growing children.
- Reduces risk of fracture.
- Minimises chair time.
- Provides a proven, leak-proof seal.
- Biocompatible and safe for children.
Many parents find that the peace of mind provided by a durable, "one-and-done" treatment far outweighs the metallic appearance on a back tooth that is barely visible when smiling.
CHILD-FRIENDLY DENTAL TECHNOLOGY
Digital X-Rays & Gentle Care
Our practice utilises modern diagnostic technology to assess your child's dental health with minimal exposure. Digital x-rays allow us to see the extent of decay between teeth that the naked eye might miss, ensuring we choose the right size crown for a perfect fit. We combine this with gentle anaesthesia techniques to ensure a positive, tear-free visit.
Compassionate, Family-Focused Care
At Narraweena Smiles, every patient deserves a warm, welcoming environment where they feel heard and cared for. We take the time to listen to your concerns, explain the procedure to you and your child in a kid-friendly language, and create a personalised plan that suits your needs.
TAKE THE FIRST STEP TOWARD A HEALTHY SMILE
You don't have to worry about tooth decay causing your child pain or discomfort. With modern, effective stainless steel crowns, relief is within reach. Whether you're dealing with a large cavity or a broken tooth, we're here to help your child feel comfortable, confident, and pain-free.
We invite you to book a consultation today at Narraweena Smiles. Let’s find the best treatment for your little one. Your child’s comfort and well-being are our priority!