White Crowns Vs. Stainless Steel Crowns: What Are The Differences?

Dental crowns are tooth-shaped covers that bond to a damaged tooth. Dental crowns may be recommended for the restoration of children’s teeth in cases such as extensive tooth decay, fractured tooth, or an abnormally developed primarily tooth.

Pediatric dental crowns come in two main types - white dental crowns and stainless steel crowns. While they perform the same function, both have significant differences which we shall explore in details.

What are the Main Differences Between White Crowns and Stainless Steel Crowns?

White Dental Crowns

White dental crowns are made of zirconia, a tooth-colored material that is ceramic. White dental crowns have the advantage of looking like natural teeth, and they do not trigger any allergy response, unlike stainless steel crowns.

However, white crowns do not easily fit in with adjacent teeth, and they can't be held in place by crimping them to adjourning teeth. They can be only bonded in place by glue which degrades over time.

Stainless Steel Crowns

Stainless steel crowns are more common and have been in use for years in pediatric dentistry. They are metallic, an amalgam of carbon, chromium, iron and other metals, and therefore can stand out in your child’s mouth. This is why they are mostly used on less-visible molars.

Stainless steel crowns are sturdy and can last for years. They are also the most affordable dental crown options and can be easily installed in a single visit to the dentist.

Stainless steel crowns, however, can cause allergic reactions as earlier mentioned.

In summary, stainless steel crowns and white crowns are made of entirely different materials. While white dental crowns have the benefit of being similar to natural teeth and therefore blend-in in your child’s mouth, stainless steel crowns are more affordable and durable.

It is completely up to you to decide which crown is best for you or your child. Each has their own unique advantages and disadvantages. If you have any further questions regarding tooth-colored crowns or metal crowns, please feel free to give us a call or set up an appointment with us online today!