When a small cavity becomes a bigger concern, our priority is always to gently save your child’s tooth and protect their developing smile. Untreated decay can lead to painful infections, early tooth loss, and may even affect how your child’s permanent teeth come in.
At Sierk Children’s Dentistry, zirconia dental crowns are a beautiful, strong, and natural-looking way to bring back your child's healthy function and confidence. Dental crowns preserve the tooth until it is naturally exfoliated, making room for the permanent dentition.
A Modern Solution: What to Expect with Zirconia Crowns for Kids
A zirconia dental crown is a beautiful, white ceramic "cap" made from a strong, safe material called zirconium oxide. It looks completely natural, is gentle on sensitive gums, and is ideal for visible teeth.
At Sierk Children’s Dentistry, Dr. Jon Sierk and our caring team make the process smooth and comfortable, often in just one visit:
- Performing a thorough exam and taking x-rays
- Ensuring your child is comfortable (gentle numbing)
- Carefully removing all decay
- Preparing the tooth so the crown fits perfectly
- Placing their finished crown to restore their smile
Zirconia Crowns vs. Traditional Silver Crowns: Making the Right Choice
When restoring a child's tooth, parents often need to decide between modern white (Zirconia) crowns and time-tested traditional silver crowns. We are happy to walk you through the differences:
Appearance
- Zirconia (White) Crowns: These are tooth-colored and blend right in, fully restoring your child's natural smile.
- Silver (Stainless Steel) Crowns: These look metallic and are typically chosen for their strength on back teeth, where they aren't as visible.
Safety (Biocompatibility)
- Zirconia (White) Crowns: They are hypoallergenic and have a very low risk of irritation or sensitivity.
- Silver (Stainless Steel) Crowns: They are safe, but in rare cases, they can cause sensitivities to certain metal alloys.
Strength (Durability)
- Zirconia (White) Crowns: Exceptionally durable and a great choice for both visible and back teeth.
- Silver (Stainless Steel) Crowns: Known as reliable "workhorses," they are highly durable and often the standard choice for molars.
Cost
- Zirconia (White) Crowns: You may have a slightly higher co-insurance due to the aesthetic material's up-front cost.
- Silver (Stainless Steel) Crowns: They are often covered at a higher percentage by employer-structured dental plans because of their lower cost and metallic look.
Is a Zirconia Crown Right for Your Child?
Zirconia is a great choice when appearance matters (especially for front teeth) or if your child has known metal sensitivities. For budget concerns or non-visible back molars, metal crowns remain a solid, reliable solution.
We'll help you decide! Dr. Sierk will recommend the best dental crown option based on the tooth location, your child’s health profile, and a full review of your insurance benefits.
Protect Your Child’s Smile with Zirconia Crowns in Castle Pines, CO
The friendly team at Sierk Children’s Dentistry makes caring for young smiles simple and compassionate.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation about zirconia dental crowns and personalized treatment options that protect form, function, and confidence for years to come! Our pediatric dental offices are located in Castle Pines and Highlands Ranch, CO.