Resin Veneer Crowns vs. Zirconia Crowns for Primary Teeth
When it comes to restoring damaged or decayed primary teeth in children, dental crowns are often the best solution to ensure long-term function and oral health. Two of the most popular options for pediatric dental crowns are veneered stainless steel and zirconia crowns. While both materials serve the same purpose, they differ in durability, aesthetics, cost, and other factors. This blog will discuss resin veneer and zirconia crowns in more depth to help parents make an informed decision and demonstrate why zirconia crowns are growing in reputation.
Why Does My Child Need a Crown?
Severe tooth decay, tooth trauma due to an accident, developmental defects, and root canals are at the top of the list of reasons why your child’s dentist may have recommended that a crown be placed for your child. Since preserving the integrity of the primary teeth’s structure is preferred over an extraction (to allow the adult teeth to move into the proper spaces), we can observe the benefits of crowning damaged primary teeth, such as protection for the remaining tooth structure, maintaining its function and appearance, and supporting oral development as your child grows.
What Are the Differences Between Resin Veneered Stainless Steel Crowns and Zirconia Crowns?
A resin veneer crown is a moisture-resistant stainless-steel crown with a color-matched resin front. Resin veneer crowns are a widely used and cost-effective treatment for damaged primary teeth. They are strong enough to last years with proper oral hygiene. They are more aesthetic than their stainless-steel counterparts and can be used on posterior and anterior primary teeth. They are as quick to place as traditional stainless steel crowns but require that more of your child’s tooth enamel be removed for a proper fit. With good oral hygiene, pediatric resin veneer crowns usually last until the tooth falls out on its own.
A zirconia crown is made of zirconium dioxide and has a few advantages over its resin veneer counterpart. Zirconia crowns are incredibly durable and often chosen for their natural tooth-like appearance. They are long-lasting, innately resistant to wear, and specially engineered to withstand the heavy workload of the back teeth. Unlike resin veneered stainless steel crowns, they are not prone to wear, staining, or chipping. They are preferred in patients with metal sensitivity, as they contain no metal. They require longer in-chair time, but zirconia crowns require less enamel removal and can last up to 10 years—certainly long enough to protect your child’s oral development into adulthood.
Which Option Is Best for My Child?
Though they come at a higher price point and require more precise preparation and placement, zirconia crowns have some important advantages over resin veneer crowns:
- Metal-free: Zirconia crowns are the best option for children with sensitivities to metal, as they contain no metal components.
- Preserve more of your child’s natural tooth: Zirconia crowns require less tooth removal than resin veneer crowns, which is beneficial in preserving as much integrity as possible of the underlying damaged tooth.
- Aesthetics: While composite crowns can come pretty close to matching the color of the surrounding teeth, they can stain over time. Zirconia crowns better mimic natural teeth in translucence and depth and can be color-matched to ensure a seamless presentation that will not stain.
- Location of the crown: Posterior teeth, like molars, require a very strong crown that can perform in a high-stress environment, where most chewing occurs. Zirconia crowns are recommended here due to their high durability and resistance to damage.
- Less risk of crown damage: Reduces the chances of needing to repeat the procedure or pay for replacements in the future.
Cheng Crowns Is the Industry Leader in Quality Pediatric Crowns
Since 1987, Cheng Crowns has been a leading manufacturer of aesthetic pediatric dental crowns, specializing in monolithic zirconia and resin-veneered stainless-steel crowns. Their products are trusted by pediatric dentists for their ease of application, durability, retention, and appearance. Cheng Crowns offers a range of products, including classic crowns, zirconia crowns, and narrow zirconia posterior crowns, all designed to meet the specific needs of dentistry for children.
Resources:
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Zirconia Crown
Differences Between Zirconium Crowns and Other Dental Crowns
Different Types of Kids Dental Crowns