Pediatric
Stainless steel crown
A stainless steel crown is a silver-colored metal cap, ready-made in many sizes, that covers a badly decayed or weak baby tooth.
Dentists often use stainless steel crowns on baby molars. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry says stainless steel crowns, also known as silver caps or preformed metal crowns, are silver-colored metal shells adapted to individual teeth and cemented in place. They are made in a single visit from a stock shape, so no lab is needed. They cover the whole tooth, which protects it from more decay, and they fall out with the baby tooth when the adult tooth arrives. They are often chosen for back teeth because looks matter less there. Tooth-colored crowns are another option. Your dentist will talk with you about what fits your child. See primary molars, dental crown, and our page on dentistry for kids.