Stainless Steel Crowns - Benefits, Disadvantages, Costs & Procedure

Stainless steel crowns are incredibly durable and can last for years, eliminating the need for replacement. Their durability and strength allow you to use the tooth as usual, too, so you can eat and drink without worrying about it getting damaged or falling out. Typically, a stainless steel crown will last until the baby tooth falls out, preventing the need for repeat visits to the dentist.

Stainless steel crowns are among the most affordable dental crown options, making them an ideal choice for those needing a back tooth crown on a budget. Their lower price makes them a good choice when you require extensive restorations, making them more affordable than other options, like ceramic or porcelain crowns. Their reasonable price makes them suitable for children too, where you don't want to spend thousands on a crown that will fall out soon with their baby teeth.

Adding a stainless steel crown can help prevent further tooth decay, preserving the existing tooth. The crown will be placed over the entire tooth, either before or after the decay is removed, to prevent it from worsening and ensure the full function of the tooth for your child.

When the crown is installed, your child will be able to chew and speak as usual, and the space for their adult tooth will be preserved to prevent any long-term issues as they grow.

Stainless steel crowns are commonly used in children, offering protection for their baby teeth without invasive treatments. Stainless steel crowns are fast to install, with no return visits, making them more tolerable for children. The crowns also require little maintenance, making it easy for children to stay on top of their dental health without regular dental appointments.

Their hypoallergenic design makes them a safe and successful option for children, too, especially when there are decay or developmental defects.

Stainless steel crowns have a silver, metallic appearance that may not blend well with natural teeth. For this reason, they are not recommended for use on front teeth and are typically reserved for use on back teeth. That being said, when you are speaking or eating, the silver crown might be visible, which can leave some parents and children self-conscious about their smile until the baby tooth and its crown fall out.

Stainless steel crowns come with a small but real risk of metal allergies. Not everyone knows they have a metal allergy or sensitivity until the crown is installed, which increases the risk of an allergic reaction. We recommend testing for a metal allergy before the crown is installed to prevent potential pain, discomfort, or severe side effects once the crown is in place.

The metal used in stainless steel crowns can create artifacts on MRI scans, which can complicate monitoring for certain conditions. While this downside may not affect everyone, it is worth keeping in mind, especially if your child requires regular scans for other health conditions.

Stainless steel crowns are a good choice, especially for children, but they may not be the right choice for everyone. Before you move forward, consider your other options to determine which crown is right for you. At Gorgeous Smiles, we offer several types of dental crowns you can choose from, including:

To choose the right dental crown, consider where it will be placed and what you need it to do. For baby teeth and back teeth, a stainless steel crown is the perfect choice, protecting a child's tooth and ensuring there is space for the adult tooth to grow. However, its silver colour makes the crown obvious, and we would not recommend placing it in your front teeth. Instead, you might want to consider a PFM, porcelain, or ceramic crown, which offers durability while blending in with your natural teeth.

You can view all of our dental crown options for Melbourne patients, allowing you to compare prices and treatment plans to find the right choice for you. You can also contact us directly to book an appointment, where we can examine your tooth and provide recommendations for the best dental crown option for you.

Stainless steel crowns typically cost between $250 and $500 per tooth. The price will vary depending on the intended use and the patient's age. Stainless steel crowns are typically used in paediatric dentistry and are considered a temporary solution, which is why they are often less expensive than other permanent crown solutions.

We will provide an accurate cost during your consultation and offer a detailed price breakdown as well. We understand that not everyone can afford to pay for their dental treatment in one go, and we offer several flexible payment options that allow you to spread the cost as needed. We also accept Medicare, providing children with free basic dental care when they meet the criteria. We can discuss this in more detail in person or over the phone, providing you with a better understanding of costs and the payment options available, depending on your specific circumstances.