Prefabricated Stainless Steel Crowns in Pediatric Dentistry

Stainless Steel Crowns (SSC) is the most commonly used crowns in pediatric dentistry. It is commonly referred to as a "silver crown" in layman's terms

Stainless Steel Crowns in Pediatric Dentistry

 Stainless Steel Crowns (SSC) is the most commonly used crowns in pediatric dentistry. It is commonly referred to as a "silver crown" in layman's terms. It is strong, durable, and economical too. The main drawback of the stainless steel crowns is their unaesthethics and it is difficult to accept by the parents. These are full coronal restorations that are attached to the tooth by the luting agents. SSC are prefabricated crowns and adapted for individual teeth size. It is used to restore the severely decayed tooth for preventing further decay of the remaining tooth. Stainless Steel Crowns (SSC) are used as temporary restorations in permanent teeth due to their inaccurate marginal adaptation.

 Composition of Stainless Steel Crowns (SSC)

 Austenitic type of alloy is used to make stainless steel crowns. Following are the compositions,

 

      ·                     Chromium- 17% to 19%

·                     Nickel- 10% to 13%

·                     Iron- 67%

·                     Other Elements- 4%

 Indications for Stainless Steel Crowns (SSC)

 The SSC is mainly indicated in the tooth having caries on two or more surfaces, which cannot hold the restoration due to insufficient tooth structure. In these cases, we can only depend on stainless steel crowns for restoring the tooth. If there is the presence of extensive decalcification, it may further cause space losses, so we can use stainless steel crowns to prevent space losses. After the pulp therapy, we use stainless steel crowns due to the weakening of the tooth structure because of the removed dentin.

 Contraindications for Stainless Steel Crowns (SSC)

 Stainless Steel Crowns cannot be placed in primary molars that are close to exfoliation. It is contraindicated in the primary molars where the roots are already resorbed. It cannot be placed in the mobile tooth. It is contraindicated to patients who have allergies to metals.

 Advantages of Stainless Steel Crowns (SSC)

 The longevity of the SSC is more. These crowns are less prone to fracture while mastication. Easy to place the SSC, and it cannot need lab procedures and it can be fitted in a single appointment. It is more economical compared to other crowns like Zirconia. Complete enamel covering is achieved by the use of SSC. Moreover, it is very comfortable for the patients.

 Disadvantages of Stainless Steel Crowns (SSC)

 There is an enormous amount of tooth structure is removed for the fitting of stainless steel crown. It is highly unaesthetic. Gingivitis may be caused due to the poor marginal adaptation of the crown. If Overhanging is present over the distal side, it may cause impaction of the permanent first molars. Unremoved excess luting cement can cause gingival inflammation.