“Silver teeth” in kids are a topic of curiosity for many parents.
In reality, the appearance of silver teeth just comes from the fact that decayed baby teeth were fixed using silver colored (stainless steel) crowns.
These crowns — sometimes called “caps” — are dental restorations commonly used to treat dental decay in primary (“baby”) teeth.
Quick Answer: Why Do Kids Get Silver Teeth?
Kids often receive “silver teeth” to treat dental decay or injury. These crowns (which are actually just stainless-steel crowns) are chosen for their durability and longevity. In the vast majority of cases, the crown will last until the tooth falls out when it is replaced by an adult tooth.
Silver caps are composed of stainless steel, nickel, and chromium, providing a strong and durable solution for fixing cavities in both primary and permanent teeth.
These crowns restore tooth functionality and prevent further decay by sealing off cavities. The main reasons include treating dental decay caused by poor oral hygiene or a high sugar diet and repairing damage from accidents or injuries.
Procedure: The process involves removing decayed or damaged tooth material, cleaning the cavity, and then capping it with the stainless-steel crown. It's designed to be relatively painless, often requiring only local anesthesia.
Pros: Silver caps are cost-effective, far more durable than fillings, and suitable for children, providing a lasting solution that withstands chewing forces.
Cons: Concerns include aesthetic preferences (as some may prefer tooth-colored fillings for a more natural appearance) and minor discomfort in the gums.
Alternatives: Tooth-colored fillings (composite resins) and veneered crowns offer more aesthetic alternatives for dental restorations in children, catering to different needs and preferences. While both of these options are less durable than stainless-steel crowns, they are sometimes used for cosmetic reasons.
Understanding the Concept of Silver Teeth
“Silver teeth” are simply dental crowns that are silver in color. They consist of a mixture of metals, including stainless-steel, chromium, and nickel. Despite their name, silver teeth are not composed of silver.
What are Silver Teeth?
Silver caps are a popular choice for dental restorations due to their durability and longevity.
These crowns have been used for over 70 years and are known for their strength and resistance to wear and tear.
They are highly versatile and suitable for restoring decayed primary or permanent teeth.
The Role of Silver Crowns in Dental Health
One of the main purposes of silver crowns is to restore the structure and functionality of decayed or damaged teeth. By removing decay and sealing the tooth, these caps help to prevent further decay and restore the tooth's strength, allowing children to bite and chew without discomfort or difficulty.
Additionally, silver teeth play a crucial role in maintaining proper oral hygiene. By sealing off decayed portions of the tooth and preventing bacterial growth, these fillings help prevent the development of more extensive dental issues in children.
Finally, silver teeth are beneficial due to their thermal conductivity, which helps to minimize sensitivity and discomfort that may arise from temperature changes related to food or drinks.
The Reasons Behind Silver Teeth in Kids
Dental Decay & Silver Teeth
Dental decay (also known as “dental caries” or “cavities”) is one of the primary reasons children may require crowns.
Poor oral hygiene, a high sugar diet, and inadequate dental care can lead to the development of cavities in children's teeth. When dental decay occurs, the affected tooth needs to be thoroughly cleaned and then restored to prevent further damage.
Silver caps are a reliable solution for restoring decayed teeth in kids.
Injury & Silver Teeth
Children are prone to accidents and injuries, and their teeth can be affected as a result. Falls, sports-related impacts, and other mishaps can cause significant damage to a child's teeth, such as fractures or deep cracks.
In such cases, crowns can be used to restore the affected tooth and provide protection against further damage. While many parents prefer the cosmetics of a tooth-colored filling, crowns are far more effective at restoring broken teeth.
The Procedure of Getting Silver Caps
Preparing for the Procedure
Getting silver caps involves a simple and relatively painless procedure.
Before the treatment, the child's dentist will carry out a thorough examination, including dental X-rays, to assess the extent of the decay or damage.
Proper preparation, such as ensuring a calm and comfortable environment, is crucial to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience for the child.
The Process of Placing Silver Crowns
Once the child is prepared, the dentist will administer local anesthesia and remove the decayed or damaged part of the tooth using specialized dental instruments.
The cavity is then thoroughly cleaned to eliminate any remaining debris or bacteria.
After preparing the tooth, the dentist will find an appropriate sized crown to fit the tooth, shaping it to fit seamlessly with the child's natural tooth structure. Finally, the crown is cemented onto the tooth to ensure a smooth and comfortable chewing surface for the child.
The Pros & Cons of Silver Crowns
The Benefits of Silver Crowns
Stainless-steel crowns offer several advantages when it comes to dental restorations in children. Their durability and longevity make them an excellent option for young patients who may not have ideal oral hygiene habits yet.
They are also cost-effective compared to some alternatives — especially when considering the fact that they typically last until the baby tooth falls out — making them more accessible for families.
Another advantage of silver teeth is their ability to withstand the forces of chewing and biting, providing a sturdy and functional tooth restoration that can last for many years. Their strength and resistance to wear and tear make them suitable for kids who chew sticky foods and hard candies.
Potential Drawbacks of Silver Crowns
While silver teeth have been used for decades with a proven track record of safety, there are some potential drawbacks to consider.
One concern is the discomfort that silver crowns can cause the gums. Because they are pre-formed, rather than a true custom fit, the crown’s edge (“margin”) never matches up with the tooth perfectly. There is typically a slight overhang of the crown, which can cause occasional discomfort in the gums, particularly with chewing.
In recent years, advancements in dental technology have led to the development of alternative materials, such as tooth-colored composite resins, which offer aesthetic benefits over silver crowns. Additionally, stainless-steel crowns are now being made with a tooth-colored veneer, making for improved cosmetics. These alternatives may be preferred by parents who prioritize the appearance of their child's teeth, particularly in more visible areas.
Alternatives to Silver Teeth
Resin (“Tooth-Colored”) Fillings
White fillings, also known as resin or composite fillings, are an increasingly popular alternative to silver crowns.
Made from a mixture of silica or quartz filler and resin, white fillings provide a natural appearance that blends seamlessly with the child's tooth color.
While they may not be as durable as silver teeth, their aesthetic benefits make them worthy of consideration for decay in front teeth which are visible when smiling or talking.
Note, however, that severely damaged teeth likely will not be good candidates for fillings.
Finally, it should be mentioned that fillings — particularly large and multi-surface fillings — don’t last as long as crowns. For baby teeth restorations, which generally need to last 3-7 years until the adult tooth erupts, choosing a filling rather than a crown will increase the likelihood that the child needs to have a repair/replacement during that time window.
Composite Veneered Stainless-Steel Crowns
Stainless steel crowns with a resin (tooth-colored) veneer are another alternative to silver teeth, particularly for badly decayed front teeth.
These pre-fabricated metal crowns are designed to cover the entire tooth, providing the superior strength and protection that comes with a crown, but also providing an aesthetic, tooth-colored restoration.
Veneered stainless steel crowns are commonly used for primary teeth in children and can withstand the forces of chewing while maintaining longevity until the tooth naturally falls out. The only real downsides of choosing the veneered route are: (1) increased expense, and (2) the slight risk of the resin detaching from the crown (in which case the tooth will appear silver).
Final Thoughts
Silver teeth crowns are a common dental restoration option for children due to their durability and effectiveness in treating dental decay and injury. While they may not be the only choice available, “silver” crowns offer several benefits that make them a popular option for parents and dental professionals alike.
With advancements in dental materials, alternative options such as tooth-colored fillings and veneered stainless-steel crowns also provide viable alternatives to consider. Ultimately, the best choice for a child's dental restoration depends on individual circumstances, preferences, and discussions with a qualified dentist.
FAQs
Why do kids have a silver tooth?
Kids often have a silver tooth due to dental decay or injury that requires a stainless-steel crown. Stainless steel crowns are durable, cost-effective options for restoring the tooth's structure and function, preventing further decay or damage.
What is a silver tooth for?
A “silver tooth” (crown) is used to repair and restore a tooth that has been damaged by decay or injury. It helps in maintaining the tooth's integrity, ensuring that the child can continue to eat and speak comfortably and preventing future oral health issues.
Why do dentists make your teeth silver?
Dentists use silver fillings or crowns because they are durable, strong, and long-lasting. They are particularly suitable for back teeth that undergo significant wear and tear from chewing. Silver materials are also cost-effective compared to other restorative materials.
Are silver crowns safe for kids?
Yes, silver crowns, typically made of stainless steel, are safe for kids. They are widely used in pediatric dentistry due to their durability and ability to protect a damaged or decayed tooth effectively until it naturally falls out (in the case of primary teeth).
Are silver teeth worth anything?
Silver teeth (amalgam fillings and stainless steel crowns) are not made of pure silver and thus have no significant monetary value.
What are silver teeth called for kids?
For kids, silver teeth are usually referred to as "silver caps," "silver crowns," or "stainless steel crowns" when referring to crowns used to cap a damaged or decayed tooth.
How long do silver caps stay on kids' teeth?
Silver caps, or stainless steel crowns, typically stay on a child's tooth until the tooth naturally falls out if they are placed on primary (baby) teeth. This can be several years, depending on the child's age and the eruption of the adult tooth under it. They are designed to last and protect the tooth throughout its remaining lifespan in the mouth.
* Though the author of this post is a licensed dentist in the state of Kansas, this information is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Please use your best judgment and contact emergency medical services in the event of an emergency.