Is there ever a time when you should recommend stainless steel crowns to your patient?

If the child’s teeth are seriously decayed to the point where filling with lesser material will fail – especially true when the patient has received a pulpectomy – then Stainless Steel Crowns are likely the order of the day.

 A stainless steel crown can prevent further decay and allow the child to eat, chew, and speak normally until the permanent teeth erupt. There are certainly more esthetic pediatric crown options, e.g. Pedo Jackets or Strip Crowns. These options are, however, more expensive. For those patients that require basic care, a stainless steel crown is certainly better than extraction therapy or no treatment at all.  

Also keep in mind that it is imperative to do whatever is necessary to prevent the premature loss of the primary anterior teeth. Early loss of the anteriors will create esthetic, phonetic and functional issues. When a patient cannot afford a more esthetic restorative technique, a stainless steel crown can prove the ideal affordable choice.