The best types of tarboosh and dental crowns for children and when to use them

Many mothers are often surprised when the dentist says their child needs a “crown” or “cap”, and they start asking: Why? Is it really necessary? Could it affect the permanent teeth later on? The truth is, crowns and caps for children’s teeth are not just for appearance—they also protect the tooth from fractures or decay and help prevent pain or infections.In this Daleely Medical article, we will discuss in detail the best types of crowns and caps suitable for children, explain when a child needs one, guide you on how to choose the right type based on your child’s teeth condition, and provide care tips to keep them intact for as long as possible.Follow along to the end to learn everything you need to know about children’s crowns and caps in a simple and clear way.

Many mothers are surprised when the dentist says their child needs a “crown” or “cap”, and they start asking: Why? Is it really necessary? Could it affect permanent teeth later on?

The truth is, children’s crowns and caps are not just for aesthetics—they also protect the tooth from fractures or decay and help prevent pain or infections.

Is a crown necessary for every child with tooth decay?

Not every child with tooth decay needs a crown.
The dentist decides based on the severity of the decay or if the tooth is weak and cannot be treated with a regular filling.
In this case, the crown protects the tooth from breaking and helps it last longer.

Can a crown affect permanent teeth?

No, crowns do not affect permanent teeth.
They are placed only on primary (baby) teeth and do not reach the root.
This means they won’t prevent permanent teeth from erupting at the right time.

Does a crown come off on its own?

The crown naturally falls out with the primary tooth when it is replaced by the permanent tooth.
It doesn’t need to be removed by a dentist, and there is no harm if it falls out naturally.

Does placing a crown or cap hurt the child?

The procedure is simple and very quick.
The dentist uses local anesthesia so the child feels no pain.
In most cases, the child can eat and talk normally after placement.

How to care for a crown or cap after placement?

Caring for a crown is just like caring for natural teeth. Here are the most important tips:

Brush teeth twice a day with age-appropriate toothpaste and brush.
Limit sweets and fizzy drinks to prevent new decay.
Visit the dentist every 6 months to check the crown and other teeth.

What’s the difference between a crown and a cap?

Yes, there’s a small but important difference:

Crowns are usually placed on back teeth (molars) because they are stronger and can withstand chewing.
Caps are placed on front teeth to maintain a beautiful appearance and the child’s smile.

✅ Summary: Crowns = protection, Caps = aesthetics

Are there different colors or types of crowns and caps?

Yes! There are various types and colors:

Metal crowns: very strong and durable.
White crowns or caps (like zirconia or ceramic) that match the natural tooth color.

The dentist selects the type and color based on tooth location and the child’s smile.

Do crowns need to be replaced as the child grows?

No. The crown naturally falls out with the primary tooth when the permanent tooth erupts.
However, if the crown breaks or moves, the dentist may replace it with a new one to protect the tooth.

Can a crown cause new decay?

The crown itself does not cause decay, but if the child does not clean their teeth properly, decay can appear around the edges.
To prevent this:

Brush teeth daily
Eat a healthy diet
Have regular dental check-ups

Do crowns or caps affect the child’s smile?

On the contrary! Caps for front teeth enhance the smile.
They look very natural and help the child feel more confident when smiling or speaking.

How do crowns or caps affect tooth development?

Many parents ask: “Will a crown affect permanent teeth?”
The answer: ✅

Crowns or caps do not affect permanent teeth development.
They are placed on primary teeth only to protect them until they naturally fall out.

Benefits of a crown:

Maintains space for permanent teeth to erupt properly
Helps with normal chewing and eating
Prevents early tooth loss, which reduces crowding later

Types and colors of children’s crowns

Type	Appearance / Color	Usage
Stainless Steel Crown	Shiny silver metal	Best for back teeth (molars) because very strong and less visible when smiling
Zirconia Crown	Bright white, natural tooth color	Ideal for front teeth, looks very aesthetic
Ceramic / Porcelain Crown	White and shiny, resembles natural teeth	For front teeth in older children, elegant appearance
Metal-Ceramic Crown	Metal inside, ceramic white outside	Natural look, but metal may show near gums over time

Color options:

Metal crowns: silver or gold (rare for children)
Aesthetic crowns (zirconia or porcelain): white shades matching natural teeth

Fun fact: Some clinics offer colored crowns (pink, blue, gold) for children to choose their favorite color, making dental visits more fun and less scary.

Types and colors of children’s caps

Caps focus more on improving aesthetics for front teeth and are available in several types and colors depending on the tooth and family budget.

Type	Appearance / Color	Features
Zirconia Cap	Very natural white, long-lasting	Highly aesthetic, good for children allergic to metal
Porcelain Cap	Shiny, semi-translucent like natural teeth	Ideal for front teeth, requires careful maintenance
Composite Cap	White, may stain over time	Easy to place, cheaper option
Colored Aesthetic Cap	Fun colors (pink, blue, gold)	Encourages young children to enjoy treatment and smile

Tips for Choosing the Right Shape and Color:

Back teeth → Stainless steel crowns are best because they are strong and durable.
Front teeth → Zirconia or porcelain crowns are ideal for a natural and aesthetic appearance.
The dentist matches the crown or veneer color with the child’s natural teeth for a perfectly natural and harmonious look.

Types of Children’s Crowns

The primary goal of a crown is to protect the baby tooth or young permanent tooth from fracture or decay, often used after a pulp (nerve) treatment or in cases of severe decay.

Type	Material / Appearance	Advantages	Disadvantages
Stainless Steel Crown	Silver metal, most common for back teeth	Very strong and durable, withstands chewing, affordable, quick and easy to place	Metallic color, not aesthetic, not suitable for front teeth
Zirconia Crown	Natural white color, resembles real tooth	Beautiful and natural look, strong and stain-resistant, ideal for front teeth	More expensive than steel, takes longer to place
Porcelain / Ceramic Crown	Looks exactly like natural teeth	Excellent aesthetic, suitable for front teeth	Less strong than zirconia, higher cost
Metal-Ceramic Crown	Metal inside, ceramic layer outside	Durable with good aesthetics	Ceramic layer may chip over time

Types of Children’s Veneers

Veneers mainly enhance the appearance of front teeth or their color after decay or fracture, rather than purely protect like crowns.

Type	Material / Appearance	Advantages	Disadvantages
Composite Veneer	Tooth-colored cosmetic material	Affordable, easy to place, easily adjustable	Short lifespan, may stain over time
Zirconia Veneer	Natural white, stain-resistant	Highly aesthetic, strong and durable	Higher price
Porcelain Veneer	Very elegant, shiny like natural teeth	Excellent cosmetic result, long-lasting	More expensive, may fracture if child bites hard

Important Tip:

The dentist determines the best crown or veneer based on:

Child’s age
Tooth condition
Tooth location (front or back)

✅ Examples:

Back tooth → Stainless steel crown for strength.
Front tooth → Zirconia or porcelain for natural, aesthetic appearance.

Possible Side Effects of Crowns in Children

Crowns aim to protect teeth from decay or fracture, but some minor issues may occur, especially if improperly placed or oral hygiene is neglected.

Common side effects:

Gum inflammation around the crown: occurs if food debris accumulates and teeth are not cleaned well.
Pain or sensitivity after placement: usually normal for the first two days; persistent pain requires a dentist visit.
Improper crown fit: if height is not correct, the child may feel discomfort while chewing.
Crown loosening or falling off: may happen if the child chews hard foods or bites objects.
Temporary speech difficulties: mainly if placed on front teeth, resolves quickly.
Metal allergy (rare): some children may be sensitive to stainless steel; in this case, the dentist chooses a cosmetic alternative like zirconia.

Steps to Place a Crown in Children

Crowns are usually placed on posterior (back) baby teeth with severe decay or after nerve treatment. The procedure is simple and quick:

Examination & X-rays: assess decay and nerve health to determine crown type.
Tooth cleaning: remove decay; if nerve affected, perform pediatric root canal treatment.
Tooth preparation (shaping): slight reshaping to fit the crown properly.
Selecting crown size: try different sizes for the best fit.
Crown placement with dental cement: fixed with strong, child-safe adhesive.
Bite adjustment: ensure comfortable occlusion during chewing.

⏱️ Placement duration: 20–30 minutes per tooth, usually done in one session.

Steps to Place a Veneer in Children

Veneers are mainly for anterior teeth to improve appearance or color. Steps:

Examine tooth and choose type: dentist selects zirconia or composite based on condition and desired look.
Clean and prepare the tooth: remove minor decay; minimal shaping needed if tooth is healthy.
Take an impression (mold): sometimes needed for lab-fabricated veneer.
Try the veneer: ensure correct size and color.
Cement veneer: fixed with cosmetic dental adhesive for a natural appearance.
Polish and final adjustment: ensure comfort and alignment with surrounding teeth.

⏱️ Placement duration: 30–60 minutes depending on the number of teeth.

Post-Placement Tips for Crowns and Veneers in Children

After placement, it’s crucial to help children maintain their crowns and veneers for longevity and oral health.

Important tips:

Avoid hard or sticky foods (gum, nuts) for the first two days.
Brush teeth twice daily with child-friendly toothpaste.
Schedule dental check-ups every 6 months.
Teach the child not to bite pencils or toys with their teeth.

Possible Side Effects of Veneers in Children

Even though veneers mainly improve aesthetics, minor problems may occur if not properly made or cleaned:

Fracture or chipping: occurs if child bites hard foods or objects.
Color changes over time (especially composite): caused by colored drinks and chocolate.
Temporary sensitivity or mild pain: due to pressure on gums or nerves; usually resolves in 1–2 days.
Veneer detachment: may occur if adhesive is weak or if child misuses teeth.
Mild gum inflammation: caused by food debris around veneer edges if oral hygiene is poor.

How to Care for Children’s Crowns and Veneers

Proper care after placement determines the lifespan of the crown or veneer and helps prevent new decay or gum infections.

1. Caring for Children’s Crowns

Crowns are designed to protect the tooth, but they need a simple daily care routine:

Steps for care:

Brush teeth twice a day with a soft toothbrush and age-appropriate toothpaste.
Use dental floss once a day to remove food particles.
Avoid sticky or hard foods like gum, caramel, and nuts.
Visit the dentist every 6 months to ensure the crown is intact.
For the first two days after placement, let the child chew on the opposite side until they get used to it.

2. Caring for Children’s Veneers

Veneers need special care because they can be affected by foods and drinks.

Daily care tips:

Brush gently every day to maintain the veneer’s shine.
Minimize colored juices and carbonated drinks as much as possible.
Prevent the child from biting pencils or opening containers with their teeth.
Regular check-ups with the dentist to ensure the veneer is secure.
If the veneer becomes dull, the dentist can polish it in a simple session to restore its look.

Impact of Crowns and Veneers on Child Growth

Crowns and veneers not only protect the tooth, but also play an important role in jaw development and permanent tooth growth.

1. Impact of Crowns on Growth

Crowns are placed on baby teeth to maintain their natural position in the jaw, offering several benefits:

Supports proper jaw growth: crowns prevent gaps from closing too early.
Prevents teeth crowding: keeping the baby tooth intact ensures permanent teeth grow in an organized way.
Helps with chewing and speech: baby teeth are essential for proper eating and pronunciation.
Does not affect permanent teeth: the crown is only on the baby tooth and does not reach the nerve or root.

Note: If the crown is properly fitted, it will not negatively affect growth—on the contrary, it supports natural jaw development.

2. Impact of Veneers on Growth

Veneers are usually for front teeth and mainly for cosmetic purposes, but they also have positive indirect effects:

Maintain the tooth’s shape and function.
Improve the child’s speech and confidence.
Do not affect the eruption of permanent teeth.
Support healthy jaw development because the child can chew and speak normally.