Everything Parents Need to Know About Pediatric Zirconia Crowns

Dr. Lisneida Arjona
Nov 4
4 min read

When your child needs dental treatment for a decayed or damaged tooth, it’s natural to want the best—and the most comfortable—option. Pediatric zirconia crowns have become a popular choice among parents and pediatric dentists alike. Known for their strength and natural appearance, pediatric zirconia crowns are a modern solution for restoring primary (baby) teeth with lasting results.

At Once Upon a Tooth Pediatric Dentistry in Eastchester, NY, we know parents want safe, reliable options that protect their child’s smile while supporting long-term oral health. In this article, we’ll break down what zirconia crowns are, when they’re recommended, and what to expect during the procedure.

What Are Pediatric Zirconia Crowns?

A zirconia crown is a type of tooth-colored dental restoration used to cover and protect a damaged or decayed baby tooth. These crowns are made from a high-strength ceramic material called zirconia. Unlike silver-colored stainless steel crowns, zirconia crowns closely match the natural shade of teeth, making them an excellent option for visible front teeth.

They’re also durable, smooth, and biocompatible, which means they’re safe and comfortable for growing smiles.

Why Parents Choose Zirconia Crowns

Here are a few reasons zirconia crowns are gaining popularity in pediatric dentistry:

Natural Appearance

Zirconia crowns blend in beautifully with surrounding teeth, making them a great choice for front teeth or any area where appearance matters. This helps children feel more confident with their smile—especially during their early school years.

Long-Lasting Strength

These crowns are designed to handle all the biting, chewing, and play that comes with childhood. They stay in place and protect the tooth until it naturally falls out, paving the way for healthy permanent teeth.

Comfort & Biocompatibility

Zirconia is smooth and gentle on soft tissues like the cheeks and gums. It’s also metal-free, making it a good option for children with sensitivities or parents who prefer a non-metal alternative.

Minimal Maintenance

Because zirconia crowns resist staining and plaque buildup, they require less upkeep than other materials. Paired with regular brushing and flossing, they support healthy gums and teeth.

When Are Zirconia Crowns Recommended?

Your pediatric dentist may recommend a zirconia crown if your child has:

A baby tooth with extensive decay
A fractured, chipped, or worn-down tooth
Completed pulpal therapy (a “baby root canal”)
Nursing bottle caries affecting the front teeth
Discolored or malformed front teeth

Zirconia crowns are especially beneficial when aesthetics and durability are top priorities. They are often preferred for front teeth, but they can be used on molars as well when appropriate.

What Happens During the Procedure?

At Once Upon a Tooth, Dr. Lis and our team work gently and patiently to make your child’s experience as comfortable as possible.

Exam and Preparation: After examining your child’s tooth, we’ll gently shape it to fit the zirconia crown. If needed, any decay is removed and the tooth is cleaned and prepped.
Crown Selection: We select the crown size that fits your child’s tooth best. Zirconia crowns come pre-made in a variety of sizes, which helps us find the perfect fit quickly.
Placement and Bonding: The crown is cemented into place using a strong, tooth-safe adhesive. Once placed, it looks and feels like a natural tooth.

The entire process usually takes just one visit and doesn’t require any follow-up adjustments. Your child can return to eating and smiling with minimal downtime.

What Should Parents Consider?

While zirconia crowns offer many benefits, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Cost: They are typically more expensive than stainless steel crowns and may not be fully covered by all insurance plans.
Tooth Structure: In some cases, more shaping is needed to fit the crown properly, which may not be ideal for very small or fragile teeth.
Technique: Placement requires skill and precision, so it’s important to see a trained pediatric dentist like Dr. Lis who has experience with zirconia crowns.

A Modern Solution for Bright, Healthy Smiles

Zirconia crowns are a safe, strong, and beautiful way to restore your child’s smile. Whether your little one has a decayed front tooth or has undergone pulp therapy, these crowns offer a reliable and esthetically pleasing solution that lasts until the baby tooth naturally falls out.

At Once Upon a Tooth, we’re proud to offer advanced, child-friendly options like zirconia crowns that align with our commitment to gentle, minimally invasive pediatric dentistry.

More Information

Pediatric zirconia crowns have caused a revolution in children's dental care, offering a blend of durability and natural appearance. These innovative crowns provide a reliable solution for various dental issues, from severe decay to damaged teeth, ensuring that children can maintain healthy smiles and proper tooth alignment. Parents in Eastchester, New York, can feel confident in choosing this modern treatment option, knowing it offers long-lasting results and promotes overall oral health.

Dr. Lis and the team at Once Upon a Tooth are committed to providing top-notch pediatric dental care, using cutting-edge treatments like zirconia crowns to address children's dental needs effectively. These crowns not only restore function but also boost children's confidence by closely mimicking natural teeth. Our team of experienced pediatric dental professionals are here for you. Request an appointment with Dr. Lis or call us now at (914) 556-1961. To wrap up, zirconia crowns represent a significant step forward in pediatric dentistry, offering parents a reliable and esthetically pleasing option to protect their children's dental health. Our team of experienced pediatric dental professionals are here for you. Request an appointment with Dr. Lis or call us now at (914) 556-1961. Follow us on Facebook @onceuponatootheastchester and Instagram @once.upon.a.tooth