Silver teeth may be recommended for kids who have certain dental issues. Silver teeth in kids may sound unusual, but they serve an important purpose.
In this article, we’ll explain why dentists give kids silver teeth, how they work, what they’re made of, safety considerations, and what alternatives are available for those looking for other options.
Why Do Dentists Put Silver Teeth in Kids?
Dentists may recommend silver teeth for kids who have teeth that are severely damaged, decayed, or prone to cavities. The silver material protects the tooth, restores strength and function, and prevents further decay.
What Do Silver Caps Do for Teeth
Silver crowns fully cover damaged teeth, while silver caps cover just the biting surface. We use them when a regular filling won’t be enough to repair the tooth damage. Conditions where silver teeth help include:
- Large cavities
- Cracks or chips
- Discoloration that can’t be improved with whitening
- Weak spots prone to decay
Silver teeth allow kids to chew properly, speak clearly, and maintain healthy teeth for years to come. The silver color matches more naturally with primary baby teeth as well.
Why Choose a Pediatric Dentist for Silver Teeth?
Getting silver teeth requires special consideration in children. Baby teeth are smaller, kids can’t sit still as long, and the procedure is understandably stressful for them. That’s why you should choose an expert pediatric dentist.
We cater specifically to children’s oral health needs. Our office provides a kid-friendly environment to make them feel relaxed. We have the latest small dental tools that fit little teeth precisely. Our dentists complete silver tooth procedures quickly and efficiently to minimize appointment times.
We always use sedation when appropriate so your child stays calm and comfortable. Pediatric specialists also understand proper tooth development. We time silver teeth right so they last until the tooth falls out on schedule, and we make the process as smooth as possible for you and your child. Our pediatric expertise makes sure silver teeth are a success.
How Silver Teeth Work
Silver teeth get their color from the metal materials they contain. Stainless steel crowns are a very common choice for children’s teeth. We also use metal alloys containing silver, nickel, chromium, and other materials.
How Are Silver Caps Put on Teeth
The silver material is molded precisely to fit over the tooth. We match the shape and contours of the original tooth as closely as possible. The crown fully surrounds the tooth, while a cap covers just the top chewing surface.
We use dental cement to hold the silver tooth securely in place. The cement forms a tight seal to prevent bacteria and food from getting under the silver cap or crown.
Over time, the cement may wear away. If a silver tooth becomes loose or falls out, call us. We can easily replace it with fresh cement or a new silver tooth.
Materials Used in Silver Caps and Crowns
As mentioned, stainless steel is a very common choice for kids with silver teeth. Stainless steel silver teeth don’t contain actual silver metal. They get their silver shine from the steel alloy.
Stainless steel crowns are prefabricated for different tooth sizes. We select the closest fit and adjust it to custom-fit the tooth precisely.
For front teeth, we also use tooth-colored crowns and veneers made of composite resin or porcelain. These maintain the natural tooth appearance while restoring strength.
Prefabricated stainless steel crowns cost less than custom-cast metal caps and crowns. Nickel chromium crowns are another affordable and durable option. They are silver-gray in color.
Higher grades of custom metal alloys are available for back molars, which handle the most chewing pressure. These contain some mixture of silver, gold, palladium, nickel, and chromium.
Common Dental Concerns That Silver Teeth in Kids Can Help
Here are some of the most common situations where silver teeth restore children’s oral health:
- Tooth Decay – Silver caps and crowns prevent further tooth decay in badly damaged teeth. The metal is impervious to acid, and cavities can’t form under it.
- Cracks and Fractures – Cracks weaken the tooth structure. Silver crowns encase the entire tooth to prevent cracks from spreading.
- Discoloration – Silver color simply disguises inner discoloration better than white crowns. Whitening doesn’t help some stains.
- Dental Injuries – Chipped or knocked-out teeth may not be repairable with only fillings. A silver crown holds all the pieces together.
- Grinding Problems – Excessive grinding can wear down teeth. Silver crowns add protective thickness.
- Hypoplasia Defects – Thin spots and grooves in tooth enamel allow quick decay. Silver caps shield weak areas.
- Prior Fillings – Sometimes a tooth requires one filling after another, indicating an ongoing problem. A silver cap can fix it for good.
Final Thoughts
Silver teeth in kids fix a variety of problems that result from dental decay, injury, defects, and discoloration. They are an affordable solution that protects children’s teeth and saves teeth that might otherwise require extraction.
While silver teeth are more noticeable, they are an acceptable appearance solution for many pediatric dental issues, and they allow kids to fully use their teeth for healthy chewing and development.
We customize silver caps on kids’ teeth precisely for each tooth, cementing them securely in place. Made to last for years, silver teeth effectively shield teeth from further damage.
If your child has badly damaged molars, front teeth cracks, or other issues, silver teeth may be the best solution. Schedule an appointment with The Super Dentists today!
Silver Teeth in Kids: FAQs
Do silver teeth ruin kids’ smiles?
Not at all! We match silver teeth to baby teeth. Most kids have a mix of silver and white teeth. For front permanent teeth, we use tooth-colored crowns.
Does it hurt to get silver teeth?
The dental office numbs the tooth first, so your child shouldn’t feel pain. Some temperature and pressure sensations are normal. Ibuprofen helps relieve soreness afterward.
How long do silver teeth last?
It varies, but they typically last at least 5 years and some over 10 years until the tooth falls out. Permanent crowns can last decades.
Why do some kids have silver teeth?
There are a few key reasons why silver teeth are more common for children than adults:
- Baby teeth are smaller and more prone to fractures and cracks that require capping.
- Kids’ tooth enamel is thinner and decays faster, allowing more cavities that may require crowns.
- Children produce more plaque naturally and can’t brush/floss as effectively, increasing decay risk.
- Kids experience more mouth injuries from falls, sports, etc. That can lead to chipped or cracked teeth.
- Some pediatric medications reduce saliva, allowing more tooth decay over time.
- Developmental enamel defects like hypoplasia create weak spots in children’s teeth.
- Bottle feeding at night and excess juice/sugar intake cause rampant decay in some kids.
Why do kids get silver teeth?
Silver crowns are typically used when a baby tooth has extensive decay or damage that can’t be repaired with a regular filling. They help preserve the tooth until it falls out naturally, which supports chewing, speaking, and proper oral development.
Do silver teeth come out?
Yes—silver crowns come out with the baby tooth when it naturally exfoliates. They are designed to last until that point and do not need to be removed manually unless there’s an issue.
How are silver caps put on teeth?
The dentist will:
- Numb the area to keep your child comfortable
- Remove decay and clean the tooth
- Shape the tooth to fit the cap
- Select and adjust a prefabricated stainless steel crown
- Use dental cement to hold the crown securely in place
This is usually completed in just one appointment!
Do silver fillings cause teeth to crack?
Silver (amalgam) fillings can expand and contract slightly with temperature changes, which may contribute to cracks over time—primarily in adult teeth. In kids, we often use full silver crowns, which protect against cracking by covering the whole tooth.
Do they put silver caps on adult teeth?
Not typically. Adults are more likely to receive tooth-colored crowns made of porcelain or zirconia. However, metal crowns (which can include silver alloys) are still used on back molars in some adults when durability is a priority.
Are silver teeth safe for kids?
Yes—stainless steel crowns have been safely used for decades in pediatric dentistry. However, some kids may be allergic to nickel, which is a component in many stainless steel crowns. If your child has a metal allergy or sensitivity, ask about nickel-free or ceramic options like zirconia crowns.
Can I choose white crowns instead of silver?
Absolutely! For front teeth or more visible areas, tooth-colored options like zirconia or resin crowns are available. They look more natural but may cost more and might not be as strong as stainless steel for back molars.
Are there any risks with silver crowns?
Very few. The most common are:
- Nickel allergy (rare)
- Cement loosening over time, which can be easily repaired
- Minor irritation in the first few days after placement
Overall, silver crowns are a safe, durable, and cost-effective solution for protecting baby teeth.
