How long do pediatric restorations last?

Composite fillings typically last three to seven years with proper care, while stainless steel crowns often last until the primary tooth naturally falls out. Tooth-colored crowns on permanent teeth can last 10-15 years or longer. Longevity depends on location, your child's oral hygiene, diet, and habits like grinding or chewing on hard objects.

Are tooth-colored fillings as strong as silver amalgam fillings?

Modern composite resins are very durable and work excellently for children. While traditional amalgam is slightly stronger under extreme pressure, composites bond directly to tooth structure and actually help strengthen remaining tooth material. For pediatric patients, tooth-colored fillings provide an ideal combination of strength, safety, and natural appearance.

Will my child need anesthesia for restorations?

Most restorations require local anesthesia to ensure your child feels no discomfort during treatment. We use topical numbing gel before injections to minimize any sensation. For very anxious children or extensive procedures, we also offer nitrous oxide sedation to help them relax. Very minor restorations on baby teeth may sometimes be done without numbing.

Can restorations on baby teeth affect permanent teeth?

When done properly, restorations on primary teeth protect permanent teeth by preventing infection and maintaining proper spacing. However, untreated problems in baby teeth can damage developing permanent teeth beneath. This is why we emphasize early treatment and use techniques specifically designed for children's developing mouths.

What happens if a crown falls off?

If a crown becomes loose or falls off, call us immediately. Keep the crown if you find it and avoid letting your child chew on that side. We can often re-cement crowns if they're still intact. The underlying tooth structure may be sensitive and vulnerable to additional damage without the crown's protection.

Why would my child need a bridge instead of just waiting for permanent teeth?

When primary teeth are lost prematurely, adjacent teeth quickly drift into the empty space. This can block permanent teeth from erupting properly, leading to crowding and the need for extensive orthodontics later. Bridges maintain proper spacing and prevent these expensive complications.

Are stainless steel crowns noticeable when my child smiles?

Stainless steel crowns are quite visible on front teeth, which is why we typically recommend tooth-colored crowns for visible areas. However, for back molars, stainless steel crowns are barely noticeable and provide excellent durability at a lower cost. Many parents choose stainless steel for back teeth and save tooth-colored options for front teeth.

Pediatric Cosmetic Restorations | Aventura Dentist Near You

Rebuilding Strong, Beautiful Smiles After Damage or Decay

When your child experiences tooth decay, a fracture, or even loses a tooth entirely, it affects far more than just their appearance. Damaged teeth can cause pain, difficulty eating, speech problems, and self-consciousness that impacts their confidence at school and with friends. The good news is that modern pediatric dental restorations can repair these issues beautifully, restoring both function and aesthetics while protecting your child’s developing smile.

At Dental Care Group Kids, we specialize in gentle, effective restorations that look and feel natural. Call our Aventura office at (305) 935-1613 or our Pembroke Pines dental practice at (954) 430-2300 to schedule a consultation. We proudly serve families in Aventura, Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, and North Miami Beach.

Why Choose Dental Care Group Kids for Cosmetic Restorations

Our pediatric dentists bring over 25 years of experience in pediatric restorative dentistry to every appointment. Here’s what makes our approach different:

Child-focused techniques: We use gentle methods and take extra time to help anxious children feel safe and comfortable throughout treatment
Natural-looking materials: Tooth-colored fillings and crowns that blend seamlessly with your child’s smile
Comprehensive solutions: From simple fillings to complex bridgework, we handle all restoration needs in-house
Growth-minded planning: We consider your child’s developing bite and future tooth eruption when designing restorations
Voted Best Dental Office in Miami-Dade 2024: Recognized by the Miami Herald for exceptional patient care and results

What Are Cosmetic Restorations?

Cosmetic restorations are dental treatments that repair damaged, decayed, or missing teeth while restoring both function and appearance. These procedures use durable, biocompatible materials to rebuild tooth structure, protect remaining healthy tissue, and maintain proper bite alignment.

For children, restorations serve the critical purpose of preserving space for permanent teeth, preventing further damage, and ensuring normal development of the jaw and bite. Modern pediatric restorations combine strength with aesthetics, using tooth-colored materials that look natural while standing up to the demands of chewing and daily wear.

Types of Cosmetic Restorations Available for Younger Patients

We offer several restoration options depending on the extent of damage and your child’s specific needs:

Composite fillings: Tooth-colored resin material that repairs cavities and minor fractures; bonds directly to tooth structure and can be color-matched perfectly to natural teeth
Stainless steel crowns: Highly durable metal caps that cover severely decayed or broken primary teeth; extremely strong and cost-effective for back molars
Tooth-colored crowns: Ceramic or zirconia crowns for front teeth or older children who want a more natural appearance; provide excellent aesthetics with strong protection
Composite bridgework: Custom-shaped replacement teeth bonded to adjacent teeth without removing healthy structure; ideal temporary solution while children are still growing
Removable partial bridges: Denture-like appliances that fill gaps from missing teeth; maintain spacing and provide reasonable aesthetics at a lower cost

Benefits of Pediatric Cosmetic Restorations

Restoring damaged or missing teeth provides advantages that extend well beyond appearance:

Prevents further tooth decay: Fillings and crowns seal out bacteria and stop cavities from spreading deeper into the tooth or affecting neighboring teeth
Maintains proper spacing: Bridges and crowns prevent remaining teeth from drifting into empty spaces, which can cause bite problems and make permanent teeth erupt incorrectly
Restores comfortable chewing: Children can eat normally again without pain or sensitivity, ensuring proper nutrition and healthy eating habits
Protects remaining tooth structure: Crowns shield weakened teeth from additional fractures and extend the life of damaged primary teeth until they naturally fall out
Improves speech development: Missing or severely damaged front teeth can interfere with pronunciation; restorations help children speak clearly and confidently
Boosts self-esteem: Natural-looking restorations eliminate embarrassment about damaged or discolored teeth, helping children smile freely
Prevents jaw problems: Maintaining proper bite alignment through restorations helps jaw joints develop correctly and prevents painful TMJ issues later
Cost-effective long-term: Addressing problems early with restorations prevents more extensive and expensive treatments down the road

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Most children with dental damage can benefit from restorative treatment. Your child may need restorations if they have:

Cavities that need treatment: Decay that has created holes or soft spots in teeth, requiring removal and filling
Fractured or chipped teeth: Damage from falls, sports injuries, or biting hard objects that has broken tooth structure
Severe tooth decay: Extensive cavities that have compromised too much structure for a simple filling to work effectively
Discolored or unsightly teeth: Dark metal fillings, stained teeth, or developmental defects that affect appearance and confidence
Missing teeth: Gaps from premature tooth loss due to trauma, extraction, or congenital absence
Teeth requiring pulpotomy: Teeth that needed nerve treatment and now require a crown for protection
Baby teeth with extensive damage: Primary teeth that need to last several more years before permanent teeth arrive

The Cosmetic Restoration Process

The restoration process varies depending on which treatment your child needs. Here’s what to expect:

1. Comprehensive Examination

We examine the affected tooth, take digital X-rays to assess damage extent, and evaluate how the problem affects surrounding teeth and bite alignment. We discuss all treatment options and answer your questions.

2. Treatment Planning and Preparation

For fillings, we numb the area and remove decayed portions. For crowns, we prepare the tooth by reshaping it. For bridges, we assess adjacent teeth and plan the design.

3. Material Selection

We help you choose between stainless steel and tooth-colored materials based on location, durability needs, aesthetic preferences, and budget. Front teeth typically receive tooth-colored restorations for a natural appearance.

4. Restoration Placement

Fillings are placed and shaped in a single visit. Crowns require two appointments—the first for preparation and temporary placement, the second for permanent crown cementation. Bridges follow similar timelines depending on complexity.

5. Bite Adjustment and Polishing

We check that your child can bite comfortably and make any necessary adjustments. The restoration is polished smooth to prevent irritation and ensure a natural feel.

6. Care Instructions and Follow-Up

We provide detailed guidance on caring for the restoration and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor healing and ensure the restoration is functioning properly as your child grows.

Caring for Your Child’s Restorations

Proper maintenance helps restorations last as long as possible while protecting surrounding natural teeth:

Brush twice daily: Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush, paying extra attention to the margins where restorations meet natural tooth structure
Floss carefully: Clean between teeth daily, sliding floss gently up and down rather than snapping it, which can dislodge restorations
Avoid hard and sticky foods: Keep children away from hard candies, ice, popcorn kernels, and sticky caramels that can crack crowns or pull out fillings
Use mouthguards for sports: Protect restorations from impact damage during any contact sports or high-risk activities
Don’t grind teeth: If your child grinds at night, ask about a nightguard to prevent wearing down or breaking restorations
Attend regular dental checkups: Visit every six months so we can monitor restoration integrity and catch any problems early
Watch for changes: Contact us immediately if restorations feel loose, rough, or painful, or if you notice darkening around the edges

Keep restored teeth healthy! Call (305) 935-1613 in Aventura or (954) 430-2300 in Pembroke Pines to schedule your child’s checkup and restoration monitoring appointment.

Cost & Financing

The cost of pediatric restorations varies based on the type of treatment, materials used, and complexity of the case.

Composite fillings: Typically range from $150 to $300 per tooth, depending on size and number of surfaces involved
Stainless steel crowns: Generally cost $300 to $500 per tooth; excellent value for durability and protection
Tooth-colored crowns: Range from $400 to $800, depending on material and tooth location; higher cost reflects superior aesthetics
Bridges and composite bridgework: Costs vary widely from $500 to $1,500 based on how many teeth are being replaced and design complexity
Insurance typically covers restorations: Most dental plans cover 50-80% of restorative procedures; we’ll verify your benefits and provide cost estimates before treatment
Flexible payment options available: We accept CareCredit, offer payment plans, and work with all major credit cards to make treatment affordable

Important Considerations & Alternatives

Primary Teeth Still Need Treatment

Some parents wonder if baby teeth with cavities really need treatment since they’ll eventually fall out anyway. The answer is yes—untreated decay can cause pain, infection, and abscesses that damage developing permanent teeth beneath. Primary teeth also maintain critical spacing for permanent teeth and help children eat and speak properly.

Common Alternatives

Tooth extraction instead of restoration: Removing severely damaged teeth is an option, but it can lead to spacing problems requiring orthodontics later; generally avoided when restoration is possible
Space maintainers after extraction: If a tooth must be removed, metal appliances can hold the space open for the permanent tooth
Waiting and monitoring: Very minor chips or small cavities in teeth near exfoliation may be watched rather than treated; only appropriate in specific circumstances

Possible Side Effects

Temporary sensitivity: Teeth may feel sensitive to cold or pressure for a few days after restoration placement; this typically resolves quickly
Restoration failure: Fillings can crack or fall out, and crowns can become loose; this usually happens from excessive force or inadequate oral hygiene
Allergic reactions: Extremely rare allergic responses to dental materials can occur; we use biocompatible materials to minimize this risk