Protecting Teeth, Building Happy Smiles

At our Auburn pediatric dental practice, we explain crowns as protective covers for teeth weakened by a cavity or injury. A crown can help a tooth keep doing its job, including chewing and holding space for an adult tooth. We’ll talk through your child’s options and recommend care based on the tooth, your child’s age, and their comfort needs.

Helping Restore and Protect
Growing Smiles

When a cavity is too large for a filling, a crown may protect the tooth and reduce the chance it will need another repair. Our approach to children’s dental care in Auburn includes explaining each step, helping nervous children feel comfortable, and considering conservative options when appropriate.

Crowns may be recommended when a tooth has:

  • A large cavity or weakened structure
  • A filling that may not hold up long-term
  • Fracture or significant wear
  • Treatment needs after a pulpotomy
  • Higher cavity risk where extra protection helps
Dental professional treating young child while parent holds child’s hand, showing supportive pediatric dental care.
Young girl wearing pink bunny ears and colorful beads smiles, showing playful fun in a welcoming setting.
Dental professional cleaning young boy’s teeth while he lies calmly in dental chair, showing supportive pediatric care.
Toddler holding plush fish toy and smiling, showing comfort in a friendly dental office setting.
Girl wearing glasses and a dental nose mask smiles while lying back in dental chair, showing comfort during treatment.

Understanding Your Options

Tooth-Colored Crowns vs. Hall Crowns

Here’s a parent-friendly overview of the two crown options we use most often at our Auburn children’s dental office. We’ll explain the benefits of each and help you choose based on your child’s tooth and comfort needs.

Tooth-Colored Crowns (White Crowns)

Why parents like them:

  • Natural-looking, bright smile appearance
  • Strong protection for chewing teeth
  • Great option when aesthetics matter

What to expect:

  • We numb the area so your child stays comfortable
  • The tooth is prepared and the crown is fitted
  • We review at-home care and what’s normal after the visit
Three kids standing against a wall with fishes on it smiling and making funny faces
Young girl smiling and lying on dental chair, showing comfort and positivity during visit.

Hall Crowns
(Hall Technique)

Hall crowns are a conservative way to protect certain baby molars with cavities. Rather than removing all decay, the crown is placed to seal the tooth—helping stop the cavity from progressing by cutting off its “fuel.”

Why families choose Hall crowns:

  • A conservative approach for certain cavities
  • Often shorter and less invasive than traditional crown preparation
  • Designed to protect the tooth until it’s ready to fall out naturally

What to expect:

  • We confirm your child is a good candidate (Hall crowns aren’t for every situation)
  • The crown is fitted and seated carefully
  • Your child may notice a “taller bite” briefly as they adjust, which typically settles

Why Crowns Can Be a Great Choice for Kids

Crowns help protect teeth that need extra strength. This often prevents future discomfort and the need for repeat treatment.

Long-Lasting Protection

Crowns cover and protect the tooth from all sides. This makes them a strong option for baby teeth that still have an important job to do.

Comfort And Confidence

When a damaged tooth is protected, kids can chew comfortably and get back to normal routines faster. This often results in fewer return visits for repairs.

A Plan Parents Can Feel Good About

We will explain the “why”, outline the options, and keep treatment completely kid-friendly. A welcoming dental home where kids feel brave, parents feel confident, and smiles grow strong is exactly what we provide.

Smiling young boy with bright eyes, showing happiness and comfort in a friendly setting.
A cute, hand-drawn alligator

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Tooth-Colored Crowns &
Hall Crowns FAQs

Tooth-colored crowns and Hall crowns are two ways to protect baby teeth. Here are answers to questions parents often ask about these options for pediatric dentistry in Auburn, Indiana.

Sometimes they are very necessary because baby teeth hold space for adult teeth and help with eating and speech. If a cavity is large, a crown may be the most reliable way to keep the tooth healthy and comfortable until it naturally falls out.

Our goal is absolute comfort, so we use gentle numbing and kid-friendly pacing. If your child needs extra support, we can also discuss sedation options.

Crowns can be brushed and flossed just like normal teeth. We will share simple aftercare tips, what foods to avoid for a short time if needed, and what is normal as your child adjusts.

Boy in dental chair giving thumbs up with mouth open, showing bravery during exam.

A Conservative,
Parent-Forward Approach

We know parents want the least invasive option that still works. That is why we consider conservative treatments when appropriate and explain the pros and cons clearly. Expert care in a fun, friendly environment keeps everyone smiling.

You will always know:

  • Why a crown is being recommended
  • Which type is best for your child’s tooth
  • What the appointment will look like
  • What to expect afterward at home

Schedule a Crown
Consultation Today

If you’ve been told your child may need a crown or you’re interested in tooth-colored options, request a visit with Dr. Derrow, a pediatric dentist in Auburn, IN. She cares for children from infancy through their teen years and can help you understand which crown option fits your child’s needs.

A young child wearing a button-up shirt brushing their teeth

Parents Share Their Experience

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More Services

Explore personalized children’s dental care designed for growing smiles. Caring for your child’s smile, from first-tooth to teens, is our passion.

Restorative
Dentistry

Personalized solutions to repair and strengthen growing smiles.

Preventive
Dentistry

Early intervention designed to support lifelong oral health.

Cleanings
& Exams

Routine visits that make prevention simple and stress-free.

Sedation
Therapy

Relaxed, comfortable care for longer or complex appointments.