Perfecting the venerable SSC

Stainless steel crowns (SSCs) are the preferred restoration of pediatric dentists for children requiring a pediatric dental rehabilitation due to their low cost and durability. Despite low technique sensitivity SSC placement can be challenging in some clinical situations including when placed on primary canines. Primary canines restored with SSCs often result in premature contacts and posterior open bite making acquiring an “as the patient presented” (ATPP) occlusion difficult when providing a pediatric dental rehabilitation. Opening of the posterior occlusion due to premature canine contact in a dental rehabilitation is often viewed as unavoidable. This technique article describes a simple method to address this clinical situation and reviews basic principles and techniques for placing SSCs.

Stainless steel crowns/SSCs; Dental rehabilitations; Ideal occlusion; Avoiding premature canine contacts

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[2] Soxman JA, Azadani EN, Casamassimo PS. Full-coverage restoration for primary molars. In Soxman JA (ed). Handbook of Clinical Techniques in Pediatric Dentistry (pp. 93–108). 2nd ed. Wiley-Blackwell: Hoboken NJ. 2022.

[3] Shih YC, Yang R, Zou J. Assessment of occlusion and temporomandibular joint after placing preformed metal crowns on all primary molars in children. International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry. 2022; 32: 915–924.