DR.

AFRAA SALAH HUSSAIN

COMPOSITE STRIP CROWNS
ARE COMPOSITE FILLED
They have become a popular method of
CELLULOID CROWNS FORMS. restoring primary anterior teeth
because they provide superior
aesthetics as compared to other forms
of anterior tooth coverage. Composite
strip crowns rely on dentin and enamel

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adhesion for retention. Therefore the
lack of tooth structure, the presence of
moisture or hemorrhage contributes to
compromised retention. They are less
resistant to wear and fracture more
readily than other anterior full coverage
restorations.
Advantages
It provides superior aesthetics.
The cost of materials are
reasonable.
The time for placement is
reasonable.
Disadvantages
It is extremely technique
sensitive.
It is not as durable or retentive
as stainless steel/open faced
crowns, pre-veneered crown or
polycarbonate crown and is not
recommended on patients with
a bruxism habit or a deep bite.
Adequate moisture control
might be difficult on an
uncooperative patient.
POLYCARBONATE CROWNS -Polycarbonate crowns are heat-molded
TECHNIQUE acrylic resin shells that are adapted to
teeth with self cured resin. They were
popular in the 1970’s, however,
although they were more aesthetic than
stainless steel crowns the polycarbonate
material was brittle and did not resist
strong abrasive forces, exhibiting
frequent fracture and
dislodgement. With the advent of
composite strip crowns they lost their
popularity. In the 1990’s new
manufacturing techniques made them
thinner and more flexible resulting in
stronger restoration and resurgence in

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Advantages Disadvantages
They are very aesthetic, with greater They are not recommended in
durability than composite strip patients that are heavy bruxers.
crowns and pre-veneered crowns.
Greater tooth reduction is required.
They are not as technique sensitive
as composite strip crowns as the
fabricated crown is cemented with
self adhesive resin cement rather
than bonding.
They take about the same amount of
time to place as stainless steel
crowns, composite strip crowns and
preveneered crowns, and less than
open faced stainless steel crowns.
STAINLESS STEEL CROWNS Advantages
They are very durable, wear well and
are retentive.
The time for placement is fast compared
to other techniques.
They may be used when gingival
hemorrhage or moisture is present or
when the patient exhibits less than ideal
cooperation.
They are fairly inexpensive

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Disadvantages
Aesthetics are extremely poor. Some
parents may chose for extractions in
stead of restoration of the teeth.
OPEN FACED CROWNS
Advantages
The aesthetics are fair. (The metal shows
through the composite facing).
They are very durable, wear well and
retentive.
The materials are fairly inexpensive.
Disadvantages
The time for placement is long as it
involves a two-step process (crown
cementation / composite facing
placement.
Placement of the composite facing may

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be compromised when gingival
hemorrhage or moisture is present or
when the patient exhibits less than ideal
cooperation.