Effect of entirely preformed stainless steel crowns on periodontal health in primary, mixed dentitions.

The use of precrimped stainless steel crowns on primary molars leads to an insignificant, clinically acceptable irritation of the gingiva in the primary and mixed dentition. Precrimped crowns on first permanent molars, however, can only be judged safe until the age of fifteen. To avoid alveolar bone loss, stainless steel crowns should then be replaced by perfectly fitting cast crowns.