A clinical study evaluating success of 2 commercially available preveneered primary molar stainless steel crowns

To evaluate the success of posterior NuSmile(®) and Kinder™Krown and to determine the level of parental satisfaction with this treatment option.

Forty-eight crowns were placed in 18 children with a mean age of 5 years. A split mouth design was used. Each participant randomly received each crown type on 2 or 4 pair matched molars. Two trained operators completed all treatments. Two additional trained and calibrated clinicians blindly re-evaluated crowns according to specified variables. A visual analogue scale was used to determine parental satisfaction. Examiner reliability was determined by Cohen's kappa scores and results were analysed statistically using Fisher's exact test.

All crowns were retained after 12 months with no statistical difference in the clinical and radiographic success of posterior NuSmile(®) and Kinder™Krowns. Overall success was high with 81% of facings intact and 83% free of gingival inflammation after 12 months. Radiographically, 81% were successful. Veneer facing wear was significantly more likely to occur with opposing crowns (P=.02). Parental satisfaction was excellent with a mean score of 9.3 out of 10.

These crowns combine the durability of conventional stainless steel crowns with improved esthetics and are proposed as a suitable alternative where esthetic demand is increased.