Parental satisfaction with preveneered stainless steel crowns for primary anterior teeth

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate parental satisfaction with preveneered stainless steel crowns placed on their child. METHODS: A questionnaire using a 5-point Likert-type scale was administered by a trained assistant to a convenience sample of 58 parents at recall of their child at least 6 months after placement of preveneered stainless steel crowns (PVSSCs; NuSmile). The questionnaire asked about: (1) durability; (2) color; (3) size; and (4) shape. Fifty-eight children ranged in age from 18 months to 12 years were approached for participation. Crowns were placed by pediatric dental residents or private practice pediatric dentists. RESULTS: Fifty-four of 58 parent questionnaires were usable. The average age of the children was 5 years, 2 months at recall. The children had crowns present an overage of 13 months at evaluation. Overall, parental acceptance of NuSmile PVSSCs was very high at 93% (N=50). Parents were most satisfied with the crown's: (1) size (N=52; 97%); (2) shape (N=51; 94%); (3) shade and retention (N=48; 89%); (4) metal visibility (N=40; 74%); and (5) durability (N=38; 70%). Forty-three parents (80%) stated that their children were satisfied with the crowns. CONCLUSIONS: Parent satisfaction with the NuSmile preveneered stainless steel crowns was very high.