A comprehensive guide to achieving

the best results with 3M ESPE

™ ™

Prefabricated Crowns.

Prefabricated
Crown User Guide

s
Table of Contents

3M™ ESPE™ Stainless Steel Crowns 3

3M™ ESPE™ Stainless Steel Primary Molar Crowns 3
3M™ ESPE™ Stainless Steel Permanent Molar Crowns 6

3M™ ESPE™ Polycarbonate Crowns 8

3M™ ESPE™ Iso-Form™ Crowns 10

Other 3M ESPE Crowns 13

3M™ ESPE™ Gold Anodized Crowns 13
3M™ ESPE™ Unitek™ Stainless Steel Crowns 13

3M™ ESPE™ Strip Crowns 13

Ordering Information 14
Introductory Kits
3M ESPE Stainless Steel Crowns
Primary Molars 14
Permanent Molars 14

3M ESPE Polycarbonate Crowns 14

3M ESPE Iso-Form Crowns 15

3M ESPE Unitek Stainless Steel Crowns

Primary Molars 15
Permanent Molars 15
3M ESPE Gold Anodized Crowns 16
3M ESPE Strip Crowns 16

Refills 16

3M™ ESPE™ Crown Instruments 17

3M ESPE Prefabricated Crowns - User Guide 1

3M ESP Stainless Steel Crowns
™
™

3M ESPE Stainless Steel Crowns

are designed to provide long-term
coverage of primary molar teeth
and long-term provisional coverage
of permanent molar teeth.
Different designs of prefabricated
metal crowns have been offered to
the dental profession over the years
ranging from straight sided “bucket”
crowns to the anatomically shaped
3M ESPE stainless steel crowns
available today.
3M ESPE stainless steel crowns
have been designed to accurately
duplicate the anatomy of primary and
first permanent molars in a selection (fig. 2)
of sizes (fig. 1). The crowns are
manufactured with a life-like height, (fig. 1)
3M ESPE stainless steel primary
contour and occlusal surface. They molar crown means that minimal
are pre-crimped at the cervical adjustment is necessary to obtain stainless steel alloy surface helps
margin to give good retention and a good retention. There is good maintain gingival health and
“snap” fit. harmony with the patient’s occlusion patient comfort (fig. 2).
The realistic anatomical shape of a and the smooth

3M ESPE Stainless Steel Primary Molar Crowns

The morphology of a primary molar molar pulp chamber is to achieve adequate retention in a
differs significantly from that of a comparatively large. (2) The mesial proximal cavity even when the
permanent molar tooth. pulp horn extends toward the cavity is only moderately deep. (3)
contact point area and the distal
The cervical areas of primary
pulp horn lies under the center of
molars are narrower than their
the occlusal surface. Because the Longevity of Primary Molar
permanent counterparts, but the
dentin is relatively thin it can be
most bulbous part of the crown is at Restorations
difficult
the cervical third. (1) It is beneath
this bulbous area at the gingival A number of authors have compared
margin where the stainless steel longevity of amalgam and stainless
crown obtains steel crown restorations in primary
its retention. teeth. Braff in 1975 (4) found that 88%
of amalgams placed in children needed
The enamel and dentin of primary follow-up treatment compared with
teeth are thinner than in the 30% of the stainless steel crowns.
permanent dentition and the primary Dawson et al (5) found that
3M ESPE Prefabricated Crowns - User Guide 3
 for restorations placed in children of However, only 11% of stainless
average age 5.5 years, 58% of Class I steel crowns needed further
and 70% Class II amalgams in treatment. The authors concluded
primary molars needed further that stainless steel crowns are the
treatment before eight years old. treatment of choice for primary
molars, especially for multi-
surface lesions in the first primary
molar.
Holland et al (6) found the median
survival time for amalgams in the
primary molars of three-year-old
children was 11 months, and for
seven- and eight-year-old children
was 4 months. More recently,
Roberts and Sherriff (7) found from
evaluating patient records in a
pedodontic practice, that the
replacement rate for Class I and II
amalgams at five years in primary
molars was 15.4% compared with
2.8% for stainless steel crowns over
the same time period.

4 3M ESPE Prefabricated Crowns - User Guide

Eriksson et al (8) compared 104 hypocalcified teeth. (11, 12)
crowned primary molars with 104 Stainless steel crowns are useful as Consider alternative
control teeth; 20 of the control teeth an “emergency” measure to reduce treatment if:
being sound and 84 having the sensitivity of these teeth and 1. Patient is unable to cooperate with
amalgams placed. The teeth were allow the patient to eat and main- treatment.
monitored over time until tain effective oral hygiene measures.
exfoliation. Initial treatment 2. Primary tooth is approaching
involved 107 visits to place 104 exfoliation; i.e., X-ray shows over
crowns and 85 visits to place 84 half the primary tooth root
amalgams. Only 21% of the resorbed.
crowned teeth needed further
treatment compared to 77% of the
amalgam restored teeth. The Technique for Use
additional time spent on further Effective local anesthetic should be given
treatment for the amalgam group as the preparation will extend
was 9.5 hours more than for the subgingivally.
crown group.
Occlusal reduction is carried out to obtain
In a 1996 study performed by Einwag clearance of approximately
and Dünninger, it was concluded that 1.5 mm (fig. 3).
stainless steel crowns proved far superior
to multi-surface amalgam restorations
with respect to both lifespan and (fig. 3)
replacement rate. (9) The study
comprised 106 patients, 66 of whom If a rubber dam has been placed, the
were traced and included in the final preparation can be compared with the
evaluation. occlusal height of the neighboring teeth. The
Approximately 83% of the stainless mesial and distal contact points are cleared
steel crowns had a lifespan of at and a smooth taper from occlusal to gingival
least 8 years. Amalgam restorations should be obtained that is free of ledges or
survival rate after only one year was shoulders (fig. 4).
80%. After 4.5 years, the rate was
below 40%. In contrast, the survival (fig. 4)
rate for the stainless steel crowns
at 4.5 years was more than 90%.
The difference in replacement rate All caries are removed and the line angles
between the stainless steel crowns rounded off. Often half or more of the tooth
and amalgams was highly preparation is completed simply by caries
significant. Only 4 of 66 crowns removal. It is possible to lose a large amount
(6%) had to be replaced compared of the clinical crown, yet still be able to fit a
to 38 of 66 amalgam restorations stainless steel crown.
(58%).

Indications for Use

1. Where an amalgam is likely to fail
in a primary molar, such as a
Class II cavity where the proximal
box is extended beyond the
anatomic line angles. (10, 11)
2. Extensive caries damage involving
multiple surfaces of the tooth.
3. Extensive decalcification around
an already restored tooth where
there is a high risk of recurrent
caries. (10)
4. For space maintenance.
5. After pulp therapy or endodontic
procedures on a primary molar.
6. Developmental defects such as
amelogenesis imperfecta, dentino-
genesis imperfecta, or
3M ESPE Prefabricated Crowns - User Guide 5
Stainless steel crowns are not
close fitting, therefore the
preparation does not have to
be precise. The gingival
finishing line should be a
feather edge with no ledges or
steps detectable.
A reasonable taper mesially
and distally will help to
achieve this. If a step or
ledge is present (fig. 5), the
operator will have difficulty
seating the crown and may
be tempted to trim it
unnecessarily.

(fig. 5)

No preparation is usually
needed on the buccal or
lingual surfaces of primary
molars except where there is
a pronounced mesio-buccal
convexity as seen on some
primary first molars. The
stainless steel crowns are
flexible enough to spring over
minor contours. (10)
When multiple crowns are to
be placed in the same
quadrant, the adjacent
proximal surfaces of the teeth
being prepared should be
reduced slightly more than
usual. This will make multiple
crown placement easier. (10)
The finishing line
should be
approximately 1 mm
below the gingival
margin.
The correct size crown is
selected by measuring the
mesio-distal width between
the contact points of the
neighboring teeth with
calipers. If teeth are missing,
the mesio-distal width of the
matching tooth in the
opposite arch can be
measured. It is advisable to
choose the smallest crown
that will fit. If the crown is
too large it is very time
consuming to adjust it to
obtain good retention.
When fitting a crown for a
second primary molar, where
the first permanent molar has
not yet erupted,

6 3M ESPE Prefabricated Crowns - User Guide

care must be taken when measuring (fig. 7) After trimming, the crown will have a
the available mesio-distal dimension larger cervical opening. It must be
for the crown. If the stainless steel crimped to regain its retentive contour.
crown encroaches on the space
needed for eruption of the permanent 3M ESPE crimping pliers (800-421)
molar, its eruption path may be (fig. 8) are recommended for ease and
distorted. efficiency in crimping stainless steel
crowns; however, conventional
To seat the crown on a prepared orthodontic pliers can also be used.
tooth it is placed lingually and
rolled over the preparation to the
buccal margin. (fig. 8)
A crown will often make an audible
“click” as it springs into place over Once the adjustments are completed
the gingival undercut area. Firm the crown margins should be thinned
pressure is usually needed to seat the slightly and smoothed with a large
crown. “heatless” stone. Final polishing can
be done with a rubber wheel.
The marginal gingiva will blanch
somewhat with a well fitting crown The crown is now ready to be cemented.
as it seats. The crown margin should Resin-modified glass ionomer,
be located approximately 1 mm polycarboxylate or zinc phosphate
subgingivally both to give retention cements can be used. RelyX™ Luting
and a good cement seal (fig. 6). Plus Cement is recommended as an
easy to use fluoride releasing cement.
Stainless steel crowns are not a tight
fit except at the margin, so a larger
than normal volume of cement should
be mixed (fig. 9).

(fig. 9)

As the crown is seated over the tooth

excess cement should be seen to flow
(fig. 6) out from the margins. If excess
cement is absent from the margins, it
If excess gingival blanching is seen is an indication of an inadequate
the crown will need to be trimmed. It volume of cement which may lead to
may be helpful to scribe a line on the early failure of the crown. Excess
crown along the gingival contour cement is removed with a scaler or
with a sharp explorer. The crown can explorer, and knotted dental floss is
then be trimmed to 1 mm below the used interproximally. (10, 12 )
scribe line.
The occlusion should be checked
and the crown removed with a
sharp excavator.
Trimming can be done with crown
scissors (fig. 7) (3M ESPE 801-202)
or with an abrasive wheel. Some
operators consider the latter to give a
better result than cutting with crown
scissors. (13, 14)

3M ESPE Prefabricated Crowns - User Guide 7

 Finally the crown is checked for
occlusion. The primary dentition has
great ability to adjust to a slightly
opened bite of 1 mm or so over a few
days with no adverse effect. (12) The
patient should be advised that there
may be some temporary gingival
discomfort when the local anesthetic
wears off.
Stainless steel crowns can be adapted as
useful space maintainers by soldering a
loop of stainless steel wire to the buccal
and lingual surfaces.
Once space maintenance is completed,
the soldered wire loop can be removed
leaving the stainless steel crown in
place until the primary molar is shed.
The alternative of using an orthodontic
band and soldered wire loop as a space
maintainer may give rise to secondary
caries if the cement beneath the band
washes out.
Placement of 3M ESPE stainless steel
crowns is an economical and reliable
treatment for primary molars giving
excellent long-term function and
patient comfort. The placement
technique is quickly mastered.
Crowns can often be fitted in less time
than would be needed to complete
some conventional multi-surface
restorations.

8 3M ESPE Prefabricated Crowns - User Guide

Pulpotomy and Pulpectomy fully resorbed leaving particles in the One alternative technique described
alveolar bone. It is also important not by Croll (13) uses a sterile cotton
When the marginal ridge of a to instrument through the root apex wool pellet, applied under pressure
primary molar is involved in the as this may damage the underlying to the pulp stumps, to stop the
caries process, it is likely that the permanent tooth follicle. bleeding. A thick mix of pure zinc
pulp is already affected even though oxide eugenol is then placed in the
there may be no caries exposure. (15) A vital pulpotomy involves removal
pulp chamber to seal it.
Successful treatment of these teeth of tissue from the pulp chamber and
involves either a pulpotomy or treatment of the rest of the pulp. A Kopel (16) states that following pulp
pulpectomy. temporary filling of zinc oxide therapy, a correctly fitted stainless steel
eugenol is then placed for one week. crown is the restoration most likely
For a pulpectomy, the recommended If after a week the pulp is still to give an adequate seal eliminating
root filling material is pure zinc bleeding, a pulpectomy should be subsequent bacterial contamination
oxide powder mixed with eugenol, performed. caused by microleakage.
as this paste will resorb with the However, if it remains dry and
roots. Proprietary zinc oxides, which comfortable, the tooth can be restored.
contain radiopaquers, etc., may not
be

3M ESPE Stainless Steel Permanent Molar Crowns

The design of the 3M ESPE stainless restoration for a broken down first must be kept under observation before
steel permanent molar crown closely permanent molar that has been construction of a cast restoration. (17) The
resembles the anatomy of a first partially restored and crowns are useful for restoring the occlusion,
permanent molar (fig. 10). The life-like and when there are financial considerations
anatomy of these crowns reduces the regarding the need for a cast restoration,
amount of adaptation needed when placement of a stainless steel crown may be
fitting a prefabricated crown. considered as an economical, medium term
option in clinically suitable cases. (18)

Technique for Use

When preparing a permanent molar for a
stainless steel crown, future preparation
needs for a cast restoration must be
considered. The 3M ESPE stainless steel
crown allows for a conservative
preparation of the tooth to be carried out.
(fig. 10) The crown gains its retention from the
cervical margin area as the crown is fully
For each permanent molar in the arch crimped and festooned at manufacture (fig.
there are 6 sizes of crowns, ranging in 10). The preparation of a tooth for a
mesio-distal dimension from 10.7 permanent molar crown is essentially the
mm to 12.8 mm, increasing in same as that for a primary molar, but with
approximately slightly less tooth tissue removal. It is
0.4 mm increments. The crowns gain important that the preparation margins end in
their retention mainly from the cervical a smooth feathered edge.
margin area. The crown margin should To prepare the tooth, an occlusal reduction
be placed just apically to the gingival of 1.0 to 1.5 mm should be made. In
margin and carefully adjusted to give addition, the preparation should be slightly
an accurate fit in this region. Fitting a tapered with the finishing line placed just
permanent molar stainless steel crown beneath the level of the free gingiva. The
requires significantly more chairside crown margin should subsequently fit just
time than is needed to fit a primary apical to the finishing line. Any sharp
molar crown. (17) line angles are rounded off to ensure that the
crown does not bind on seating.
Indications for Use It is helpful to measure the mesio-distal width
of the tooth at the proximal contact point
The 3M ESPE stainless steel before starting the
permanent molar crown can be used to
make a useful long-term provisional
3M ESPE Prefabricated Crowns - User Guide 9
preparation. (18) This will give
an accurate idea of the crown
size needed.
Alternatively, pre-operative
study models can be utilized
to give details of crown
width and height. (17)
When a stainless steel
crown is to be placed on a
molar which previously had
caries extending subgingivally,
the original tooth contour
should first be restored with
a bonded composite or a
resin-modified glass ionomer
material, such as 3M™
ESPE™ Vitremer™
Restorative Material. This
area can then be included in
the preparation for the
crown.
The occlusal height of the 3M
ESPE stainless steel crown is
set at an optimal value to help
minimize the amount of
adaptation needed to fit the
crown. If part or all of the
crown margin has to be
removed as part of the
adaptation of the crown, the
margin opening will have been
enlarged and retention lost.
The margins must be re-
crimped to regain retention and
to ensure an accurate fit to the
prepared tooth (fig. 11).

(fig. 11)

10 3M ESPE Prefabricated Crowns - User Guide

Specialized crimping pliers The crown may be cemented with Most stainless steel crowns are
(3M ESPE 800-417) are available, but either a resin-modified glass ionomer, retained for three to four years
it is also possible to use conventional polycarboxylate or zinc phosphate before a more permanent restoration
orthodontic pliers for this purpose. cement. RelyX™ Luting Plus Cement is placed. There are cases of stainless
Where crown margins have been is recommended as an easy to use steel permanent molar crowns being
trimmed and crimped, these areas fluoride releasing cement for this retained for over ten years with
must be thinned, smoothed and procedure. All excess cement should minimal problems except occasional
polished to a high shine using be carefully removed and a piece of perforation of the occlusal surface
rubber points and rag wheels. The knotted dental floss used to remove from wear. (17) In these instances the
occlusion should be carefully excess cement interproximally (fig. occlusal surface of the crown can be
checked and any adjustments made 12). repaired with a direct restorative such
by reducing the preparation. as amalgam or composite.
It is advisable to take a bite-wing
radiograph at the final try-in stage, Summary
before cementing the crown, to check
the marginal fit at the mesial and The 3M ESPE stainless steel
distal areas. (19) It is often not permanent molar crown is a functional
possible to check these areas simply and economical restoration. It can give
by probing. excellent long-term performance and
patient comfort without jeopardizing
future treatment plans for a permanent
cast restoration.
(fig. 12)

J 1990;169:237–244.
References
1. Wheeler. Dental Anatomy, Physiology and
Occlusion. 5th ed. Saunders; 1974. 8. Eriksson A-L, Paunio P, Isotupa K. Restoration of
deciduous molars with ion crowns: Retention and
2. Stock, Nehammer. Endodontics in Practice. subsequent treatment. Proc Finn Dent Soc
2nd ed. British Dental Journal; 1992. 1988;84:95–99.
3. Albers JH. Use of prefabricated stainless 9.Einwag J and Dünninger P. Stainless steel crown
steel crowns in pedodontics (1). Quint versus multisurface amalgam restorations: An 8-
Int 1979;6:35–40. year longitudinal clinical study. Quint Int
4. Braff MH. A comparison between stainless 1996;27:321–323.
steel crowns and multisurface amalgams 10. Nash DA. The nickel-chromium crown for
in primary molars. J Dent Child 1975;42:474– restoring posterior primary teeth. J Am Dent
478. Assoc 1981;102:44–49.
5. Dawson LR, Simon JF, Taylor PP. Use 11. Brook AH, King NM. The role of stainless steel
of amalgam and stainless steel restorations for crowns, part 1. Properties and techniques. Dent
primary molars. Update 1982;9:25–30.
J Dent Child 1981;4P:420–422.
12. Duggal MS and Curzon MEJ. Restoration of the
6. Holland IS, Walls AWG, Wallwork MA, Murray broken down primary molar:2. Stainless
JJ. The longevity of amalgam restorations in steel crowns. Dent Update 1989;16:71–75.
deciduous molars. Br Dent J 1986;161:225–258.
13. Croll TP, Killian CM. Zinc oxide-eugenol
7. Roberts JF, Sherriff M. The fate and survival
pulpotomy and stainless steel crown restoration of a
of amalgam and prefabricated restorations placed
primary molar. Quint Int 1992;23:383–388.
in a specialist pediatric dental practice. Br Dent
3M ESPE Prefabricated Crowns - User Guide 1
1
 14. Martens LC, Dermaut LR. The marginal
polishing of Ion Ni-Chro crowns:A preliminary
report. J Dent Child 1983;50:417–421.
15.Duggal MS-personal communication.
16. Kopel HM. Considerations for the direct pulp
capping procedure in primary teeth:A review of
the literature. J Dent Child 1992;59:141–149.
17. Croll TP. Permanent molar stainless steel crown
restoration. Quint Int 1987;18:313–321.
18. Gordon PD. An early clinical assessment of
a prefabricated permanent molar crown.
Dent Update 1979;(M/A):135–138.
19. Croll TP and Castaldi CR. The prefabricated
stainless steel crown for restoration of permanent
posterior teeth in special cases. J Am Dent
Assoc 1978;97:644–649.

12 3M ESPE Prefabricated Crowns - User Guide

3M ESP Polycarbonate Crowns
™
™

Temporary or provisional crowns tooth function.

must protect the pulp and vitality
of the prepared tooth and help
maintain gingival health while
restoring esthetics and function. It
is also important that the
preparation margins, especially
those in enamel, are protected and
the tooth is stabilized in the arch.
(1, 2)

Mão răng tạm thời phải bảo vệ tủy và sự

sống của răng đã sửa soạn và giúp duy trì
sức khỏe

The provisional crown should be easy

to adapt to the prepared tooth and
easy to remove when needed.
3M ESPE Polycarbonate Prefabricated
Crowns have been designed to meet
these criteria. They are a time saver as 3M ESPE polycarbonate crowns have good
they are easy to trim with dental burs anatomic form and esthetics in a wide
or crown scissors, and can then be range of sizes for incisors, canines and
easily adjusted with pliers (fig. 1). premolars. They are manufactured in a
universal shade which is translucent enough
to allow shade adjustment by the type of
lining material used. The crowns have a
smooth surface finish for patient comfort and
to help minimize plaque build-up.

Technique for Use

1. The correct size crown is selected by
measuring the mesio-distal width at the
level of the contact point of the prepared
(fig. 1)
tooth, or by measuring the width of the
contra- lateral tooth in the same arch.
The crowns are made of a
polycarbonate resin incorporating 2. The cervical crown margin is trimmed to
microglass fibers which not only the required contour with crown scissors
permit crown adjustment with pliers or by grinding with a trimming bur or
but also give these crowns good stone. Care must be taken to ensure that
durability and strength. 3M ESPE the crown seats onto the preparation
polycarbonate crowns offer good margins.
protection to the prepared crown
margins as well as maintaining
3M ESPE Prefabricated Crowns - User Guide 1
3
3. The crown is then lined
with acrylic or composite
material (fig. 2).

(fig. 2)

If cold cure acrylic is to be

used, the material should
be poured into the crown
after mixing and, once the
“dough” stage is reached,
seated over the preparation.
Prior to seating the crown,
the preparation and
surrounding gingiva should
be lubricated with water or
saliva.

14 3M ESPE Prefabricated Crowns - User Guide

As the acrylic starts to set, the
crown should be removed from the
preparation and reseated a number
of times. Removal of the crown
during polymerization of the acrylic
resin helps to dissipate heat build-
up from the exothermic reaction and
prevent locking into undercuts.
Lining a polycarbonate crown will
ensure good marginal adaptation to (fig. 3) (fig. 4)
the preparation. Cold cure acrylics
chemically bond with polycarbonate 5. After checking the fit and
crowns. Composite materials need occlusion, the polycarbonate
some retention, by mechanically crown should be cemented
roughening the inside crown surface. using a proprietary temporary
A chemical bond to composite can be luting cement (fig. 4) and the
obtained by priming the fitting excess removed (fig. 5). Zinc
surface of the polycarbonate with oxide eugenol cements will
methyl methacrylate liquid. chemically bond with acrylics
and polycarbonate, other
4. After the lining material has set, cements act by mechanical
the crown is removed from the retention. (fig. 5)
tooth and the margins carefully Retention can be enhanced
trimmed and finished. It is by placing grooves or
important that an accurate fit is notches on the inside of the
obtained at the preparation margin crown.
to help maintain gingival health.
A bulky subgingival fit may lead References
to gingival recession prior to
1. Elderton RJ, ed. The Dentition and Dental
fitting the permanent crown (fig. Care, Vol. 3. Oxford, England: Heinemann;
3). 1990.
2. Kantorowicz GF, ed. Inlays, Crowns and
Bridges:A Clinical Handbook. 5th ed.
Oxford, England: Wright; 1993.

3M ESPE Prefabricated Crowns - User Guide 1

5
3M ESP Iso-Form Crowns
™
™

Introduction and ductile. This not only gives

3M ESPE Iso-Form crowns their
During the time interval between particular degree of ductility, but
tooth preparation for a crown and also the advantage that a crown can
cementation of the permanent be stretched or burnished to alter
restoration, the prepared tooth must the
be given temporary coverage.
Temporary crowns should protect
vital dentin and pulp and maintain
individual tooth position and function
in the arch. This is accomplished by
restoring anatomic form and
establishing good contact points with
neighboring teeth and occlusal
contacts with opposing teeth. The
crown should be non-irritating to the
gingiva and help maintain gingival
health by permitting normal oral
hygiene procedures. (1, 2)
3M ESPE Iso-Form Temporary
Crowns are available in both
molar and premolar sizes. They shape. The accurate anatomy of these
provide a positive contact point crowns and their ability to
with either automatically stretch to fit the
natural or artificial neighboring teeth, preparation margins make them easy to
allowing the use of dental floss and place and time saving in use.
other oral hygiene procedures to
be continued during the period of
temporization. The smooth, burnished Technique for Use
surface of the crown gives good
compatibility with gingival tissues. 1. The correct size crown is selected by first
measuring the interproximal space
3M ESPE Iso-Form temporary crowns available. A plastic measuring gauge for
have anatomic contour and occlusal this purpose is included in the crown kit.
surface. The crown margin is The gauge has 3 pairs of tapering blades
constricted and when placed over the for 3 ranges of measurements, i.e., 9 to 10
prepared tooth will stretch to closely mm, 10 to 11 mm and 11 to 12 mm. The
conform to the preparation margin. blades taper by 1 mm.
The crown margin is easy to burnish
and can be quickly worked to A set of gauge blades is placed over the
conform to the tooth preparation occlusal surface of the preparation by
without the alloy buckling or sliding the gauge from the lingual towards
wrinkling. the buccal until the blades wedge on the
contact points of the neighboring teeth (fig.
The crowns are made from a high 1).
purity tin-silver alloy that is soft
16 3M ESPE Prefabricated Crowns - User Guide
The point at which the gauge wedges
relative to its central 0.5 mm mark

(fig. 1)

establishes the dimension of

the interproximal space and
the correct size crown can be
selected.
The plastic gauge can be
disinfected after use by
immersion in a dental
disinfectant solution.
An alternative method is to
use metal measuring calipers.
A direct measurement of the
mesio-distal dimension across
the prepared tooth can be
taken or the mesio-distal space
can be measured from a
radiograph. (3)

3M ESPE Prefabricated Crowns - User Guide 1

7
 2. If tooth preparation has been 3. For enhanced strength and fit, the 5. The preparation, neighboring
completed with a finishing line crown can be lined with teeth and surrounding soft tissues
or chamfer margin (rather than a provisional acrylic or resin are lubricated with water or
shoulder), the selected 3M ESPE material. If this option is chosen, saliva.
Iso-Form crown is placed over the crown margins should be
the preparation and gently seated 6. Cold cure acrylic is mixed and
trimmed. To trim the margin
(fig. 2). As the crown seats it will the crown filled while the acrylic
accurately it may be helpful to
adapt to the contact point area is in a runny phase. Once the
scribe a line on the crown, using a
and stretch over the finishing dough stage has been reached,
sharp explorer to mark the desired
line. the crown is seated onto the
contour. The crown can then be
preparation and the patient asked
trimmed back to this line using
to close in centric occlusion to
crown scissors (fig. 5).
seat the crown fully. The occlusal
surface of the crown will deform
to adjust to the bite. Excess
acrylic should be removed with
an explorer. For a shoulder
preparation, the crown margins
should be burnished down to
conform to the tooth contour
while the acrylic is setting.
(fig. 2) 7. Once the acrylic reaches the flexible
stage (i.e., has started to harden),
the crown is carefully removed
(fig. 5)
If the preparation margin has been from the tooth and reseated a few
finished as a shoulder, the 3M ESPE times until the acrylic has
Iso-Form crown should first be completely set. Care must be taken
If any distortion of the crown occurs
stretched slightly on the plastic not to distort the crown on removal
during scissor trimming, the crown
stretch block (fig. 3) and then seated and reseating.
cervical contour can be restored by
over the tooth preparation as placing the crown on the stretch 8. On removal of the crown after
described above (fig. 4). Care should block. The plastic stretch block can the acrylic has set, an
be taken not to over-expand the be disinfected after use by impression of the preparation
crown on the stretch block. immersion in a dental disinfectant margins should be seen. The
solution. margin area can be
outlined with a pencil and the
For the chamfer finishing line
crown is trimmed back to this line
preparation, the crown margins
using a steel or tungsten carbide
should be trimmed to be level with
bur. The crown is re-tried in the
or slightly short of the finishing line.
mouth and the occlusion checked
For the shoulder preparation, the
and adjusted if needed. If there are
crown margin should be trimmed
areas where the crown margin is
just apical to the shoulder line and
short on the preparation, a further
burnished to the preparation margin.
acrylic reline may be necessary.
4. After trimming, the crown is re-
(fig. 3) 9. Final shaping and smoothing
tried in the mouth. The patient is
can be done with 3M™
then asked to close (fig. 6) and
ESPE™
make lateral excursions. The
Sof-Lex™ Discs and rubber wheels.
ductile alloy of the occlusal
surface will deform to adjust to the
bite.

(fig. 4)

(fig. 6)

18 3M ESPE Prefabricated Crowns - User Guide

10.The crown is now ready to be
cemented. Any proprietary Summary
temporary cement can be used. 3M ESPE Iso-Form temporary crowns
For long-term cementation (when have a life-like tooth anatomy. The
this is clinically necessary), it is tin-silver alloy used in their
advisable to avoid using a zinc manufacture allows the crown wall
oxide eugenol cement as the and margin to stretch to conform
eugenol may soften the acrylic closely with the cervical area of the
leading to loss of retention (fig. tooth preparation. The ductility of the
7). crowns allows for easy adjustment
(fig. 8)
to accommodate minimal occlusal
space between the preparation and
Special Applications opposing arch. Reliable protection to
the preparation over the temporization
Some crown preparations for posterior
period is obtained.
teeth involve minimal occlusal
reduction. (1) In these cases, the The crowns give positive contact
3M ESPE Iso-Form crowns are easily points between the preparation and
adapted to the reduced occlusal space neighboring teeth. This stabilizes
to harmonize with the bite, while still the tooth in the arch and allows oral
retaining the strength of the metal hygiene procedures to continue while
(fig. 7) alloy supported by the acrylic the temporary crown is in place,
relining. which helps to maintain optimal
Teeth prepared for full coverage gingival health.
After the cement has set, excess crowns may often have short clinical The crowns are also time saving as
cement is removed and a knotted crowns. (1) 3M ESPE Iso-Form they can be quickly stretched,
length of dental floss can be used to temporary crowns can be useful for formed and burnished to the tooth
clean any excess cement from the these patients, as the number of sizes preparation obtaining an accurate fit.
interproximal area (fig. 8). Finally, the available combined with the ductility
occlusion should be re-checked before of the tin-silver alloy allows quick
dismissing the patient. crown adaptation to fit the preparation.

References
1. Kantorowicz GF, ed. Inlays, Crowns and Bridges:
A Clinical Handbook. 5th ed. Oxford, England:
Wright; 1993.
2. Elderton RJ, ed. The Dentition and Dental
Care, Vol. 3. Oxford, England: Heinemann;
1990.
3. Nayyar A, Edwards WS. Fabrication of a single
posterior intermediate restoration. J Prosthet Dent
1978;39: 688–671.

3M ESPE Prefabricated Crowns - User Guide 1

9
 Other ESP Crowns
™

3M E
™

3M™ ESPE™ Gold Anodized Crowns

3M ESPE Gold Anodized crowns are made from a medium-hard
aluminum for durability and function. Gold anodization eliminates
metallic taste and galvanic shock for greater patient comfort.
The features of 3M ESPE gold anodized crowns are:
• Medium-hard aluminum base that will not easily
deform and minimizes bite-through.
• Pretrimmed gingival contour for minimal trimming.
• Parallel wall design to save time by minimizing belling of the crown.
• Wide assortment of sizes including bicuspids and molars.

3M™ ESPE™ Unitek™ Stainless Steel Crowns

3M ESPE Unitek Stainless Steel crowns offer over 20 years of proven
successful clinical use. The 3M ESPE Unitek crown line includes primary
anterior, first and second primary molars, bicuspid and permanent
molar crowns.
The features of 3M ESPE Unitek stainless steel crowns are:
• Shallow occlusal anatomy requiring less occlusal reduction.
• Pretrimming to optimum length and contour.
• Parallel walls to provide broad, flat contact points for easy fitting.
• Thick occlusal surface to help prevent bite-through.

3M™ ESPE™ Strip Crowns

Strip crown forms simplify composite work for pediatric anterior
restorations. Trimmed and filled with restorative materials, they
automatically contour the restorative material to match natural dentition.
They strip off easily, leaving a smooth surface. They are ideal for both
chemical and photo curing composites.
The features of 3M ESPE strip crowns are:
• Thin interproximal walls.
• Anatomically shaped construction to match natural contours.
20 3M ESPE Prefabricated Crowns - User Guide
• Palmer notation on each crown tab for easy identification.
• Sufficient strength for easy handling.

3M ESPE Prefabricated Crowns - User Guide 2

1
Ordering Information

3M™ ESPE™ Stainless Steel Crowns 3M™ ESPE™ Polycarbonate Crowns

Primary Molars There are 60 crown sizes available in the 3M ESPE
There are 48 crown sizes available in the 3M ESPE polycarbonate molar crown range.
stainless steel primary molar crown range. Crown Shape Number of sizes Width range
Crown Shape Number of sizes Width range available mm
available mm Upper central incisors 7 7.7 to 10.1
Upper 1st primary molars 6 7.2 to 9.2 Upper lateral incisors 6 5.8 to 7.6
Upper 2nd primary molars 6 9.2 to 11.2 Lower incisors 10 4.9 to 6.3
Lower 1st primary molars 6 7.3 to 9.3 Cuspids 7 7.5 to 9.0
Lower 2nd primary molars 6 9.4 to 11.4 Bicuspids 10 6.2 to 7.5
Kits Kits
ND-96: Intro kit - 96 crowns Set box only: ND-000
C-180: Intro kit - 180 crowns Set box only: C-000

Permanent Molars
There are 24 crown sizes available in the 3M ESPE
stainless steel permanent molar crown range.
Crown Shape Number of sizes Width range
available mm
Upper 1st and 2nd
permanent molars 6 10.7 to 12.8
Lower 1st
permanent molars 6 10.8 to 12.8

Kits
PO-96: Intro kit - 96 crowns Set box only: PO-000

22 3M ESPE Prefabricated Crowns - User Guide

3M™ ESPE™ Iso-Form Crowns 3M™ ESPE™ Unitek™ Stainless
3M ESPE Iso-Form crowns are available in 80 crown sizes Steel Crowns
for molar and bicuspid forms.
Crown Shape Number of sizes Width range Primary Molars
available mm There are 80 crown sizes available in the 3M ESPE Unitek
stainless steel primary molar crown range.
Upper 1st bicuspid 5 6.4 to 8.5 Crown Shape Number of sizes Width range
Upper 2nd bicuspid 5 6.0 to 8.0 available mm
Lower 1st bicuspid 5 6.6 to 8.5 Central/Lateral 12 4.2 to 8.0
Lower 2nd bicuspid 5 6.8 to 9.0 Upper Cuspids 6 6.2 to 8.2
Upper 1st molar 5 10.3 to 12.0 Lower Cuspids 6 4.8 to 6.8
Upper 2nd molar 5 9.0 to 10.5 Upper 1st primary molar 7 6.6 to 9.0
Lower 1st molar 5 11.1 to 12.4 Upper 2nd primary molar 7 8.5 to 11.0
Lower 2nd molar 5 9.8 to 11.6 Lower 1st primary molar 7 6.9 to 9.3

Kits Lower 2nd primary molar 7 8.5 to 11.5

BC-64: Intro kit - 64 bicuspid
crowns MC-64: Intro kit - 64 molar Kits
crowns 908100: Primary anterior set - 72 crowns Set box only: PA-
Set box only: BC-000 Bicuspid 000 902150: Primary molar set - 112 crowns Set box
MC-000 Molar only: PR-000

Permanent Molars
There are 82 crown sizes available in the 3M ESPE Unitek
stainless steel permanent molar crown range.
Crown Shape Number of sizes Width range
available mm
Upper 1st and 2nd bicuspids 8 5.6 to 9.1
Lower 1st bicuspids 7 5.7 to 8.6
Lower 2nd bicuspids 7 6.2 to 9.1
Upper 1st and 2nd molars 7 9.4 to 12.5
Lower 1st molars 7 9.9 to 13.0
Lower 2nd molars 5 9.6 to 12.2

3M ESPE Prefabricated Crowns - User Guide 2

3
 Kits
902600: Bicuspid set - 84 crowns Set box only: SB-000
902350: Molar set - 84 crowns Set box only: PM-000

24 3M ESPE Prefabricated Crowns - User Guide

3M™ ESPE™ Gold Anodized Crowns 3M™ ESPE™ Pediatric Strip Crowns
3M ESPE gold anodized crowns are available in 108 crown There are 16 crown sizes available in the 3M ESPE pediatric
sizes for molar and bicuspid forms. strip crown range.
Crown Shape Number of sizes Width range
Crown Shape Number of sizes Width range
available mm
available mm
Upper 1st bicuspid 8 5.6 to 9.1 Upper central incisors 8 6.0 to 8.1
Upper 2nd bicuspid 8 5.6 to 9.1 Upper lateral incisors 8 4.3 to 6.7
Lower 1st bicuspid 7 5.7 to 8.6
Kits
Lower 2nd bicuspid 7 6.2 to 9.1
915100: Intro kit - 60 upper centrals
Upper 1st molar 6 9.4 to 11.9 60 upper laterals
Upper 2nd molar 6 9.4 to 11.9 Set box only: PS-000
Lower 1st molar 6 9.9 to 12.4 Refills
Lower 2nd molar 6 9.6 to 12.2

Kits
942501: Bicuspid set - 84 crowns
942301: Molar set - 84 crowns
Set box only: GB-000 - Bicuspid
GB-000 - Molar

Each crown size is available in refill boxes of 5 crowns.

3M ESPE Prefabricated Crowns - User Guide 2

5
 800112 800417 801201 801202

800421 801203

3M™ ESPE™ Crown Instruments

3M™ ESPE™ Crown Contouring Plier 3M™ ESPE™ Crown Scissors

Used for enhancing crown form contours to
Designed for trimming margins of the 3M ESPE temporary
improve interproximal contacts and gingival
crown forms.
margins for the 3M ESPE temporary crown forms.
801201: 3M™ ESPE™ Deluxe Straight Crown Scissor
800112: 3M™ ESPE™ Crown Contouring Plier
801202: 3M™ ESPE™ Deluxe Curved Crown Scissor
801203: 3M™ ESPE™ Deluxe Festooning Crown Scissor
3M™ ESPE™ Crown Crimping Pliers
Designed to crimp the gingival margin of the
3M ESPE temporary crown forms.

800417: 3M™ ESPE™ Crown Crimping Plier

800421: 3M™ ESPE™ Small Crown Crimping Plier

26 3M ESPE Prefabricated Crowns - User Guide

A 3M ESPE Technical Service Publication.

3M ESPE Technical Hotline: 1-800-634-2249

3M ESPE Web site: 3MESPE.com

3M, ESPE, RelyX, Sof-Lex and

Unitek are trademarks of 3M
ESPE or 3M ESPE ESPE AG.
Used under license in Canada.
Dental Products 3M Canada
All rights reserved.
3M ESPE Center Post Office Box 5757
Building 275-2SE-03 London, Ontario N6A Printed in U.S.A.
St. Paul, MN 55144- 4T1 Canada Minimum 10% Post- © 3M 1998,
1000 USA 1 800 265-1840 ext. 6229 Consumer Fiber 2006 70-2008-
3M ESPE Prefabricated Crowns - User Guide
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