Introduction: Restoring endodontically treated primary teeth poses a significant clinical challenge that requires balancing the aesthetics of a child’s smile with optimal physiological function.
Aim: The aim of this article is to investigate contemporary materials for restoring endodontically treated primary molars.
Materials and Methods: The study included English-language articles published between 2014 and 2024, identified through a comprehensive search of Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect.
Results: Articles from clinical and experimental studies examined the advantages and disadvantages of the three main contemporary restorative materials. Zirconia crowns are biocompatible, exhibit high flexural strength, and offer excellent aesthetics but are limited by their high cost and invasive reparation. Composite crowns are highly aesthetic and more affordable but have lower durability and are more susceptible to abrasion. Direct composite restorations require minimal removal of tooth tissue but can be challenging for restoring tooth anatomy, have lower strength compared to zirconia crowns, and a higher risk of developing caries in the long term.
Conclusion: Accurate replication of the anatomical features of primary teeth is crucial for proper functioning of the masticatory apparatus. Dental materials in pediatric dentistry, such as resin composites, glass-ionomer cements, and preformed metal crowns, do not fully meet the aesthetic demands of today. Aesthetic preformed zirconia and composite crowns, as well as direct composite restorations, are suitable options for restoration due to the favorable properties of the materials, including strength, durability, aesthetics, and the ability to replicate the anatomy of primary teeth.
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