Dental crowns are one of the most popular tooth restoration options. Crown replacement involves restoring damaged teeth with tooth-shaped caps that look and function like natural teeth.
If your oral health is deteriorating and your dentist has recommended crowns for teeth, this article is for you. We have elaborated on the different types of dental crowns and how to select the right one for you. Let us have a look.
When Do You Need a Dental Crown?
Before understanding the types of crowns, it is important to know why you may need a crown in the first place. In general, a dentist may recommend a dental crown:
- If you have a weakened tooth after severe cavities or decay.
- To cover a dental implant.
- In place of a damaged or cracked natural tooth.
- To replace a large filling.
- To substitute a tooth that has been treat with a root canal.
- To align the bite.
- For aesthetic purposes, including a smile makeover.
How is the Dental Crown Procedure Carried Out?
Regardless of the types of dental crowns, the procedure for all remains almost the same. In most cases, a custom-made crown is fitted in place of a damaged tooth, for which you may need to visit your dentist a few times. In general, getting a dental crown involves:
- Preparing your tooth, which includes removing decay, root canal, or both.
- Take your tooth impression so that the crown fits the exact shape of your tooth.
- Performing temporary restoration to protect the tooth until the crown is ready.
- Fitting the dental crown in place of temporary restoration after a few weeks.
What are the Types of Dental Crowns?
Depending on your condition, your dentist may recommend one of the following types of dental crowns. It is important to note that the tooth crown cost also varies for each dental crown, depending on the material, procedure, and patient’s needs.
The main types of dental crowns include:
1. Gold Crowns
Unlike their name, gold crowns are made from a combination of copper with either nickel or chromium. They are generally used for their greater strength and durability. Dentists may recommend this crown for back tooth restorations depending on each patient’s requirements. However, these are not very popular today due to their color and aesthetics.
The main advantages of gold crowns include:
- Strong and highly resistant.
- High durability if properly cared for.
- Ideal for back tooth restoration, especially molars.
Their disadvantages include:
- Poor visual effect, as these do not look like natural teeth.
- Gold alloy can sometimes cause side effects in some people.
2. Porcelain Crowns
Of the different types of dental crowns, porcelain crowns are the most popular ones. As the name suggests, these are crafted of porcelain and offer various benefits:
- These provide the most natural look and match the surrounding teeth in shape, size, and color.
- One of the best options for front teeth restoration.
- These are biocompatible which means that no metal is used and are also toxic-free.
Its disadvantages include:
- These are not as strong as metal crowns.
- These can last long only if properly taken care of.
- These are not ideal for patients with bruxism.
- Porcelain dental crown prices are generally higher than other types.
3. Porcelain Fused-to-Metal Crowns (PFM)
Porcelain-fused-to-metal or PFM crowns are popular types of dental crowns. Unlike all porcelain crowns, these provide both strength (due to the metal structure) and aesthetics (due to the porcelain coat covering the cap).
The main benefits of opting for PFM crowns include:
- These provide greater aesthetics and durability.
- These are also less expensive than porcelain crowns.
Its disadvantages include:
- The metal used in the crowns may result in a greyish line around the gumline which may not provide a satisfactory aesthetic look as seen with porcelain crowns.
- This type of crown may not be suitable for people who clench their teeth.
4. Zirconia Crowns
Zirconium, a sturdy metal, offers both the resilience of metal and the aesthetics of a porcelain crown. Due to this combination, the highly translucent zirconia crown has become a popular choice among patients.
The main benefits of selecting zirconia crowns include:
- These provide greater aesthetics as compared to other crowns.
- These are strong and long-lasting.
- The process of attaching a zirconia dental crown is less time-consuming as these can be cut and shaped at the same time.
- These are less likely to wear down due to extra strength.
- These are biocompatible and are not likely to cause allergic reactions.
Its disadvantages include:
- Due to their extra strength, the teeth the crown bite against may wear down quickly.
- Solid zirconia may also be difficult to adjust.
What is the Cost of Different Types of Dental Crowns?
The price for different types of dental crowns depends greatly on the material and the preparation required. For instance, all-porcelain crowns are generally more expensive than metal ones. In addition, at times some extra procedures may be required to protect the integrity of the tooth before the crown can be placed. This will also add up to the overall cost of the crown.
In general, dental crowns can range somewhere between $500 to $2000 or more. The range of the crown may depend on the procedure, dental insurance, and the overall dental fees charged by your dentist.
If you have insurance, approximately 50% of the crown cost can be covered. However, if your crown is part of a cosmetic treatment, the insurance plan may not cover the cost of it.
Takeaway
A dental crown is one of the most popular dental restorative treatments. Depending on your condition, your dentist may recommend any of the mentioned types of dental crowns. The cost of the crown will depend greatly on the type, material, procedure, and overall oral health.
Get Dental Crown at Affordable Prices at Glen Lake Family Dentistry!
If you are looking for a dental crown placement or other dental treatments, visit our expert dentists at Glen Lake Family Dentistry! They can guide you through your best options and devise an effective oral hygiene routine.
Schedule an appointment with us today!
You can also call us at (952) 938-6038.
Visit us at 5509 Eden Prairie Rd, Minnetonka, MN 55345.