Crowns are the most common solution for damaged teeth. They are basically a cap. You can find them in a variety of materials such as porcelain and metal. People do not notice when you have a crown over a molar as it would only be visible when you laugh out loud or yawn especially after you use invisible braces to correct the alignment of all your teeth, front and back. On the other hand, if you have a crown on your front teeth, it would be more visible.
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Types of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are made of different kinds of materials as mentioned below.
- Composite Resin
- Metal
- Zircon
- Ceramic
- Porcelain
- Combination of Materials
When choosing the material for a crown, the dentist would consider the following factors.
- The location of your tooth.
- The amount of visibility of the tooth when you pop a smile.
- The condition of the gum tissue.
- The amount of natural tooth remaining.
- The color of your surrounding teeth.
- The function of your tooth.
You should feel free to discuss your personal preferences with the dentist.
Temporary Crown
As the name suggests, a temporary crown is placed in your mouth for some time before it is removed. When placing the temporary crown over your tooth, an adhesive which is easy to remove will be used. This means that you should not expect it to be as durable as a permanent crown. The temporary crown is only temporarily places while you wait for the permanent crown. Then, you will need to visit the dentist for your second appointment to get the permanent crown.
One-Day Crown
A one-day crown is placed during the first appointment. This means that you do not need to visit the dentist again. Not every dentist offers same-day crown which is why you should ask the dentist beforehand. To install a same-day crown, several methods that involve computer-aided manufacturing/ computer-aided design are used. A block of ceramic is used for designing the crown right there at the dentist’s office.
3/4 Crown or Onlay
There are some crowns which only cover a specific portion of the teeth. In case you do not require a full crown, a 3/4 crown or onlay might be suggested.
Who Should Get A Crown?
Generally, a crown is the perfect solution when you have a huge cavity that cannot be filled. In addition to this, you might also need a crown for your teeth in case of the following situations.
- Weakened Teeth
- Cracked Teeth
- Severely Worn Out Teeth
Dental crowns are also suggested after a root canal of the teeth as the teeth would be more fragile and would require protection. Now, if you have a missing tooth, you would also make a good candidate for a crown.
Cost of Dental Crowns
According to most dental clinics, the cost of dental crowns ranges from $800 to $1500 in the United States. However, it might cost even more depending on the size of the tooth and the material used for making the crown. For instance, a gold crown could easily cost you $2500. On the other hand, all-metal crowns are more affordable.
It is important to keep in mind that cost would also be more if extensive prep work is required to place the crown such as in case you require a dental implant or root canal. If you have dental insurance, it might cover the entire cost of the crown or part of it. But, you should learn more about the type of crowns covered by your plan. Check your insurance coverage details for complete information. Consult with a dentist to determine the exact dental costs.
Dental Crown Procedure
Multi-Day Procedure
In most cases, you would need to undergo a multi-day procedure. It is where the temporary crown would be initially placed. Then, you would need to visit the dentist again to get the permanent crown placed. During the first appointment, the dentist would examine your tooth and prepare the crown based on the x-rays of that tooth.
Same-Day Procedure
If you undergo a same-day procedure, you would get to skip out the temporary crown. This means that you would need to wait longer to get the permanent crown made in the first sitting. The procedure could take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours to complete.
Conclusion
When on the lookout for dental crowns, you need to consider cost, durability, appearance, and strength. It is crucial to schedule an appointment with a dentist to discuss your options.
