If you’re considering getting dental crowns, it’s essential to understand the different types of dental crowns and their cost. Dental crowns are a common dental restoration used to protect and restore damaged or weakened teeth. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various types of dental crowns, their costs, and what you can expect during the dental crown procedure.
What Is a Dental Cap Or Crown?
A dental crown, also known as a dental cap, is a tooth-shaped covering that fits over the entire visible portion of a natural tooth. It’s designed to restore the tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance. Tooth crowns are typically recommended when a tooth is severely damaged, decayed, or weakened, and a filling alone is not enough to restore its function and structure.
When Do I Need a Dental Crown?
You may need a dental crown in the following situations:
- To protect a weakened tooth from breaking or to hold together a cracked tooth
- To restore a broken or severely worn-down tooth
- To cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there isn’t enough tooth structure remaining
- To cover a dental implant
- To cover a discolored or misshapen tooth for cosmetic reasons
- To cover a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment
Common Types Of Dental Crowns
The three main types of dental crowns are:
- All-ceramic or all-porcelain crowns
- All-metal crowns (e.g., gold crowns)
Remember, when it comes to types of dental crowns and cost, the choice of dental crown material will depend on factors such as the location of the tooth, your budget, and your aesthetic preferences. It’s essential to discuss your options with your dentist to determine the best solution for your individual needs.
All-Porcelain & All-Ceramic Crowns
All-ceramic and all-porcelain crowns are among the most popular types of dental crowns due to their natural appearance and metal-free composition. These types of dental crowns are made entirely of ceramic or porcelain materials, which can be tinted to match the color of your natural teeth. They are often used for front teeth restorations where aesthetics are a priority.
Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia crowns are a type of all-ceramic crown made from a strong and durable zirconium oxide material. They offer excellent aesthetics and strength, making them suitable for both front and back teeth restorations. Zirconia crowns are known for their longevity and resistance to chipping or cracking.
Emax Crowns
Emax crowns are another type of all-ceramic crown that combines strength and aesthetics. They are made from a lithium disilicate glass-ceramic material and are known for their natural-looking translucency. Emax crowns are often used for front teeth restorations but can also be used for back teeth in some cases.
Temporary Crowns
Temporary crowns are made from a temporary material and are designed to be a short-term solution while you wait for your permanent crown to be fabricated. They are typically less expensive than permanent crowns but are not meant to be a long-term solution.
All-Metal Crowns
All-metal crowns, also known as gold crowns or silver-colored alloy crowns, are made entirely of metal materials. They are known for their durability and strength, making them a popular choice for back teeth restorations. The cost of all-metal crowns typically ranges from $800 to $1,500 per crown.
While gold crowns are not as aesthetically pleasing as porcelain or ceramic crowns, they can provide a long-lasting solution for restoring damaged or weakened teeth.
Stainless Steel Crowns
Stainless steel crowns are primarily used in pediatric dentistry to restore primary (baby) teeth. They are a cost-effective and durable solution for children’s teeth until they fall out and are replaced by permanent teeth. If you’re wondering about these types of dental crowns and cost, the cost of stainless steel crowns typically ranges from $300 to $700 per tooth.
What Is The Average Cost Of a Tooth Crown?
The cost of dental crowns can vary significantly depending on several factors, such as the type of crown material, the complexity of the procedure, the dentist’s location, and whether you have dental insurance coverage. Typically, the average cost of a tooth crown can range from $500 to $3,000 per crown.
Dental Crown Procedure: Step By Step Guide
The dental crown treatment typically involves two or more visits to the dentist’s office. Here’s a step-by-step guide to what you can expect:
- Initial consultation & examination: Your dentist will examine your tooth and take x-rays to determine if a dental crown is necessary.
- Tooth preparation: During the first visit, your dentist will reshape the tooth by removing a small amount of enamel to create space for the crown.
- Impressions & shade selection: Your dentist will take impressions (molds) of your prepared tooth and surrounding teeth, as well as select the appropriate shade to match the color of your natural teeth.
- Temporary crown placement: A temporary crown will be placed over your prepared tooth to protect it until your permanent crown is ready.
- Crown fabrication: Your impressions will be sent to a dental laboratory, where your permanent crown will be custom-made to fit your existing tooth.
- Permanent crown placement: During the second visit, your dentist will remove the temporary crown and cement the permanent crown in place, ensuring a proper fit and bite.
Recovery Time After a Porcelain Crown Procedure: What To Expect
After receiving a dental crown, you may experience some sensitivity or discomfort for a few days. This is normal and should subside as your mouth adjusts to the new crown. Your dentist may recommend over-the-counter pain medication or a soft diet for a few days to help manage any discomfort.
Foods To Avoid With a Crown
While dental crowns are designed to be durable, it’s essential to avoid certain foods that could potentially damage or dislodge the crown. Here are some foods to avoid or be cautious with:
- Hard or crunchy foods (e.g., nuts, hard candies, ice)
- Sticky or chewy foods (e.g., caramels, gummy candies)
- Biting directly into hard or crusty foods (e.g., apples, crusty bread)
- It’s also important to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly to prevent plaque buildup and gum disease, which can compromise the longevity of your dental crown.
FAQs
What is the cheapest crown for a tooth?
Stainless steel crowns are typically the most affordable option, especially for pediatric dental crowns. However, they are not as aesthetically pleasing and are primarily used as a temporary solution or for primary (baby) teeth.
What is the best type of tooth crown?
The best type of tooth crown depends on your specific needs and preferences. All-ceramic crowns, such as zirconia or Emax crowns, are often considered the best option for their combination of strength, durability, and natural-looking appearance.
What are the most beautiful crowns for teeth?
All-porcelain crowns and all-ceramic crowns are considered the most beautiful and natural-looking options for dental crowns, especially for front teeth restorations where aesthetics are a priority.
What is the difference between a dental crown and a dental cap?
A dental crown and dental cap refer to the same thing—a tooth-shaped covering that fits over the entire visible portion of a natural tooth. The terms are often used interchangeably.
How do dental crowns help protect a weak tooth?
Dental crowns can reinforce and protect a weakened or damaged tooth by covering and holding the remaining tooth structure together, preventing further breakage.
Can dental crowns restore severely stained teeth?
Absolutely. Dental crowns completely cover the visible portion of a tooth, concealing any severe stains or discoloration that cannot be addressed through whitening procedures alone.
What is the purpose of dental restorations like crowns?
Dental restorations, including tooth-shaped caps like crowns, aim to restore the function, integrity, and appearance of damaged or decayed teeth.
How do dental crowns help maintain good oral health?
By protecting a damaged or weakened tooth, dental crowns help prevent further decay or deterioration that could lead to tooth loss and other oral health issues.
Do dental crowns require special oral hygiene?
While dental crowns themselves don’t require special care, maintaining good oral hygiene through regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits is crucial to prevent decay or gum disease around the crown and abutment teeth.
Can dental crowns be used after root canal treatment?
Yes, dental crowns are commonly placed over teeth that have undergone root canal therapy to protect and restore the treated tooth’s structure and function.
If I chip or break a tooth, is a dental crown an option?
In cases of a chipped, cracked, or broken tooth, a dental crown may be recommended to restore the tooth’s shape, strength, and appearance while preventing further damage.
For top-quality dental crowns and other restorative dental procedures in the Lake Travis area, trust the experienced team at Lake Travis Dentistry. We use the latest dental crown materials and techniques to provide durable, natural-looking results tailored to your needs. If you wish to learn more about the different types of dental crowns we use and their cost, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Call us today or book your consultation online and take the first step towards a healthier, more beautiful smile!
