Dental crowns are versatile in terms of applications in the dental field giving them the ability to treat various oral issues. They can restore the functions and aesthetic appearance of teeth. The extensive range of materials makes dental crowns cost suitable for any financial plan. Despite their simple procedure, most patients feel a bit lost with dental implants. Do you really need them? What is the best material? How can you reduce dental crowns cost? In the following article, we’ll address all aspects of dental crowns.
What Are Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are capsule-like structures that cover damaged teeth. The caps enclose teeth either for aesthetics purposes or protective purposes. In some instances, teeth can be damaged, either due to cavities or exposure to acidic substances. The brittle discolored state of the tooth is an inconvenience for many. However, extracting the tooth entirely is not an ideal option. Since the root is available, there is no need to extract it and replace it with a prosthetic. Organic always wins of course, and thereby its sufficient to cover the teeth with dental crowns and securing them. This ensures both a pleasing aesthetic finish and an improved oral health state.
It does not necessarily have to be a treatment, in certain cases, the aim is entirely aesthetic. Whether to straighten teeth or fill gaps, dental crowns are ideal for a large array of cases.
When Are Dental Crowns Necessary?
Dental crowns are often recommended in the following cases:
- Keep chipped and broken teeth intact from further breaking
- Protect teeth from decay
- Restore a tooth that has been significantly dissolved or misshaped
- Encase a tooth that has been discolored
- Cover a large filling after a root canal treatment
Materials For Dental Crowns
Whether the results are natural-looking or not depends on the material. Dental crowns are made of a variety of materials, from impeccable to mediocre depending on the patient’s budget. Listed below are materials in order of best to average.
1- Zirconium Crown
Dental crowns made of zirconium simply outshine the rest. The material makes it hard for other crowns to compete on the scene, with special characteristics such as durability, non-reactivity, and strength. In addition, Zirconium is nonreactive with body fluids, making it ideal for patients with allergies to still opt for dental treatments. In addition, zirconium is by far the strongest material for crowns. It beats both porcelain and ceramic. As a result of its strength, zirconium crowns are resistant to chipping or fracturing.
Particularly for those with metal allergies and teeth grinding habits, zirconium makes for the perfect solution. The material is also the easiest to match with the natural teeth. Moreover, zirconium crowns rank number 1 in comfort compared to other materials. Its ability to mimic the natural transmissions of hot and cold temperatures surpasses alternatives.
2. Titanium Crown
Titanium is a metal that is resistant to corrosion and lasts permanently. Given its stable characteristics, it is considered the standard material. However, dentists can enhance it or blend it with other materials. A popular combination for the root is a titanium base with a 100% pure calcium hydroxide coat. This blends well with the jaw bone.
A cheaper alternative mixture is a root that is 70% titanium with the remaining 30% being a blend of copper and other metals. The latter often corrodes within ten years and requires replacement until then.
3. Metal Crowns
Gold crowns or metal crowns are a combination of copper and alternative metals. For instance a blend between copper and nickel. Or copper and chromium. Although metal crowns are extremely durable and strong, their aesthetic appearance does not make them among the favorites for patients.
In contrast to the properties of alternative crown options, metal is relatively durable and doesn’t require the removal of a lot of tooth structure. Metal crowns resist the pressure of the natural actions of chewing and biting. The wear down of metal crowns occurs at a much slower rate than alternative options. As for their effects on adjacent teeth, metal crowns are considered relatively safe. Minimal tooth wear may occur to neighbor teeth. Metal crowns fall short in their visible appearance. They are ideal for encasing out-of-sight morals.
Advantages Of Copper Crowns
- Cost-efficient.
- Strength and durability.
- Extensive longevity.
Disadvantages Of Copper Crowns
- Unnatural aesthetic appearance.
- Could induce allergic reactions.
4. All Porcelain Crowns
All porcelain crowns are made entirely from porcelain. They are capable of mimicking the natural appearance of teeth giving a satisfactory finish.
Advantages Of All Porcelain Crowns
- A natural aesthetic appearance and blends well with the color of neighbor teeth.
- Can be crafted to match teeth size and shape.
- Bio-compatible and does not cause allergic reactions.
- Suitable for restoring front teeth.
Disadvantages Of All Porcelain Crowns
- Not very strong.
- Requires intensive aftercare to extend longevity.
- Not the most efficient dental crowns cost.
- Not suitable for patients with burxism
5. Metal Infused Porcelain Crowns
Metal infused porcelain crowns are a practical alternative that resides between all-metal and all-porcelain crowns acquiring a mixture of benefits from either material. Unlike metals, metal-infused porcelain can be color-matched to natural teeth. However, unlike metal, this category of dental crowns is prone to wear in comparison to the durability of the all-metal crowns. In terms of authenticity, ceramic-infused crowns are second only to all-porcelain.
The metal could become prominent at the intersection of the crown and the gums, somewhere between the meeting point of the crown and the gum, there may be a visible silver line that circulates the crown. The metal-infused porcelain crowns are ideal for front or back teeth replacement.
6. All Resin
Considering financial factors, all-resin crowns are ideal from the perspective. All-resin dental crowns serve for minimalistic functions such as supporting and preserving teeth; however, the prices and features compromise entirely on the quality and aesthetic appeal. They are far more likely to be prone to wear downs and fractures.
7. Temporary Crowns
Temporary crowns are not a long term solution; they are often placed as a quick-fix solution until permanent crowns are ready for use. Temporary crowns are crafted on-premises at the dentist’s office from stainless steel or acrylic. Permanent crowns, on the other hand, are designed in off-site laboratories and take a few days to be ready.
Dental Crowns Costs
Dental crowns cost depends on the material you choose. For instance, dental crowns cost is higher if you opt for porcelain over metals. Another factor to consider in dental crowns cost is the country you get the procedure in. Medical tourism is becoming extremely popular for this reason. Patients find that costs abroad for similar quality are much less. The dental crowns cost for metals could be between $600 to $2500 in the USA whereas the dental crowns cost for the same material in Turkey could range between $250 to $1000 in Turkey.
Dental Crowns FAQ
Do Dental Crowns Alter The Root
Dental crowns are cap-like structures crafted from a wide range of materials to enhance the aesthetic appearance of misshaped teeth. Unlike dental implants, crowns do not replace or alter the root of the tooth. Crowns primarily encase a damaged tooth starting at the surface of the gum to restore its healthy shape and size.
How Long Does It Take To Prepare For Dental Crowns?
The entire process of placing dental crowns can be covered, usually, in two steps and visits.
Step 1: Examining & Designing The Crown:
During the first visit, most of the studying will take place. An X-ray will be required from the patient to examine the condition of the affected tooth, in terms of cavity progression, the presence of possible pulp infection, and the state of the surrounding bone. In case the decay is extensive, or the pulp of the tooth is infected or injured, a root canal treatment must precede crown placement. Otherwise, preparations for the crown ensue.
The process starts by the application of the local anesthetic. The dentist will numb the treated area, gum, and tissue surrounding the target. The dentist filed down the toot to remove some tooth structure to place the crown. How much tooth your dentist will file out depends entirely on the material of crowns you opt for. Generally, all-resin and metal crowns tend to be thinner in the layer, hence, will require minimal amounts of tooth to be carved out for placement. On the other hand, all-porcelain and porcelain fused metal crowns are considerably thicker in structure and will require carving out more of the tooth for placement.
Other times, the patient could be missing more tooth area and structure that is necessary to hold a crown. In that case, filling materials are can elevate the structure of the tooth to the necessary measurements for crown application.
Step 2: Taking Impressions Of The Tooth
Once the tooth is re-shaped in accordance with the required measurements, the dentist will apply a paste-like material to make an accurate impression of the tooth to receive the dental crown. The mold created will help patients receive the ideal crown that will facilitate their oral functions. Depending on the crown material the patient opts for, the dentist will begin the color-matching process to find the ideal shade that blends with the patient’s natural teeth.
The dentist sends the impressions and shade of the crown to an off-site dental laboratory to manufacture the crown in a few weeks. On average crowns are often ready and delivered back to the dentist after 2 to 3 weeks. To protect the work and progress achieved in the first visit, the dentist will craft a temporary crown to prevent the alteration of the prepared tooth. The dentist glues the temporary acrylic crown in place using a temporary cement.
Step 3: Placement Of The Permanent Dental Crown
During the second visit, the dentist will first remove the temporary crown, and then check the condition of the tooth. The dentist will test the crown in terms of fit and color, and if all is according to plan, the process of permanently cementing the crown into place begins.
Caring For Your Temporary Dental Crowns
Temporary crowns are quick-fix crowns that dentists can craft on-premises within minutes. Typically temporary crowns are to protect the preparations of the first visit until the actual crown is ready. Until the actual crown is ready, usually in two to three week’s time, patients have to care for the temporary dental crowns. Here are some of the steps that you should consider:
- Avoid foods that cause a pulling force on teeth, chewy foods such as chewing gum and caramel. Sticky foods have the ability to grasp on the crown unit and pulling it off.
- It is better not to use the treated side for mechanical effort, rely on the other side of the mouth for chewing.
- Abstain from consuming hard foods, such as carrots and other raw vegetables, as the prospects of the foods dislocating or breaking the crow are really high.
- When flossing, implement a linear flossing pattern, where you slide sideways repetitively instead of horizontal movements. The up and down movement of flossing could gravely impact could possibly dislocate and pull the crown out.
What Complications Could Arise With Dental Crowns And How You Should Deal With Them?
A few problems could occur after the initial placement could arise; here is how to deal with the most prevalent problems.
- Sensitivity
The discomfort of sensitivity is an issue prevalent with crowns that are on top of an intact root with healthy nerves. Teeth with nerves will often display sensitivity to extreme temperatures such as cold and hot stimulation. Sensitivity will first become apparent as the effect of the anesthesia wears off. To resolve this dilemma, the dentist will most likely recommend the patient uses toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth.
While sensitivity is a normal aspect, pain is not. Particularly pain that appears when chewing as it signifies the crown is too high and not an accurate fit. In that case, contact the dentist immediately to have the issue resolved and the crown re-designed.
- Crown Chipping
Chipping often occurs in porcelain and ceramic crowns than alternative materials. However, in case it occurs, consider two possibilities. The first possibility is to do with small chipping, or chipping that does not penetrate further than the surface, in that case, the composite resin repairs the chipping while the crown is in the mouth. Otherwise, if the chipping is extensive, you will have to replace the entire crown.
- Loose Crowns
Crowns become lose when the adhesive cement wears out over time. You should not take this matter lightly because the cement dissolving creates open spaces that are a perfect niche for bacterial proliferation leading to cavities. Therefore, it is advisable to seek professional help when the problem first arises.
- Crown Falls Out
Crowns can often fall off when the cement significantly dissolves to the point where it offers no adhesion to hold the crown in place. In case this occurs, do not attempt to push the crown in place. Wash the dislodged crown and clean the area with water. Over-the-counter adhesives for crowns are available separately, apply the adhesive on the crown and place the crown back as a temporary solution. Seek professional help after to have the crown taken care of and correctly placed. In some instances, the crown may never be able to go back in. In that case, you will have to request another crown.
- Allergies And Allergic Reactions
Allergies from the crowns are a possibility in porcelain crowns and metal crowns that are a mixture of various metals. Although rare, seek professional help as soon as symptoms emerge. In most cases, you will have to replace the material of the crown.
- Appearance Of Dark Pigment Surrounding The Gum Line
Dark lines surround a crown at the surface of the intersection between crown and gum is relatively normal in some crowns over others. Metal fused porcelain tend to have a visible lining outlining the crown.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last
Dental crowns can last anywhere between 5 to 15 years. Many factors come to play when evaluating the average life expectancy of a crown. This depends on the material you use and its durability and strength. In addition to external facstors such as mechanical pressure from clenching habits and nail-biting and personal dental hygiene practiced.
Do Crowned Teeth Require A Special Routine?
A common misconception around crowns is that since the crown is initially metal and not bone, it is not susceptible to decay. While that is true, it is crucial to remember that the gum and remaining tissue structure encased by the crown, is prone to cavities, gum disease, and decay. It is very essential to practice decent oral hygiene to preserve the structure of the crown and increase its life span. Brush the crown and teeth twice a day, use saline solution to gargle, and floss in a horizontal manner according to safe guides once a day.
In short
Dental crowns cost varies based on the material you use and the location of your treatment. For cheaper options titanium can be blended with copper, however, the results will not look natural. Blended titanium is most popular in countries like the UK and the US where treatments are very expensive. However, many are taking advantages of medical tourism and traveling to countries like Turkey where the treatment is only a fraction of the price.
For further questions on dental crowns, please contact us.