Dental crowns mitigate tooth decay, protecting natural teeth and preventing further tooth pain. If you are suffering from advanced tooth decay and are having trouble with fillings, then dental crowns may be the solution for you.
Continue reading to learn more about the types of dental crowns available and how much they cost.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a specialized cap that’s used to protect a damaged tooth. Dental crowns become necessary when a tooth is cracked, severely worn down, or has a cavity. In some cases, dental crowns may be useful to protect a tooth after a root canal.
Dental crowns are also used during tooth implant procedures. The crown is the visible tooth-like part of the implant.
Benefits of dental crowns include:
- They can help restore the alignment of your bite.
- No special maintenance is required (simply brush and floss as recommended by your dentist).
- They are mostly permanent, lasting for decades.
- Crowns save damaged teeth and prevent dead teeth from breaking apart.
Types of Dental Crowns
There are several types of dental crowns, each with its advantages, price points, and level of durability. Some crowns, like gold, are popular for their durability, while others, like ceramic, are selected for their natural appearance.
Gold Alloy Crowns
This type of crown is created using gold and a mixture of other metals to create a more malleable, comfortable crown that is unlikely to damage surrounding teeth. An added benefit of gold alloy crowns is that they don’t fracture as many other crowns may.
Ceramic Crowns
This type of crown is ideal for blending seamlessly into a patient’s natural smiles and maintaining the same level of firmness as a natural tooth. One potential downside to ceramic crowns is that they can chip, making them not the best option for individuals who grind their teeth in their sleep.
Metal Alloy Crowns
Metal alloy crowns are comprised of a mixture of metal types to provide a cost-effective, durable crown option.
Porcelain-Coated Metal Crowns
This is known for being exceptionally strong and natural in appearance. Porcelain-coated crowns are ideal for patients who don’t mind the higher price tag and want the most inconspicuous option.
These crowns are made by fusing porcelain to metal, resulting in a sturdy, durable crown.
Composite Resin Crowns
This type of crown is made from composite resin substances which can be shaded to match the natural color of an individual’s teeth. Common resin materials used to create composite resin crowns include silicon dioxide resin, acrylic polymer resin, and polymethyl methacrylate resin.
Same Day Dental Crown
Same day dental crowns are often used as an emergency fix. For instance, did you break your tooth the day before a big event? If so, same day dental crowns can save the day.
While not being quite as durable as other types of crowns, same day crowns are still very useful in the dental world and can be life-savers if an emergency dental situation occurs at exactly the wrong time.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
While the lifetime of your dental crown will depend primarily on the material it is made from, many dental crowns can last between 10 and 30 years.
If longevity is especially important to you, make sure that you discuss this with your dentist so that they can help you find the best dental crown option for you.
Dental Crowns Cost
The cost of your dental crowns depends on the material used, how much work is required to get your teeth prepared and insurance coverage. Minor gum surgery may be necessary, or even a root canal therapy, which affects the final cost.
Schedule an Appointment at The Chicago Dental Studio
Our mission at The Chicago Dental Studio is to revolutionize the world of dentistry by providing premium care, high-quality crowns, and a dental experience that leaves our patients feeling pampered.
If you’re wondering if dental crowns are the right choice for your mouth, schedule an appointment with us today.
