Dental crowns are a common restorative dental treatment used to repair damaged teeth and improve their appearance. They are custom-made dental caps that cover the entire visible part of a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and functionality. Dental crowns can be made from various materials, each with its own unique properties and benefits. In this article, we will explore the different types of dental crowns, their pros and cons, average prices, and answer some common questions regarding dental crowns.
Metal Crowns
Metal crowns, often made of gold alloy, are known for their durability and strength. They are highly resistant to wear and tear, making them suitable for molar teeth that undergo heavy chewing forces. Metal crowns are less likely to chip or break compared to other types, but their metallic color makes them less aesthetically pleasing, making them more suitable for back teeth.
Price: The average price of a metal crown is around $800-$1,200 per tooth.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are a popular choice due to their combination of strength and aesthetics. They have a metal substructure for strength and are layered with porcelain for a natural tooth appearance. PFM crowns can match the color of adjacent teeth, making them suitable for both front and back teeth. However, the underlying metal may become visible at the gum line over time, especially in patients with receding gums.
Price: The average price of a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown is around $800-$1,500 per tooth.
All-Ceramic or All-Porcelain Crowns
All-ceramic or all-porcelain crowns provide the best aesthetics as they resemble natural teeth the closest in terms of color and translucency. They do not contain any metal, making them an excellent choice for patients with metal allergies. All-ceramic crowns are commonly used for front teeth as their metal-free composition allows for optimal light transmission, creating a more natural-looking smile.
Price: The average price of an all-ceramic crown is around $800-$2,500 per tooth.
Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia crowns are known for their exceptional strength and durability. They are made from zirconium oxide, a biocompatible material that is resistant to chipping, cracking, and wear. Zirconia crowns are often used for molars and premolars, where strong biting forces are involved. While they provide good aesthetics, they may not match the translucency of natural teeth as closely as all-ceramic crowns.
Price: The average price of a zirconia crown is around $1,000-$2,500 per tooth.
Temporary or Provisional Crowns
Temporary or provisional crowns are temporary restorations placed over prepared teeth while awaiting the permanent crown to be fabricated. They are usually made from acrylic or stainless steel and serve to protect the tooth, prevent sensitivity, and maintain proper spacing while the final crown is being made in a dental laboratory.
Price: The average price of a temporary crown is around $300-$500 per tooth.
Gold Crowns
Gold crowns have been used in dentistry for many years and are appreciated for their longevity. They have excellent biocompatibility and are gentle on opposing teeth. Gold crowns offer a precise fit and require minimal tooth preparation. However, their metallic appearance makes them less popular for visible areas of the mouth.
Price: The average price of a gold crown is around $800-$1,500 per tooth.
E-Max Crowns
E-Max crowns are made from lithium disilicate ceramic, which provides both strength and superior aesthetics. They are highly translucent, giving them a lifelike appearance. E-Max crowns are suitable for both front and back teeth. Due to their strength, they require minimal tooth preparation, preserving more natural tooth structure.
Price: The average price of an E-Max crown is around $800-$2,500 per tooth.
Ceramic-Fused-to-Metal (CFM) Crowns
Ceramic-fused-to-metal crowns combine the strength of metal with the aesthetics of ceramic. The metal substructure provides stability and strength, while the ceramic layer ensures a natural tooth-like appearance. However, as with PFM crowns, the ceramic layer may wear down over time, revealing the metal underneath.
Price: The average price of a ceramic-fused-to-metal crown is around $800-$1,500 per tooth.
Composite Crowns
Composite crowns are a more affordable option compared to other types of crowns. They are made from dental composite resin, a tooth-colored material that can be matched to the natural color of adjacent teeth. However, composite crowns are not as strong as other types and may wear down or chip over time, especially in patients who grind their teeth.
Price: The average price of a composite crown is around $600-$1,200 per tooth.
Temporary vs Permanent Crowns
Temporary crowns are designed to be short-term solutions while permanent crowns are custom-made to provide long-term restoration. Temporary crowns are typically made in the dental office and are meant to protect the tooth until the permanent crown is ready. Permanent crowns, on the other hand, are fabricated in a dental laboratory with precise measurements and customizations to ensure a perfect fit and optimal aesthetics.
FAQs
Q: How long do dental crowns last?
A: Dental crowns can last on average between 10-15 years, but their longevity depends on various factors such as oral hygiene, biting forces, material used, and regular dental check-ups.
Q: Can dental crowns be whitened?
A: Dental crowns cannot be whitened with traditional teeth whitening methods. However, if the color of the crown becomes significantly mismatched with the adjacent teeth, it can be replaced with a new crown that matches the desired shade.
Q: Are dental crowns painful?
A: The process of getting a dental crown is generally pain-free as it is performed under local anesthesia. However, some patients may experience temporary sensitivity or discomfort after the procedure, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.
References:
- Clinical success of zirconia-based crowns: a systematic review
- Dental ceramics: A review of new materials and processing methods
- Adhesive bonding to tooth structure: A critical review of the literature and some clinical implications
