There are several types of dental crowns and your dentist can help you choose the best type of crown for your specific needs based on your individual circumstances. It’s important to consider factors such as cost, durability, and appearance when making your decision.
There are several types of dental crowns available, each with its own advantages and cost. Here are some of the most common types of dental crowns and their approximate costs:
Porcelain fused to metal (PFM) crowns
Porcelain fused to metal (PFM) crowns are a popular type of dental crown that have been used for many years. They consist of a metal base, typically made of an alloy containing gold or other metals, which is covered by a layer of porcelain to give the crown a natural appearance.
The metal base provides strength and durability to the crown, while the porcelain layer helps to mimic the appearance of a natural tooth. The porcelain is shaded to match the color of the surrounding teeth, making the crown blend in seamlessly with the rest of your smile.
PFM crowns are a versatile option and can be used for both front and back teeth. They are often recommended for patients who need a crown on a back tooth that experiences a lot of biting force and pressure.
The process of getting a PFM crown typically involves two appointments with your dentist. During the first appointment, your dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping it to fit the crown. They will also take an impression of the prepared tooth and send it to a dental laboratory to create the custom crown.
At the second appointment, your dentist will place the crown onto the prepared tooth and make any necessary adjustments to ensure a comfortable fit. They will then bond the crown to the tooth using a dental cement.
The cost of PFM crowns can vary depending on various factors such as the location of the dental practice and the complexity of the procedure. However, they typically cost between $500 to $1,500 per tooth. It’s best to consult with your dentist to determine the best type of crown for your specific situation and to get an accurate cost estimate.
All-ceramic or all-porcelain crowns
All-ceramic crowns, also known as all-porcelain crowns, are a type of dental crown made entirely of ceramic material. They are known for their natural-looking appearance and are a popular choice for people who want a crown that looks and feels like a natural tooth.
All-ceramic crowns have a number of advantages over other types of crowns. They are highly aesthetic, meaning they can be matched to the color and translucency of your natural teeth. They are also strong and durable, making them suitable for use on both front and back teeth.
One of the main benefits of all-ceramic crowns is that they do not contain any metal, which makes them a good option for people who are allergic or sensitive to metals. They are also less likely to cause gum irritation or discoloration of the surrounding teeth.
The process of getting an all-ceramic crown is similar to other types of crowns. Your dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping it to fit the crown. They will then take an impression of the prepared tooth and send it to a dental laboratory to create the custom crown.
At the second appointment, your dentist will place the all-ceramic crown onto the prepared tooth and make any necessary adjustments to ensure a comfortable fit. They will then bond the crown to the tooth using a dental cement.
The cost of all-ceramic crowns can vary depending on various factors such as the location of the dental practice and the complexity of the procedure. However, they typically cost between $800 to $3,000 per tooth. It’s best to consult with your dentist to determine the best type of crown for your specific situation and to get an accurate cost estimate.
Gold crowns
Gold dental crowns are a type of dental crown made entirely of gold or a gold alloy. Gold crowns have been used in dentistry for over 100 years and are known for their durability, strength, and resistance to wear and fracture.
One of the main advantages of gold crowns is that they require less tooth preparation than other types of crowns. This means that more of your natural tooth structure can be preserved. Gold crowns are also biocompatible, which means that they are less likely to cause allergic reactions or gum irritation.
Gold crowns are typically used for back teeth, where their strength and durability are most important. They are less commonly used for front teeth due to their color and appearance.
The process of getting a gold crown is similar to other types of crowns. Your dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping it to fit the crown. They will then take an impression of the prepared tooth and send it to a dental laboratory to create the custom crown.
At the second appointment, your dentist will place the gold crown onto the prepared tooth and make any necessary adjustments to ensure a comfortable fit. They will then bond the crown to the tooth using a dental cement.
The cost of gold crowns can vary depending on various factors such as the location of the dental practice and the complexity of the procedure. Gold crowns are generally more expensive than other types of crowns, with costs ranging from $800 to $3,000 per tooth. It’s best to consult with your dentist to determine the best type of crown for your specific situation and to get an accurate cost estimate.
Zirconia crowns
Zirconia crowns are a type of dental crown made from a strong and durable ceramic material called zirconium dioxide. They are known for their natural-looking appearance and their strength, making them a popular choice for both front and back teeth.
One of the main advantages of zirconia crowns is their strength and durability. They are highly resistant to chipping, cracking, and wear, making them an excellent option for people who have bruxism (teeth grinding) or who need a crown for a molar or premolar.
Zirconia crowns are also highly aesthetic, meaning they can be matched to the color and translucency of your natural teeth. They are biocompatible, meaning they are less likely to cause allergic reactions or gum irritation than other types of crowns.
The process of getting a zirconia crown is similar to other types of crowns. Your dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping it to fit the crown. They will then take an impression of the prepared tooth and send it to a dental laboratory to create the custom crown.
At the second appointment, your dentist will place the zirconia crown onto the prepared tooth and make any necessary adjustments to ensure a comfortable fit. They will then bond the crown to the tooth using a dental cement.
The cost of zirconia crowns can vary depending on various factors such as the location of the dental practice and the complexity of the procedure. However, they typically cost between $800 to $3,000 per tooth. It’s best to consult with your dentist to determine the best type of crown for your specific situation and to get an accurate cost estimate.
Temporary crowns
Temporary crowns are a type of crown that is placed on a tooth while the permanent crown is being made in a dental laboratory. They are typically made from a plastic or acrylic material and are designed to provide temporary protection and stability for the tooth until the permanent crown is ready.
Temporary crowns are typically used in cases where a tooth has been prepared for a crown but the permanent crown is not yet ready. This can occur due to the need for a custom crown to be made in a dental laboratory, which can take several days or weeks.
The process of getting a temporary crown is similar to other types of crowns. Your dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping it to fit the crown. They will then take an impression of the prepared tooth and use this to create a custom temporary crown that fits over the tooth.
The temporary crown is then cemented onto the tooth using a temporary dental cement. It is important to take care of the temporary crown by avoiding sticky or hard foods and brushing and flossing carefully around it to prevent it from dislodging.
Temporary crowns are typically used for a period of several days to several weeks, depending on how long it takes for the permanent crown to be made. Once the permanent crown is ready, the temporary crown is removed and the permanent crown is cemented onto the tooth.
The cost of temporary crowns is typically included in the overall cost of getting a dental crown. It’s best to consult with your dentist to determine the best type of crown for your specific situation and to get an accurate cost estimate.
Keep in mind that these costs are approximate and can vary depending on various factors such as the dentist’s experience, the location of the dental practice, and the complexity of the procedure. It’s best to consult with your dentist to determine the best type of crown for your specific situation and to get an accurate cost estimate.
