A dental crown is a common restoration that helps strengthen a damaged tooth and improve one’s smile. After a crown procedure, your speech and ability to chew your food properly also improve. Crowns are strong, durable, and designed to look natural. If your tooth is damaged, your dentist can recommend a dental crown. The crown is placed over the damaged tooth and secured with dental cement.
Choosing the right dental crown is not always easy. There are different types of materials that you might use, and there are various advantages that come along with each of those types of crowns. When choosing the right crown to meet your oral health needs, the location of the tooth, your budget, and your desired appearance will play a significant role. When you understand your options, you make a better decision. If you need help choosing the right crown, you should consult a seasoned dentist.
The following are some of the factors you must consider when choosing the right dental crown:
Consider the Material of the Crown
A key factor you can consider when choosing the right dental crown is the material. Several materials are used to make dental crowns. Each material has its own advantages and drawbacks. The crown materials you can choose from include:
Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns are a common type of crown. They are manufactured only from dental porcelain. They are very popular because they mimic the natural appearance of teeth. The color and translucent nature of porcelain make it look like your own teeth. Therefore, they are very suitable for front teeth restoration. There are some advantages to the use of porcelain crowns, such as:
- Natural appearance
- Free from metal
- Stain-resistant
- Safe for those allergic to metals
Porcelain crowns can be used to repair cracked, worn-down, or heavily filled teeth, or those with root canals. These crowns are ideal for stained and disfigured teeth. However, porcelain crowns may chip under heavy biting pressure. Therefore, they may not be a good fit for the back teeth, which handle excessive chewing forces. A well-made porcelain crown can last 10 to 15 years.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns
PMF crowns combine the strength of a metal with the natural appearance of porcelain. The metal provides durability, while the porcelain coating matches your natural teeth. PFM crowns were among the most popular types of dental crowns in the past. The advantages of porcelain-fused-with-metal crowns are:
- They are more durable compared to all-porcelain crowns.
- They have better aesthetic appeal than metal crowns.
- They can be used on the front and back of the mouth.
- They last longer with proper care.
The metal base may become visible over time. Therefore, you should be prepared for this before choosing this type of crown. This issue can happen if your gums recede or the crown is damaged. PMF crowns may be the right choice for you if you seek a durable, strong option that maintains a pleasing appearance.
Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia crowns are considered one of the strongest and longest-lasting crowns used today. Zirconia crowns are made of zirconium oxide. Unlike metal crowns, zirconia crowns are tooth-colored. Some benefits of zirconia crowns include:
- Extreme strength
- Does not crack
- Resembles the color of natural teeth
- Good for anterior and posterior teeth
- Does not get worn out easily
If you have a habit of grinding your teeth, then this may be a good option for you.
Gold Crowns
Gold crowns are a durable type of dental crown. Contrary to popular belief, these crowns are not always pure gold. Instead, they are made from a combination of gold and other metals. Combining different metals increases the crown’s strength. Although gold crowns are not as popular as tooth-colored options, you can trust them for restoring your back teeth. You will enjoy the following benefits from gold crowns:
- Exceptional durability
- Rarely chip or crack
- Require less removal of natural tooth structure
- Gentle on opposing teeth
Metal Alloy Crowns
Metal alloy crowns are made from a blend of different metals. These may include cobalt, chromium, nickel, or other durable dental alloys. Metal alloy crowns do not contain large amounts of precious metals. For this reason, they are a suitable option if you want a cost-friendly procedure. Crowns made from metal alloys are strong and have a lower risk of fracture. Therefore, they are the right choice for individuals seeking a strong dental restoration.
Consider the Tooth’s Location
The position of the tooth that needs treatment can affect your choice of a dental crown. Different teeth are exposed to different levels of pressure daily. A crown that works well on one tooth may not be the best choice for another. Front teeth are the most visible when you smile, talk, or laugh. For this reason, their appearance is paramount.
Crowns made of porcelain or high-quality zirconia are commonly used for such teeth. Since they closely resemble the appearance of your natural teeth, you will not have any problems getting a perfect smile, as no one would suspect that you have artificial teeth. Premolars and molars are subjected to a strong chewing force each day. These teeth need highly durable crowns. If you need a crown for these teeth, you can choose zirconia, metal, or porcelain-fused-to-metal.
Some teeth will need to have both strength and aesthetic appeal to be considered. This is why your dentist will assess function when recommending a crown. It will ensure that you will get the right crown in the right place.
Think About Durability
The lifespan of your crowns can affect your choice. A strong crown protects your tooth. Also, it helps you avoid frequent repairs or replacements. All crowns are designed to last. However, some materials are much stronger than others.
You should think about how you use your teeth daily. If the crown is placed on a back tooth, it needs to handle heavy chewing forces. Molars are used to grind food. Therefore, molars experience more pressure than front teeth. More durable crowns are suitable for molars.
Zirconia crowns can withstand strong biting forces. Metal and gold crowns are also highly durable. Dentists have used them for many years and rarely break under normal use. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns offer a good balance between strength and appearance. Full porcelain crowns are attractive but may be more prone to chipping when exposed to excessive force.
Consider Your Desired Appearance
In addition to restoring the structure of a damaged tooth, a dental crown can also change its appearance. When choosing the right dental crown, you should factor in the kind of smile you desire. This consideration is especially important if the procedure is to be done on the front teeth. These teeth are visible whenever you smile, talk, or laugh. Most people want a crown that blends with their natural teeth.
Porcelain closely matches the color and translucency of natural enamel. Therefore, they may be the right choice for you if appearance is a concern. When you choose a material, your dentist can also customize the shade so the crown blends with the surrounding teeth.
Appearance is not only about color. The shape, size, and contour of the crown also need to be considered. A properly constructed crown must be comfortable to wear and must match your teeth. If you are replacing a front tooth, you must talk to your dentist about the aesthetics of the replacement.
Consider Your Allergies
Some people have allergies or sensitivities to certain metals used in dental restorations. Although these reactions are uncommon, they can cause discomfort or irritation in some patients. If you have experienced metal allergies in the past, you must choose a dental crown wisely. In this case, metal-free crowns like porcelain and zirconia are excellent options.
These materials are biocompatible, and the body tolerates them well. They also provide a natural appearance, making them a popular choice for many patients. Although you may not have experienced any allergic reactions before, it is important to inform your dentist of your full medical history.
This will help the dentist advise you on the most appropriate dental material. It will also help you feel more relaxed during the procedure.
Consider the Cost of the Crowns
When undergoing any dental procedure, most people will consider how much they need to spend. Depending on your budget, choose a procedure that will not cause you financial strain. For this reason, the cost of the crowns is a key factor you will consider when choosing the right dental crown. In California, you may incur the following costs for different types of crowns:
- Porcelain Crowns. Porcelain crowns usually cost $1,200 to $2,200 per tooth.
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns. PFM crowns generally cost $900 to $1,800 per tooth.
- Zirconia Crowns. Zirconia crowns cost $1,300 to $2,500 per tooth.
- Gold Crowns. Gold crowns usually range from $1,500 to $3,000 per tooth.
- Metal Alloy Crowns. Metal alloy crowns generally cost $900 to $1,700 per tooth.
- Same-Day CEREC Crowns. Same-day CEREC crowns usually cost $1,200 to $2,500 per tooth.
Some of the factors that will impact the cost of your crown procedure include:
Crown Material
The material has one of the biggest effects on the price of your dental crowns. Different crowns have different manufacturing costs. Premium materials may cost more than standard materials.
Tooth Location
The placement of the tooth, which will be crowned, will determine how expensive it is. Front tooth crowns require more intricate cosmetic work. It is important to get the right shade and size when doing the crown. The extra work may increase the cost of your procedure. Crowns for back teeth focus more on strength than appearance. Therefore, they may cost you less.
Additional Dental Procedures
Other times, there may be the need for something beyond crowns. The dentist has to check your tooth for decay or infection before placing your dental crown. If you have an infected tooth, a root canal is required first. Also, if the gums surrounding the affected tooth are infected, the dentist may treat the infection before placing a crown over the tooth. In this case, each additional procedure will add to the overall cost of your crowns.
Dentist’s Experience
Your dentist’s level of experience can affect the cost you incur for a crowning procedure. Highly experienced dentists or specialists may charge higher fees.
Dental Insurance Coverage
You do not have to cover the entire cost of your dental procedures. Insurance can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs. A crown is a medically necessary procedure. Therefore, you may receive coverage for the procedure. Many dental insurance plans cover an average of 50% of a crown’s cost. But for cosmetic crowns and high-end materials, insurance may not cover the costs. Before receiving your crowns, it is always best to check your insurance coverage.
Your habits can affect how long a crown will last. If you grind or clench your teeth, your crown will experience more stress. Other habits that can affect the durability of your crowns include:
- Chewing ice
- Biting hard candies
- Opening packages with your teeth
Using a customized night guard will help protect your crown and the rest of your natural teeth. A strong crown might be expensive when you buy it. However, it does not crack or wear out easily, which means that you will not need to replace it again.
Find Reliable Dental Services Near Me
If you have damaged, decayed, or discolored teeth, a dental crown can help you restore your smile. However, there are different types of crowns. When choosing the right crown, you must consider the location of the tooth, the material, your budget, and your personal preferences. Although the cost of the crowns is important, it should not be the only factor in your decision.
You should choose a crown that fits your teeth’s structure and is strong enough to withstand everyday pressures. If you need a crown for a front tooth, your sedated appearance may affect your choice. These teeth are visible when you smile. Therefore, you should choose the materials that mimic the shine of natural teeth.
For a consultation and reliable crown procedure, you will need our services at The Hawthorne Dentist. Call us at 310-775-2557 from Hawthorne, CA, to book your appointment.
