Healthy teeth are important in our lives to chew and speak easily as well as smile freely. Damage, decay or weakened teeth not only impacts appearance but also our confidence and oral health. Dental crowns are used to replace the stability and functionality of damaged teeth, which helps to restore function.
What is a dental Crown?
A dental crown is a customized cap fitted over a fractured or damaged tooth. It is used to restore the function, strength and appearance of the tooth. It fully covers the visible portion of the tooth and acts as a protective layer against further damages.
When Is a Dental Crown Needed?
An individual needs dental crowns when
- When there is extensive decay that cannot be restored with a filling
- To restore fractured and weak teeth.
- During root canal procedures
- To maintain a dental bridge
- To make misshapen or stained teeth beautiful
- To restore dental implants.
Why Dental crowns?
Dental crowns are not only aesthetic restorations. They used to:
- Strengthen the weak or fractured teeth.
- Replace damaged teeth.
- Fix dental bridges
- Cover stained teeth
- Cap the dental implant
Types of dental crowns
Dental crowns come in various forms, and depend on patient preferences and clinical needs.
Metal Crowns
Metal crowns are durable and made of metals like gold, nickel or chromium. These are used to restore fractured and broken teeth. Their process requires minimal removal of natural teeth, and they are highly resistant to wear, chipping, or breaking. These crowns are long-lasting but are not popular for their metallic looks. The dentists at Bel Air MD Dentists used these metal crowns for back teeth.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns
PFM crowns provide both strength and beauty, as their core is made of metal and has an outer coating of porcelain. The porcelain covering may match the color of your healthy teeth and look more natural. These crowns have some limitations. With age the porcelain layer will crack, exposing the metal interior. PFM crowns are an alternative to restoring the front and back teeth that increases dental crowns age up to 2 years.
Ceramic pressed crowns
Pressed ceramic crowns are an alternative to PFM Crowns. These are made with ceramics and are metal-free. The inner core of these crowns is made by heating and pressing ceramic at high temperatures. A large number of layers of porcelain are deposited on the base, and this resulting structure forms a crown that is very similar to the natural glow and translucency of the actual tooth enamel.
These crowns provide both strength and a natural look, making them suitable for both front and back teeth. However, like PFM crowns, they may chip over time due to wear on porcelain layers.
Zirconia Metal Crowns
Zirconia crowns are metal-free and made with a hard ceramic known as zirconium dioxide. These have more durability and offer natural appearance than other materials. Most people have no allergic reaction to these crowns. They are powerful enough for chewing and do not damage other teeth in the mouth. Zirconia dental crowns are natural-looking and require less shaping of teeth than the traditional teeth.
Same-day dental crowns
The dentists at Bel Air MD Dentist use advanced dental care & technology. They use CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing), which helps to create crowns in a few hours while you wait. The dentists take digital impressions of teeth to design personalized crowns using this software. The model is passed to a milling machine, and then the crown is made by a single block of ceramic.
The advantage of CAD/CAM technology is that the crown is fitted in one visit. However, this option may not be suitable for all patients. Consult your dentist to learn whether this might be an appropriate choice.
Before the Procedure
Before dental crown placement, the dentist will:
- Examine and X-ray the tooth
- Choose the crown type that suits you
- Customize the crown according to your teeth.
A temporary crown may be placed until your custom crown is made.
Dental crown procedure
- Evaluation and Preparation: The Dentist checks your tooth and takes X-rays; the tooth is reshaped, and a root canal or filling may be required.
- Impressions: A mold or digital scan of the reshaped tooth is made to ensure your custom crown fits comfortably and securely.
- Temporary Crown: A temporary crown is put over the tooth to secure it until the time your permanent crown is being created at a dental lab.
- Fitting and Installation: During the second visit, the crown is fitted and matched in color before it is firmly cemented in position.
- Same-Day Choice: CAD/CAM Technology can be used to make same-day crowns so that some patients have the opportunity to receive their crown on the same day.
After the Procedure
After the treatment, you may feel sensitivity, but it will subside within a few days. Avoid chewing hard foods with the crowns, and excellent oral hygiene should be maintained. Routine visits to your Bel Air MD Dentist ensures the crown remains in good condition
Dental crown cost
The dental crown cost varies depending on the material used and the clinic’s location.
- The average cost of porcelain-fused-to-metal is $700 to $1500
- The average cost of zirconia dental crown is $1300 to $2600
Does dental insurance cover crowns?
Yes, insurance covers the full or partial cost when it is medically necessary. Some plans cover 40%, and some cover 80% of the total cost of treatment. However, it typically does not cover routine crown maintenance or cleaning costs
Dental Crowns vs Dental Fillings
- Dental fillings are used to treat minor damages. They seal the gap and rebuild a part of the tooth. It is less invasive, quicker and cost-effective.
- Dental crowns are applied to severely decayed, weakened, or root-canaled teeth. They fully protect the whole tooth, giving more strength. Crowns are long-lasting but expensive, and removal of enamel is necessary.
Advantage and Disadvantage
Advantage
- Restores strength and function
- Prevents further damage
- Long-lasting with proper care
- Improves appearance
- Minimally invasive compared to extraction
Disadvantage
- Removal of natural tooth enamel.
- Cause teeth sensitivity
- Can fracture teeth
- Poor fitting can trap bacteria
- May cause allergic reactions in some individuals
- expensive
FAQs
How long do dental crowns last?
Dental crowns can last for up to 15 years by maintaining good oral health. It depends upon the material from which the crown is made.
Are dental crowns painful?
Dental crowns are not painful, as local anesthesia is used. These caps mimic natural teeth and fit securely over the existing tooth
Can I eat normally with crowns?
Yes, you can eat normally after crown placement. But it is good to avoid eating hard foods and maintain your oral health.
Is there any alternative to a dental crown?
Yes, dental fillings and veneers are the alternatives to dental crowns. The dentists will recommend it based on your condition. Dental fillings are used for minor decay, and veneers are used to cover the front of teeth.
