Dental health is an important part of your overall health because if your dental health is not in place, it affects overall body functioning. At times, maintaining dental health through restorative treatments such as dental crowns becomes important as they cover the decayed and damaged tooth, improving overall teeth’ speech functionality and smile appearance. If you are planning to get a tooth crown, we have got you covered. This article is a complete guide about dental crowns and their various types that you should know. So, without any further delay, let’s dive in!
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown or a cap is a tooth-colored prosthetic designed and developed to restore a broken, chipped, or decayed tooth; a dental crown can be made using various materials, including metal or porcelain.
If your tooth is damaged or broken, your dentist performs the root canal treatment, where the infected teeth and pulp are removed and fit this tooth crown using composite bonding over the treated tooth so it looks like your real teeth. Once inserted, it improves the strength of your tooth, improving the overall tooth appearance by rightly aligning it.
6 Main Types of Dental Crown
Here are the top 6 types of dental crowns:
1. Metal Crowns
Metal dental crowns are designed and formulated using gold, palladium, nickel, and chromium. These metal crowns rarely chip or break as they are extremely strong and last longer. Just like natural enamel, they wear down slowly with time. Metal crowns are ideal, especially for second molars.
2. Porcelain-Fused-To-Metal (PFM) Crowns
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, also known as PFM, are another common dental crown known for their tooth-colored natural look and excellent durability. PFM crowns last extremely long, the same as metal crowns. They are known for their excellent aesthetics and inexpensive nature.
3. Pressed Ceramic Crowns
Like the PFM, pressed ceramic crowns have a rigid material and are made of ceramic instead of any metal. Ceramic is created by heating and pressing the ceramic in an oven to make them more solid and durable. These crowns are more natural-looking.
4. All-ceramic or Porcelain Crowns
Another most popular type of dental crown is porcelain or all-ceramic crowns, which are completely made up of porcelain material. They are tooth-colored crowns that look completely natural. Since these are biocompatible, no metal is used in making these crowns. Note porcelain crowns are not as strong as metal crowns.
5. Same-Day Dental Crowns
Most dentists use computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology to make crowns while you get your treatment done. Using this software, the dentist takes your teeth impression to create custom dental crowns. Once the design is ready, crowns are crafted by the machines using ceramics.
6. Zirconia Crowns
Relatively a newer material that combines the aesthetics and strength of porcelain and metal crowns, respectively. Once you get zirconia crowns, there are fewer chances of chipping and breaking. Because of its strength, the chances of wearing down are comparatively lesser.
Do You Require a Tooth Crown?
There are several reasons why you may need a tooth crown:
- Strengthening a weak tooth
- Holding together the dental bridge
- Supporting and protecting the cracked or broken tooth
- Covering a discolored or stained tooth.
- Covering dental implants or root canal treatments.
- If the tooth is cracked, chipped, or broken
- In case the decay has affected a particular region of your tooth
- Doctors mostly recommend a tooth crown after a root canal treatment.
What Is The Cost of Dental Crowns?
Here is a complete breakdown of the dental crown cost:
- The cost of gold dental crowns ranges between $600-$2,500.
- The cost of All-porcelain crowns ranges between $800-$3,000.
- The cost of Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns ranges between $500-$1,500.
- The cost of Zirconia Crowns and E-max crowns ranges between $500-$1,500.
FAQs
1. List some questions you must ask your dentist before getting a dental crown
Some of the questions you must ask your dentist before getting a dental crown are:
- What is a Dental Bridge or Crown?
- Who Should Get a Dental Crown and Bridge?
- What are the Potential Benefits and drawbacks of Dental Crown/Bridge
- How Long Does the Dental Bridge or Crown Last?
- I have composite bonding. Can I still get a dental crown?
2. What are the potential advantages and disadvantages of dental crowns?
Benefits of dental crown or bridge
- Dental crowns reduce the risk of bone loss.
- Excellent at maintaining your teeth and smile aesthetics
- Enhances your teeth’ functioning and strength
- Provides support to all other damaged and decayed teeth
- Protect a tooth post-RCT or root canal treatment
Drawbacks of dental crown or bridge
- A dental crown or bridge leads to potential sensitivity
- Increases the chances of recurrent decay
- Fracture of porcelain
- The crown color does not match the original teeth color
3. When should you go for a dental bridge and crowing?
A dental crown is generally recommended to enhance your teeth and smile appearance. Here are common reasons why you should consider getting a dental bridge and crowing:
- Fractured tooth
- Dental implants
- Decayed or chipped tooth
- A broken or missing tooth
- After root canal treatment
4. List ways to protect your dental crown
Here are some of the ways you can protect your dental crown:
- Use soft-bristled toothbrushes only.
- Make a ritual of brushing your teeth twice a day.
- Use floss every day to kick out all germs and bacteria.
- Use antibacterial mouthwashes to avoid bacteria leading to tooth decay or plaque.
- Do not rely on extremely hard, chewy, or crunchy food items.
- Go for dental checkups and cleaning sessions at regular intervals.
Wrapping Up!
The rapid rise in dental problems has increased the importance of dental crowns as they restore cracked, chipped, and broken teeth. Tooth crown corrects teeth problems and gives a natural appearance. If you have any dental problems, getting dental crowns is a great option.
