It can be difficult to choose from the various types of tooth crowns that are available nowadays. But no matter what you choose, hiring a skilled dentist is integral. If you live in Illinois, getting a tooth crown at Northwest Dental Group will guarantee your satisfaction. Their dentists will help you decide on the best crown type for you. However, if you want to learn more about the types of dental crowns, their benefits, and prices, read on.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Simply said, dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that go over damaged teeth. Parts of your tooth can break or wear down over time, or you may need to have a part of your tooth removed due to cavities.
If one or more of your teeth are damaged because of an injury or tooth decay, your dentist may recommend a tooth crown be put in the place of the affected tooth. A dental crown restores the shape and size of your tooth, as it stays cemented to the tooth it was placed on. That prevents further damage to your tooth and improves the overall appearance of your smile.
Do You Need a Dental Crown?
If you’re interested in learning about the types of dental crowns, you may be wondering whether you should get one yourself. There are several reasons to consider tooth crowns.
Firstly, they can protect partially broken teeth from decay. Additionally, if your tooth is severely worn down, a crown can restore its look and functionality.
Secondly, with a tooth crown, you can cover a discolored or a misshapen tooth. If the appearance of one of your teeth is bothering you, covering it with a crown that’s close in color and shape to the rest of your teeth may be right for you. According to this reputable Dentist in West Harwich, installing a dental crown is a quick and easy procedure to get your confidence back.
Types of Dental Crowns
When choosing a tooth crown, your dentist will take into consideration several key factors. Firstly, they will look at your tooth’s location and whether it shows when you smile. Secondly, they will consider the function of the tooth you’re putting the dental crown on. And lastly, they will check how much of the tooth is there, which will determine the type of dental crown they use.
If you or your dentist are unsure of which dental crown types are best for you, they may opt for putting a temporary tooth crown on you first. As the name suggests, temporary dental crown types stay in your mouth for a short period of time. After that, your dentist will choose from a full crown, an onlay, or a 3/4 crown.
While a full crown covers your whole tooth, a 3/4 and an onlay dental crown only cover the tooth partially. Onlays and 3/4 crowns are an option if the underlying tooth has a solid structure. However, if you don’t choose a color that matches your tooth perfectly, it may look discolored.
Types of Dental Crown Materials
When you’re deciding between types of dental crowns, you should take their material into consideration. Here are some of the most common types of dental crown materials:
Metal
The most common materials used in dental crowns are gold, nickel, palladium, and chromium. Metal crowns are the most durable type of tooth crown out there. They don’t require any upkeep and can withstand years of biting and chewing. Additionally, your dentist won’t need to remove much of the tooth when placing it. However, metal is one of the least popular dental crown types nowadays. They are quite visible, and the metallic color may look unattractive to some. Still, they are a great choice for teeth that aren’t visible while smiling.
Porcelain fused to metal
These dental crown types combine the durability of metal with the aesthetics of porcelain. Porcelain is white, so it will match your teeth better than a metal tooth crown will. However, porcelain tooth crown types also wear down much faster. Due to wear and tear, the porcelain part of the dental crown could chip or break off. Once it breaks, you’ll have to replace it, as it can affect the teeth around it. Additionally, the metal may show through as a dark line under the porcelain part of the crown.
Resin
Resin tooth crown types are the least expensive type of dental crown. Additionally, your dentist can match the color to your natural teeth hue easily. However, a resin dental crown will deteriorate quickly. It’s less durable than a metal, porcelain, or ceramic crown. Resin crowns will likely break in a few years, meaning you’ll need to invest money in replacements later on.
Porcelain or ceramic
Porcelain and ceramic types of dental crowns provide the best color match to your natural teeth. They’re also a great choice for those who are allergic to metal. Still, they are weaker than metal and porcelain-and-metal tooth crown types. When they start to wear out, porcelain and ceramic crowns wear down the teeth around them. Still, due to their color, they are a great choice of crowns for front teeth. Alternatively, you can choose a pressed ceramic crown. They last longer than an all-porcelain crown does, and the color match is great.
Dental Crown Costs
Depending on the material you choose, dental crowns can cost anywhere from $600 to $2,500 or more. At about $600 to $1,300 per tooth, resin dental crowns cost the least. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are a little pricier, with the cost per tooth being about $900 to $1,400.
Metal crowns can range from affordable to expensive, depending on which type of metal you choose. Metal crowns made of palladium or nickel usually cost about $800 to $1,400 per tooth. However, if you want a gold crown, you’ll have to pay $2,500 or more per tooth, which is quite an investment.
How Long Does a Tooth Crown Procedure Last?
If you want to avoid damaging your tooth crown, you need to take care of it. That’s especially important if you choose one of the types of dental crowns that are less durable than metal. Here are a few tips you might find helpful for dental crown maintenance:
- floss your teeth every day
- brush your teeth carefully, especially those around the crown
- avoid chewing hard foods on the side where your crown is
- buy a nightguard if you grind your teeth at night
Conclusion
Hopefully, by now you know which types of dental crowns are available to you. However, you still may want to know what to expect when you schedule an appointment with your dentist. If you want to learn more about the process of getting a tooth crown, visit MedLinePlus for more information.
Alternatively, you can also find a dentist near you. Simply search for a term like “dentist near me lafayette” on the internet and it should pull up a list of professionals that you can reach out to.
