WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF DENTAL CROWNS?

If you have recently sustained an injury that has severely damaged a tooth, or if you have a tooth that you have allowed to decay for too long, you will need to consider repair options with your dentist. One option to repair severely broken or decayed teeth is the placement of a dental crown.

Replacement Crowns

Dental crowns are prosthetic replacements that help to support a damaged tooth. These prosthetics provide a similar level of functionality, and can also be made to look very similar to the natural crown that is being replaced.

A prosthetic crown is a more advanced repair option, and will only be performed if the tooth is too far gone for other, less invasive repair methods. Still, the placement of a prosthetic crown can help to avoid the full extraction and replacement of the tooth. This often makes them a necessity for saving the natural root of a tooth.

Types of Crowns

There are different material options that may be available to a patient when it comes time to place a dental crown. Below are a few common options for the materials used to fabricate a dental crown.

Porcelain-Fused to Metal

Porcelain-fused to metal is a very popular option because of both the durability it provides, and the aesthetic appearance. Porcelain-fused to metal crowns are able to very closely mimic the look of natural teeth. This allows the patient to smile without others noticing that they have the crown of their tooth replaced.

The metal portion of the prosthetic makes the crown much stronger—ensuring the longevity of the crown.

Ceramic

Another replacement option that can easily mimic the look of natural teeth is ceramic. Ceramic replacements are also much less durable, though, and because of this they may not last as long.

Metal and Gold Alloy

Metal and gold alloy replacement crowns are the most durable, and the longest lasting. They can also be quite expensive. It’s also important to consider their appearance. Gold and metal are very noticeable. Because of this, they will often make a better option for the replacement of the crown of a molar, rather than the crown of a front tooth.

Cost of Dental Crowns

The cost of the placement of a crown will depend on a few different factors. One factor is the amount of repairs needed before the crown is placed. If a tooth is decayed, for instance, the dentist will need to remove the decay in order to place the crown. Another consideration is the materials used to fabricate the crown. Some materials will be more expensive than others. Still, a patient can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000.

Is a Dental Crown Right for Me?

In order to determine whether a prosthetic crown is right for you or not, you’ll need to set an appointment with your dentist. They will take a look at the damage to the crown of the tooth, and see what repair option is best for you.

Learn More About Dental Crowns : What is the Dental Crown Procedure?