If you have a tooth that's damaged or cracked, you probably need a dental crown.
Crowns are essential for teeth to function. The crown of a tooth is the visible top part used for chewing, and can easily be damaged by a cavity.
When a tooth is severely damaged or decayed, dental crowns may be recommended to help protect your remaining natural tooth.
Dr. Chew has provided dental crowns in Fremont, CA for over 30 years. He knows how to restore a patient's smile with his outstanding dental care! Learn more about how dental crowns work here.
What are Dental Crowns?
As a tooth restoration option, dental crowns are artificial coverings that go over the remaining portion of your natural tooth.
Dental crowns are used to substitute your natural crown that is no longer capable of protecting your tooth due to damage or decay.
While dental crowns can be used to cover your natural tooth, they're also an important part of other tooth replacement options. For example, with a dental implant, the crown attaches to an artificial abutment.
How Much Does a Dental Crown Cost?
The price range of dental crowns is broad. It varies depending on what material you choose and the preparation required before the crown is fitted. Most dental insurance covers at least a portion of the cost of dental crowns when they're medically necessary.
There are a few materials commonly used for dental crowns. Some are recommended over others based on where the damaged teeth are in the mouth. For example, a crown material like metal is a preferred option for molars, while a resin crown is a better choice for front teeth since it blends in naturally.
Procedures That Affect the Cost of Dental Crowns
Getting a dental crown isn't always as easy as setting up the appointment and having it installed. You may need additional dental procedures before you're ready for a dental crown, which could affect the total cost.
Other factors that could affect the cost of getting a dental crown include additional dental procedures, such as:
What Are Dental Crowns Made Of?
If you need a dental crown, you may be curious about which material is best for you.
Crowns can be composed of several materials, but not all options are ideal for every tooth. Here are some of the most popular ones to help you figure out the best type of dental crown for your needs.
Metal
There are several metals that dental crowns can be made of -- the most common ones are gold, palladium, nickel, and chromium. Many of the metal options available are alloys, meaning they are combined with other metals for rigidity and increased lifespan.
Metal crowns are a great option because they're durable but are only slightly harder than natural teeth. Because of this, the wear they put on the surrounding teeth is minimal.
They are very noticeable, however, so they are more suitable for molars where they're less visible.
Porcelain
Porcelain crowns are a popular choice for front teeth due to their ability to blend seamlessly with natural teeth.
A con of porcelain crowns is that they are very hard. Their hardness can cause noticeable wear on the teeth opposite them over time. While porcelain is a strong material, they're a bit more brittle compared to metal crowns.
Although regular porcelain crowns aren’t as durable as their metal counterparts, a new option, zirconia, has surfaced. Zirconia is a type of porcelain that rivals metal and still matches your natural teeth.
Ceramic
Similar to porcelain, ceramic crowns are preferred over metal because of their ability to seamlessly blend in with your natural teeth.
They also have a similar lifespan to porcelain and are great for replacing front teeth and maintaining your natural smile!
Ceramic has a similar hardness to porcelain so over time the teeth surrounding the crown will begin to slowly wear down.
Hybrids
Hybrid dental crowns offer the best of both worlds when it comes to looks and durability. They are usually a combination of porcelain and metal. The metal is visible at the base of the crown but isn't too noticeable thanks to the porcelain.
Hybrid crowns are very versatile. They're often used to replace molars due to their durability, and their discreteness allows them to be used on front teeth.
Resin
While they are often used as temporary placeholders, resin crowns are a more cost-effective tooth replacement solution. They can also be closely matched to the color of your natural teeth.
Compared to other options, resin crowns are much less resilient and are more likely to chip or crack under pressure. Because of their vulnerability, resin dental crowns are usually reserved for temporary front teeth restoration or replacement.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
While dental crowns are a permanent tooth restoration procedure, they might need to be replaced every so often.
The lifespan of dental crowns is anywhere from a few years to a lifetime. This is all dependent on the type of dental crown you have and how well you take care of your oral hygiene.
The average lifespan for each respective type of dental crown is as follows:
Metal Crown - 20+ Years
Porcelain Crown - 10-15 Years
Zirconia - 20+ Years
Ceramic Crown - 10-15 Years
Hybrid Crown - 10-15 Years
Resin Crown - 2-5 Years
To help your dental crowns last as long as possible, it’s best to stay away from hard or chewy candy and food. Some examples include ice, lollipops/suckers, steak, raw carrots, and apples.
Dental Crown Procedure
Many people are unaware of the procedure involved in getting a dental crown, but it's pretty simple! We're here to break down the process to give you some peace of mind going in. Getting a crown installed usually takes two visits.
First Visit:
Tooth Shaping
During the tooth shaping process, the dentist will trim off the damaged area of the tooth. Once only the healthy part is left, it's shaped to allow the crown to fit on top of it. The tooth's root and nerves are left untouched to keep the remaining tooth healthy and strong enough to support the strain of chewing.
Dental Impression
After the tooth is shaped, we'll take an impression of your mouth. It will be sent out to a lab and used to construct a perfectly fitting crown. The manufacturing process can take up to three weeks.
Temporary Crown
While waiting for the permanent crown to be made, we'll install a temporary crown. Without a temporary crown, the remaining portion of your tooth could become damaged since it's more exposed after the tooth shaping procedure. You would also likely have an increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks.
Second Visit:
Permanent Crown
When the crown arrives, you'll receive a call to schedule an appointment to get it permanently attached. The application process of the permanent crown is painless, and patients can walk out with confidence!
Dental Crowns in Fremont, CA
Dr. Chew has been trusted to restore smiles and teeth function with dental crowns in Fremont, CA for years. We want all of our patients to leave with a healthy mouth and confidence.
Dental crowns aren’t just for looks. They restore proper functionality and can help you lead a better quality of life. If you need a dental crown, make an appointment online, or call us today!