A Complete Guide to Dental Crowns: Restoring Your Smile and Confidence.
Introduction
A beautiful smile is often associated with a person’s confidence and spirit. However, oral health issues like decay, damage, or discolouration of teeth can affect not just the appearance but also how our teeth function. Thankfully, dental crowns can fix a damaged tooth, making it look and function properly again.
In this guide, we will dig deep into the world of dental crowns, exploring what they are, the different types of dental crowns, the procedure to get them, how much they cost, and other important considerations.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that is placed over a damaged, decayed, or weak tooth. It helps restore the tooth’s size, shape, strength, and appearance. It acts as a protective covering over the tooth’s visible part above the gumline. Depending on the material used, it can be tooth coloured or metallic in colour. They are made using advanced CAD/CAM technology.
Dental crowns have multiple uses, including restoration of weak or damaged teeth, root canal treatment, dental bridges, and dental implants. They are also preferred over traditional teeth whitening methods to cover discoloured or stained teeth.
What Are the Various Types of Dental Crowns?
Depending on the type of material used, we have the many types of crowns including-
1. All-Ceramic or All-Porcelain Crowns:
- Material: Porcelain or ceramic
- Characteristics: Ceramic and porcelain crowns are well-known for resembling natural teeth and having a nice appearance. Their ability to have colour and translucency similar to that of natural teeth makes them an ideal choice for restorations in visible areas, such as the front teeth. These crowns are also a great choice for people with metal allergies.
2. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns
- Material: As the name states, it is a mix of metal alloy and porcelain.
- Characteristics: PFM crowns, made of both metal and porcelain, are strong, long-lasting, and look natural. The metal base gives them strength, while the porcelain top makes them look good. However, it’s important to note that it has a chance of wearing down the opposing teeth.
3. Metal Crowns:
- Material: Metals like gold or gold alloy
- Characteristics: Metal crowns are known for being strong and lasting a long time. They’re good for back teeth because they’re not easily seen, and they don’t need much of the natural tooth structure to be removed.
- Stainless Steel Crown: They are used in kids to cover the tooth until it falls out.
- Composite Resin Crown: These crowns are made of composite resin and are the least expensive compared to other crowns. However, they are also the weakest and are not preferred.
4. Zirconia Crowns:
- Material: Zirconia (Zirconium dioxide)
- Characteristics: Zirconia crowns are famous worldwide for their appearance, strength, and durability. They match the colour and look of natural teeth and work well for front and back teeth. Plus, they’re safe for the body and do not cause any allergic reactions.
Dental Crown Procedure
Getting a dental crown typically involves several steps-
- Initial Examination: Your dentist will look at your teeth and mouth. This is done to check the decayed tooth’s condition and decide if a crown is the correct treatment option.
- Tooth Preparation: The dentist will remove a small part of the outer layer of the tooth receiving the crown. He will also remove any damaged portion if present. The tooth needs to be reshaped so that the crown will fit perfectly.
- Impression: The dentist then takes impressions of your tooth. Physical impressions are taken using putty-like material and trays while digital impressions are taken using a 3D scanner. These impressions are then sent to the dental laboratory where a customized dental crown will be made.
- Temporary Crown: While the permanent crown is being made in a dental laboratory, a temporary crown can be put over the prepared tooth to protect it.
- Crown Placement: Once the permanent crown is ready, it’s made to carefully fit over the natural tooth. The crown is then checked to ensure it fits well and correctly lines up with your bite. Then, it’s permanently placed with dental cement.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
- Fix teeth that are worn, broken, or have decayed.
- Shield teeth from wear and tear.
- Make it easier to chew food.
- Make your smile look better.
- Last for a long time if you take good care of them, usually between five to 15 years.
Drawbacks of Dental Crowns
- Some portion of the outer layer of your natural tooth (enamel) will have to be removed.
- Might make your tooth sensitive for the first few days after crown placement.
- If the crown is not fixed properly, food and bacteria can get trapped and cause decay.
- Some people may be allergic to metal crowns or other materials.
- Might be costly for some people.
What is a Dental Crown Bridge?
A dental crown bridge, or simply a dental bridge, is an appliance used to replace one or more missing teeth. It consists of one or more false teeth held in place by dental crowns attached to surrounding teeth. Dental bridges not only restore the ability to chew and speak properly, but also make your smile look better and boost your confidence by filling in any gaps. They prevent the adjacent teeth from moving into the empty space and thus maintain bite alignment. Lastly, they prevent bone loss and help maintain jawbone health.
Cost of Dental Crowns in Australia
Dental crowns’ costs in various Australian cities might vary a bit because of differences in living costs and dental clinic expenses. Here is a general overview of the average cost of dental crowns in some major cities across Australia:
- Dental Crown’s Cost in Sydney: The cost of dental crowns in Sydney is in the range of $1,500 to $2,500 per crown.
- Dental Crown’s Cost in Melbourne: In Melbourne, the average cost of dental crowns falls between $1,200 to $2,000 per crown.
- Dental Crown’s Cost in Brisbane: Dental crowns in Brisbane may cost anywhere from $1,200 to $2,000 per crown.
- Dental Crown’s Cost in Perth: The average cost of dental crowns in Perth ranges from $1,200 to $2,000 per crown.
Factors Impacting the Cost of Dental Crowns
The price of dental crowns can change depending on factors like:
- Number of Crowns Needed– The number of crowns required to repair the damaged teeth affects the total cost. The price of a crown needed for a single tooth will be cheaper than for a three-unit bridge or more.
- Materials Used– The cost of dental crowns depends on the materials chosen, such as metal, ceramic, porcelain, or zirconia. Ceramic, porcelain, and zirconia may be pricier due to their stronger properties and appearance.
- Extra Treatments– Some patients may need to get extra procedures done like teeth cleaning, fillings, extraction, or treatment of gum disease. Such treatments add to the overall cost.
- Dentist Experience– Experienced dentists charge more than new dentists, which increases the total cost of treatment.
- Clinic Location– Clinics located in urban and well-developed cities may charge more than clinics in small towns.
To get the right price for your dental work, it’s important to talk to your dentist. They’ll give you a cost that suits your budget and case.
Conclusion
Dental crowns are really important for fixing and making teeth that are damaged or decayed better. They help your teeth function well and look good, too. Nowadays, dental crowns are made to last long and look natural. If you have dental problems or want to improve your smile, talk to your dentist about getting dental crowns. They can help you decide which crown would be the right choice for you. Taking care of your teeth is important, and dental crowns can improve your confidence in your smile.