Did you know that more than a quarter of all North Americans have untreated dental care issues? This is attributable to a lack of insurance coverage, but a good portion is due to unfounded fears and misinformation about dental procedures. There are some very good reasons to not leave dental issues untreated, as most will only worsen over time.
Most people have at least heard of teeth crowns, but many do not realize that they are available for front teeth. In fact, they are a great option for cosmetic reasons, but also to treat damaged or weakened teeth.
The information below will tell you everything you need to know about crowns on front teeth. It explains the distinctions between them, veneers, and other treatments, as well as situations where they are the go-to option. Keep reading to find out more.
Dental Crown Basics
Teeth can experience damage from different sources. Besides injuries, teeth can lose their shape due to decay or simply wear and tear over time.
A tooth cap or crown covers damaged teeth. They are permanent, cemented into place. (There is such a thing as temporary crowns, but these are most often put in while a permanent crown is being made.)
A crown can be made from various substances. These include porcelain, resin, ceramics, and metal.
Metal crowns–usually chromium, gold, nickel, palladium, or zirconium–are very strong and resistant to chipping and breaking. The drawback is metallic coloring. For this reason, they are often used only on back teeth that are out of sight, and not for a front crown.
Resin crowns are inexpensive but will not last as long as other types. Ceramic, porcelain, or porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns provide a good mix of durability and aesthetics. They will last a long time and can match the color of your teeth better than other options.
Advantages of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are ideal for a tooth that has been weakened by decay or has had extensive dental work, such as root canals. Dental crowns restore the size, shape, strength, and appearance of your teeth. They can protect against bacteria that can cause further decay.
Dental crowns also can keep damaged teeth from fracturing further. This applies to teeth that have loose fillings or other reconstructive work that has deteriorated.
Even if your teeth are in decent shape, if you are someone who has a history of tooth decay, crowns can be a preventative measure to stave off future damage.
Finally, crowns can give you a straight, even smile. They are an excellent option for correcting minor chips on teeth that are otherwise healthy.
Front Tooth Crowns
Like other crowns, front tooth crowns cover your entire tooth. They offer the same protections that come with standard crowns and are a great option for cosmetic treatments.
If teeth have become discolored or damaged from an accident, crowns can make them look new. They also are a fantastic option for crooked teeth and for strengthening weak front teeth.
Are Crowns on Front Teeth Noticeable?
No, crowns are made to look exactly like your other teeth. They have a natural appearance that is not noticeable under everyday circumstances.
Front tooth crowns are very thin: only about 2mm thick. Since they are more visible than crowns on the back teeth, they most often use porcelain or PFMs to closely mimic natural teeth color.
Front Teeth Crowns vs. Veneers
Both crowns and veneers serve as restorative treatments for damaged teeth, but they serve distinct purposes. The main difference is that veneers only cover the fronts of the teeth, while crowns cover the entire tooth.
For this reason, veneers are a good option for cosmetic treatments but not for adding strength to the tooth. They also are less durable than crowns, so they may not last as long.
Another reason you might choose a front tooth crown over veneers is that they can be applied to a single tooth. Since veneers are usually for aesthetic purposes only, they usually are not applied to a single tooth.
Note that crowns are also distinct from onlays, which do not cover as much of your tooth. Onlays are used in specific circumstances, where there is still a substantial amount of tooth in place.
How Long Do Front Crowns Last?
You also may be wondering, “How strong are crowns on front teeth?” This depends on the material used for the crown, but you can expect most to last at least 10 years with proper care.
Like other crowns, front tooth ones can be knocked out or become loose over time. In general, they are very strong and will remain in place and look great as long as they are not damaged.
How Much Do Front Crowns Cost?
A dental crown usually costs around $1,200. You can expect front crowns to be in the same ballpark.
It is important to note that most insurance plans will cover at least a portion of the cost. A reputable dentist will be more than willing to check insurance coverage and discuss payment options with you.
Schedule a Consultation for Front Teeth Crowns Today
Now that you understand how front teeth crowns work and what advantages they afford, you can decide if they are the right option for you. The best thing to do is discuss dental services with your family dentist, to help you decide on the best course of action to ensure optimal health for your teeth.
The Dental Team is a family dental practice with various locations throughout the Greater Toronto area. We provide myriad services, including cleanings, fillings, implants, and front teeth crowns. Reach out to us today to learn more about our practice or to schedule an appointment.
