Did you know that tooth decay is the most common oral health problem worldwide? Untreated cavities lead to broken, cracked, and severely worn down teeth.
Many people look to dental crowns as a solution to restore this damage and decay and prevent tooth loss. If you need a dental crown, it’s important to know what types of dental crowns are available and how much they cost.
If you’re looking to get a dental crown soon, you’ll want to tune in and keep reading. You’ll learn about the five types of crowns to choose from so you can decide which one is best for you.
1. Gold Dental Crown
A gold crown is a type of metal crown that’s been around in dentistry for many years. In fact, they’ve been used for tooth repair for thousands of years! Usually, gold crowns are made of gold alloy, platinum, and nickel. Combining these metals reduces the cost and increases their strength.
Gold crowns have many advantages, such as:
-
- They’re able to withstand a lot of force
-
- They don’t chip or break easily
-
- They’re very durable and last a long time
-
- Only a small part of your tooth has to be removed for a gold crown
Although gold crowns have many advantages, some people may find them a poor choice if they suffer from metal allergies. Also, some people don’t like the gold aesthetic of these crowns as they don’t appear as natural, but they’re a good choice for molars that remain out of sight.
You’ll find the cost of gold dental crowns is approximately $1,200.
You’ll find they’re well worth the investment due to their overall durability. If you have dental insurance, you’ll find it typically covers 50% of the cost of a crown, but you’ll need to check with your insurance plan.
2. Porcelain Dental Crown
Porcelain crowns are one of the most popular choices of crowns today due to their natural appearance.
Porcelain crowns are also usually used for the front teeth because of their white color and natural aesthetic. Porcelain crowns also don’t contain any metal, so they’re safe for anyone with metal allergies.
However, there are disadvantages to look at, such as:
-
- They aren’t as strong as gold or other metal crowns
-
- They won’t work long-term if you grind your teeth
You’ll also find that your original tooth has to be ground down more for a porcelain crown than they do for a gold crown.
The porcelain dental crown cost is approximately $1,200. With porcelain crowns, you’re mainly paying for the natural appearance and not so much the durability long-term.
3. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns have a porcelain exterior and a metal alloy interior. This way, PFM crowns have the strength of a metal crown and the natural appearance of an all-porcelain crown.
You’ll find many advantages if you choose a PFM crown, such as:
-
- They feel much like your natural teeth
-
- The metal and porcelain are very durable, so they last a long time
PFM crowns do have some disadvantages to consider. If you have any type of metal allergies, they can cause allergic reactions. Also, even though PFM crowns have a porcelain exterior, the metal interior can become visible if your gums start to recede, so they’re not the best option if you have existing gum disease.
You’ll find that the average cost of a PFM tooth crown around $1,200. With PFM crowns, you’re paying for both the natural aesthetic and durability long-term, so PFM crowns are a wise choice.
4. Zirconia Dental Crown
Zirconia crowns are becoming a popular choice these days. Zirconia crowns are made from zirconium dioxide, which is a durable ceramic material.
One of the biggest benefits of getting a zirconia crown is that it’s strong and durable. This makes them a good choice for molars at the back of your mouth, as those are the teeth that do most of the chewing and grinding of food.
You’ll find other advantages to getting zirconia crowns, such as:
-
- They’re long-lasting and don’t chip easily
-
- They’re metal-free
-
- They have a nice aesthetic
You can expect the cost of zirconia crowns to be about the same as porcelain crowns, around $1,200. Their metal-free and durable properties make them an excellent investment for your dental health.
5. E-Max Dental Crown
E-max crowns are dental crowns made from a durable ceramic material called lithium disilicate.
You’ll find that e-max crowns have a natural look, and the thin material matches the natural shape and color of your teeth perfectly. They also feel very natural once they’re in place.
Despite these advantages, e-max crowns aren’t a great choice if you have darker teeth due to how thin the material is. Also, these crowns are best for replacing only a single tooth. Using multiple e-max crowns can cause them to become less durable, especially when used on your back teeth.
E-Max crowns typically cost the same as porcelain and Zirconia crowns. E-max crowns are well worth the cost you’ll pay upfront due to their natural shape and feel.
Learn More About the Types of Dental Crowns Today
Now that you know more about the types of dental crowns available and how much they cost, you’ll be better prepared to talk to your dentist about these options.
If you need a dentist, the professionals at The Dental Team are here to help you improve your dental health. We offer a variety of dental services like dental crowns, implants, bridges, and much more.
We have locations in Mississauga, Brampton, Milton, and Vaughan to meet your dental care needs, so contact us today to book an appointment!
Dental Crown FAQ's
How long do dental crowns usually last?
The longevity of dental crowns can depend on the type of material used, your oral hygiene habits and how well you take care of your teeth. Generally speaking, dental crowns made from porcelain fused to metal last for about 8-15 years, while those made from all ceramic materials will often last 10-20 years or more.
To help keep your crowns in good condition, practice good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings. This can help to extend the lifespan of your dental crowns and protect your teeth from decay.
Do you always need a root canal with a crown?
No, a root canal is not always needed with a crown. In some cases, such as when the decay in a tooth has not reached the pulp or nerve of the tooth, a crown may be enough to restore the tooth and prevent further damage.
However, if there is extensive decay or infection that has reached the nerve of the tooth, then a root canal may be necessary in order to prevent further damage. The best way to determine if a root canal is needed is to visit your dentist so they can assess the condition of the tooth and determine what type of treatment is required.
How much is a crown for a tooth?
Exact cost of a crown for a tooth depends on several factors, such as the type of material used, the complexity of the procedure, and any additional procedures that may be necessary. Generally speaking, porcelain or ceramic crowns tend to be more expensive than metal crowns due to their higher quality materials.
The location of the tooth, the type of abutment or post that is used to attach the crown, and any prep work required by the dentist can also affect the overall cost. On average, a single crown can range from $1100 – $3,000 depending on the condition and materials used. To get accurate rates, be sure to contact us.
