Types Of Dental Crowns: Choosing The Right One For You

Dental crowns have been the go-to option for those patients who want to restore the look of their teeth and smile for years. All types of dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that aim to improve our smile’s appearance.

Dental experts will often recommend them to treat different dental (cosmetic) issues. When they do, patients will usually have two questions: how much does a dental crown cost, and what are the different types of dental crowns?

In this article, we’ll aim to answer just these questions by talking about gold crowns, porcelain crowns, and other popular types.

On the other hand, if you have your mind already set and looking for porcelain crowns in Coral Gables, you can always feel free to reach out to us.

Dental Crowns: When Are They Necessary?

Before assessing dental crown costs and the most popular types, you should actually know whether they are necessary to restore your teeth or not.

You will probably find out during the first appointment with your dentist, who will evaluate your situation and recommend whether there’s a definitive need for a crown or filling (an inlay or an onlay would suffice).

Most often not, different types of dental crowns are used when:

• The tooth is severely weakened due to cavity problems and/or decay
• There’s a need to cover an implant
• You have to replace a large filling
• The natural tooth is too damaged or cracked
• After root canal treatment
• Bite alignment is needed
• Addressing aesthetic purposes: leveling the color, size, and shape of the teeth.

When you need to get a crown, chances are, you will receive a custom-made option. This will mean that you will need to visit your dentist a few times to get the best possible results. Different types of dental crowns will require slightly different processes, but still, the general process involves:

• Preparing the tooth (removing the decay or the root canal)
• Taking a mold, making sure that the crown will fit perfectly
• Undergoing temporary restoration in order to make sure that the root is protected while you’re waiting for the crown to be ready.
• Placing the crown on the tooth after around a week (when it’s finally ready)

Types of Dental Crowns

As mentioned before, there are a few different crown types that will vary both in terms of cost and other characteristics.

Below, we’ll talk about the most common types of dental crowns.

Gold Crowns

Gold crowns are probably the most durable and strongest crown types you can get. They are usually a combination of copper, chromium, and other nickel.

Most dentists will recommend gold crowns for back restorations, but nowadays, they are becoming less and less popular because of their aesthetics and color. Also, they may cause swelling and allergic reactions in rare cases.

Still, they are the most durable and long-lasting options out there, wearing down slowly, making the best options for back-teeth restoration.

Zirconia Crowns

Zirconia crowns represent a relatively new option. They are often referred to as the best of both worlds by combining the durability of metal and the looks of porcelain crowns. Both layered and high translucent zirconia crowns are popular.

Aside from these advantages, they are also less time-consuming to get since the material can be cut and shaped at the dental office (while other materials need to be prepared in a dental lab).

Lastly, they aren’t known to cause reactions, but zirconia crowns are known to wear down other teeth easily, especially the ones they bite against.

Porcelain Crowns

Porcelain crowns (especially all-porcelain) are the most popular types of dental crowns nowadays. As the name suggests, they are made out of porcelain, and they provide patients with the most natural look.

For most, porcelain crowns are the go-to options for teeth restoration, and they are extremely biocompatible. On the flip side, they are less durable than gold crowns and zirconia options. For teeth grinders, porcelain is definitely not the best option, and they can cost significantly more than most metal crowns.

Still, there are varieties available for those who prefer porcelain. PFM or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are possible options that have the strength of gold crowns (thanks to the metal structure) and the aesthetics of natural-looking porcelain crowns.

These, just like zirconia crowns, aim to provide the best of both worlds: natural looks and durability. They are also less costly than all-porcelain options, but the metal in the structure may lead to grey lines appearing at the gum line, and they might not have the same aesthetic effect as porcelain. Lastly, if the patient clenches their teeth, these crowns can wear down faster.

Lithium Disilicate Crowns

These are the latest addition to the types of dental crowns that are all-ceramic and made out of light and thin lithium disilicate (as the name suggests).

These crowns also have great aesthetics and come with improved durability along with being great options both for back and front teeth.

Still, they can be costly, and they might not be the best option for posterior teeth restoration.

Dental Crown Costs

When we are talking about finances, you probably know that the overall costs will vary depending on the material used, the severity of the dental problem, and the necessary preparation required for the procedure.

For starters, the number of teeth you’ll like to restore can drive dental crown costs pretty fast. Also, using the same crown type for all of your teeth (for example, porcelain crowns) will be more expensive than going with a few gold and a few porcelain substitutes.

In other cases, the preparations will significantly influence the procedure and the costs as well. Sometimes, core build-up is needed to protect the tooth’s integrity before the dentist can place the crown. In other cases, other procedures need to be performed, like minor gum surgery to ensure that the crown’s aesthetics will be adequate and that it won’t interfere with the surrounding teeth.

In some cases, patients may also need a root canal before the crown can be placed.

Lastly, when talking about average crown costs, we can say that porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are the least expensive options. Next, you have gold crowns, which can be slightly more expensive. All-porcelain, zirconia, and lithium disilicate options are considered the most costly options, but they are also known to produce the most desired results.

Crowns Fit for Queens and Kings

Even though mostly aesthetic, dental crowns are still a lasting restorative treatment that can also help mitigate some dental issues before they become more severe.

No matter which crown type you opt for in the end, you owe it to your smile (and yourself) to visit a seasoned dental expert who can properly evaluate your case and map out the best course of action accordingly. You also want to make sure that the crown placement and the accompanying procedures/tasks go smoothly without any hiccups.

If you are looking for a team of experienced dental experts with a proven track record for successful patient outcomes and renowned for creating a relaxing atmosphere for all their patients, give Gables Sedation and Family Dentistry a call to explore your options.