Most people will experience dental problems sometime in their life.
For some, they might be limited to cavities and other minor issues.
For others, the problems may be more significant.
They might involve root canals, oral surgery, dentures, or implants.
There are also circumstances in which having a crown placed is necessary.
This can be due to a patient's tooth being worn down, weakened, cracked, chipped, or broken.
While the procedure isn't as complex as some types of dental work (i.
e.
bone grafts, perio surgery, etc.
), it does require the skills of an experienced dentist.
Below, you'll learn about the varies types of crowns that are offered today.
We'll also describe how the procedure works and the typical costs that patients can expect to pay.
Available Options There are several types used by dentists.
Each has inherent advantages and disadvantages.
Metals such as gold or nickel alloys are often used because of their strength and durability.
They tend to break less frequently than other options and can be placed without removing as much of the tooth.
The disadvantage of using metals is the color (though, this is less relevant when they're placed on molars).
Ceramic crowns are popular because they offer a natural appearance that closely matches the color of the teeth.
Plus, the material is more pliable than metal and can be easily contoured to the form, size, and shape of the surrounding teeth.
Their main disadvantage is that they're more prone to wear and tear.
Porcelain is occasionally used but is not as popular as metal or ceramic.
The material is typically fused to metal, making them more durable than ceramic.
However, they lack the natural look of ceramic because of the metal frame.
Most people prefer metal for their back teeth and ceramic for the front.
How The Procedure Works Crowns can usually be created and placed within two visits.
During the first visit to your dentist, he'll take x-rays to examine the affected tooth.
Next, he'll remove the necessary portion of your tooth (by filing it down) to prepare it to receive the crown.
He may also do the same to nearby teeth.
Then, your dentist will use a putty-like material to create an impression of the newly-shaped tooth.
The impression is sent to a lab where your crown is designed.
Before leaving your dentist's office, he'll place a temporary crown on the filed tooth.
Within two weeks, your new permanent crown will be created and sent to your dentist.
During your second visit, he'll replace the temporary crown with the permanent one (after checking to make sure the fit and color is appropriate).
How Much Will It Cost? The cost of crowns will largely depend on the type of material used and the teeth for which the crowns are being designed.
Usually, ceramic will cost more than metal because of the extra time, effort, and expertise required to create and place them.
You can expect the price to range between $400 and $900 for each crown.
That said, a portion of the cost is often covered by a patient's dental insurance.
Building A Better Smile A chipped or broken tooth can look unsightly.
It can be distracting to people and create a lasting impression.
What's more, teeth that are structurally weak can break further if unsupported.
Whether you are a patient in Chicago or Detroit, crowns are placed for reasons that are both aesthetic and pragmatic.
Not only do they help make a person's smile more attractive, but they can provide critical support for weakened teeth.
Your dentist can likely place them easily within two visits.
If one or more of your teeth have suffered structural damage, ask your dentist if crowns are an appropriate solution.
For some, they might be limited to cavities and other minor issues.
For others, the problems may be more significant.
They might involve root canals, oral surgery, dentures, or implants.
There are also circumstances in which having a crown placed is necessary.
This can be due to a patient's tooth being worn down, weakened, cracked, chipped, or broken.
While the procedure isn't as complex as some types of dental work (i.
e.
bone grafts, perio surgery, etc.
), it does require the skills of an experienced dentist.
Below, you'll learn about the varies types of crowns that are offered today.
We'll also describe how the procedure works and the typical costs that patients can expect to pay.
Available Options There are several types used by dentists.
Each has inherent advantages and disadvantages.
Metals such as gold or nickel alloys are often used because of their strength and durability.
They tend to break less frequently than other options and can be placed without removing as much of the tooth.
The disadvantage of using metals is the color (though, this is less relevant when they're placed on molars).
Ceramic crowns are popular because they offer a natural appearance that closely matches the color of the teeth.
Plus, the material is more pliable than metal and can be easily contoured to the form, size, and shape of the surrounding teeth.
Their main disadvantage is that they're more prone to wear and tear.
Porcelain is occasionally used but is not as popular as metal or ceramic.
The material is typically fused to metal, making them more durable than ceramic.
However, they lack the natural look of ceramic because of the metal frame.
Most people prefer metal for their back teeth and ceramic for the front.
How The Procedure Works Crowns can usually be created and placed within two visits.
During the first visit to your dentist, he'll take x-rays to examine the affected tooth.
Next, he'll remove the necessary portion of your tooth (by filing it down) to prepare it to receive the crown.
He may also do the same to nearby teeth.
Then, your dentist will use a putty-like material to create an impression of the newly-shaped tooth.
The impression is sent to a lab where your crown is designed.
Before leaving your dentist's office, he'll place a temporary crown on the filed tooth.
Within two weeks, your new permanent crown will be created and sent to your dentist.
During your second visit, he'll replace the temporary crown with the permanent one (after checking to make sure the fit and color is appropriate).
How Much Will It Cost? The cost of crowns will largely depend on the type of material used and the teeth for which the crowns are being designed.
Usually, ceramic will cost more than metal because of the extra time, effort, and expertise required to create and place them.
You can expect the price to range between $400 and $900 for each crown.
That said, a portion of the cost is often covered by a patient's dental insurance.
Building A Better Smile A chipped or broken tooth can look unsightly.
It can be distracting to people and create a lasting impression.
What's more, teeth that are structurally weak can break further if unsupported.
Whether you are a patient in Chicago or Detroit, crowns are placed for reasons that are both aesthetic and pragmatic.
Not only do they help make a person's smile more attractive, but they can provide critical support for weakened teeth.
Your dentist can likely place them easily within two visits.
If one or more of your teeth have suffered structural damage, ask your dentist if crowns are an appropriate solution.