Dental crowns are a kind of tooth-shaped cap used in restorative dentistry. A dentist simply places the cap over a tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength. Caps can also hide dental imperfections, which can help improve the appearance of a lackluster smile.
Do you need help repairing your smile and restoring your oral health? Let the team at Lakewood Dental Group assist you. Dr. Shaun Sigurdson and Dr. Mihir Patel offer numerous solutions to help you enhance your dental health without blowing your budget. So, don’t wait–contact us today at (214) 827-1885 for proactive and affordable dental care in Dallas, TX!
As a dental prosthetic, dental caps are extremely versatile. They are also a cost-effective and long-term way to preserve the health and appearance of your smile. In this blog post, our Dallas dentists explore dental crowns. From what they are to how much they cost, we cover it all!
What do dental crowns do?
Traditionally, patients view teeth caps as a treatment reserved only for extremely damaged or decayed teeth. But, that simply isn’t the case today. Our Lakewood dentists can use custom-made dental crowns for a number of reasons, including:
- Protecting a weak tooth from breaking or decaying
- Restoring a broken or worn tooth
- Covering a dental implant
- Supporting a dental bridge
- Covering a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment
- Improving the appearance of a tooth that is misshapen, discolored, or has an irregular surface
Dental caps are an easy way to modify and protect your smile, even if you do not have extensive damage or decay.
What are dental crowns made out of?
When it comes to crafting personalized dental crowns, dentists can use many materials to fabricate these versatile prosthetics. However, the type of material that dentists use to create tooth caps largely depends on the patient’s needs and preferences.
For example, a patient who needs a tooth crown on a back tooth (known as a molar) may choose a less aesthetically-pleasing material for their crown. This is because people often cannot see our molars while we are smiling or speaking. However, a patient who needs a cap on a very visible tooth (say, a front tooth) may decide to go with a very lifelike crown.
Some of the most common materials that our Dallas dentists use to make dental crowns include:
Ceramic or Porcelain
Ceramic or porcelain dental crowns are a popular (and often preferred!) option because they are:
- Strong
- Durable
- Can be color-matched to the patient’s natural teeth
Because ceramic and porcelain caps are so lifelike, our Lakewood dentists often recommend them for front teeth restorations. However, we frequently use these caps for lesser-seen back teeth, too!
Metal Alloys
Dental professionals create metal crowns from a blend (or alloy) of different metals, such as gold, nickel, or chromium. Our team prefers to reserve these crowns for back teeth, as they are very durable and can withstand intense biting and chewing forces.
However, metal crowns are less popular than ceramic caps. This is because metal caps are easily visible, which some patients find unfavorable.
Zirconia
Zirconia is a type of ceramic-like material. It is remarkably durable and strong, making it an ideal material for dental prosthetics. As a result, zirconia crowns are an excellent choice for restoring posterior teeth.
Composite Resin
Composite resin is a pliable, tooth-colored substance that our Dallas dentists can use and cure to make dental crowns. These types of crowns are less expensive than other options. However, they are not as durable, which may end up costing patients more over time.
Dental Crown Procedure
Typically, the process of getting a dental crown involves two or three dental appointments. During the first appointment, our team prepares the tooth by removing the outer layer of enamel. This creates enough space for the crown to fit over the tooth properly.
Next, we take a digital impression of the tooth. We use this digital impression to create a custom-fitted dental crown that meets your exact size, shape, and shade requirements. In most cases, patients will require a temporary crown while a dental laboratory fabricates the final prosthetic.
During the second appointment, our team removes the temporary crown. After we remove the temporary crown, we cement the permanent crown into place.
In some cases, a third appointment may be necessary to ensure the fit of the crown. If the crown needs any adjustments, we make them at this time.
Cost of Dental Crowns
The cost of dental crowns varies depending on:
- The type of materials used
- The complexity of the procedure
- The number of teeth requiring treatment
Generally, ceramic, porcelain, and zirconia dental crowns are more expensive than metal crowns due to their higher aesthetic appeal. However, the cost of dental crowns can range from as low as $800 to as high as $1,500 per tooth.
Making Dental Crowns Last Longer
Tooth caps can last for a decade or longer with proper care and maintenance. Here are some tips to help make dental crowns last longer:
- Practice good oral hygiene: Brush and floss your teeth regularly to prevent decay and gum disease.
- Avoid hard or sticky foods: Tough, hard, and sticky foods can damage or dislodge caps. Try to avoid biting down on hard or sticky foods as much as possible, especially with a new or temporary crown.
- Wear a mouthguard: If you clench, gnash, or grind your teeth at night, wearing a mouthguard can help deter damage to the crown. Furthermore, patients involved in high-contact sports should wear mouthguards while active to prevent damage or injury.
- Schedule regular dental checkups: Regular dental checkups are important to detect any potential problems with the crown early on. So, be sure to schedule twice-yearly checkups with our dentists in Lakewood for optimal success!
Affordable Restoration Dentists in Dallas, TX
Dental crowns are an excellent option for restoring your teeth and improving your smile. If you’d like to see if dental caps are right for you, then contact Lakewood Dental Group today. Patients can request appointments at (214) 827-1885, or they can submit appointment requests online here to get started!
