Dental crowns are one of the most often performed dental procedures. These crowns are also available in several shapes and sizes, all designed to improve your smile’s appearance and health.  

Whether you’re getting dental crowns because you’ve lost teeth or want to improve the appearance of your smile, before undergoing this procedure, there are many benefits and other things to keep in mind. 

What is a Dental Crown?

Dental crowns are are a restorative procedure, like restorative bridges, which encapsulates the  top of a tooth to protect it and restore its shape. 

Metal, porcelain, resin, and ceramic are all materials used to construct a dental crown. They don’t require much upkeep over time other than routine good oral hygiene.

Who Needs Dental Crowns?

For some patients, getting a dental crown is a necessity. These patients include 

  • those with tooth decay that has spread beyond healthy enamel
  • those with root canal infections or other forms of tooth damage, and
  • Those who have cracked or damaged teeth.

Also, children may need a dental crown to protect their adult teeth as they grow in; if baby teeth don’t fall out naturally when they should, permanent adult teeth may be crowded or even pushed into development crookedly. 

If you’re considering getting a dental crown for any of these reasons, make sure to consult your dentist before beginning treatment.

How long do dental crowns last?

In most situations, dental crowns have the lifespan of five to fifteen years. The reason for such variability is that, crowns are more likely to break down depending on how much use they get. 

So if you grind your teeth or wear dentures, your dentist may recommend a more robust material. Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM)—that may be able to withstand more wear and tear than traditional crowns made of porcelain.

Types of Dental Crowns

Some of the several forms of dental crowns are:

Porcelain Fused to Metal

In this type of crown, porcelain is fused with metal to make the crown. This design is often recommended for people who want to keep their natural teeth because it blends well with a tooth’s surface.

Porcelain-fused-to-metal dental crowns may not look as attractive as other types on their own but can match your natural teeth perfectly once they are completed.

All Porcelain

These porcelain crowns are highly durable and therefore last longer than other types. They’re also more stain-resistant than other materials, so your smile will look great for longer. 

In addition, with an all-porcelain crown, there’s no need to worry about fillings or bonding that could eventually wear away at your tooth. Best of all, these crowns come in a variety of colors to match your natural smile as closely as possible.

All-Ceramic

All-ceramic crowns are made from an all-ceramic material, which is typically zirconia. The all-ceramic crowns are used as alternatives to a traditional dental crown made from gold and other metal fillings that may be used for patients with dental health conditions such as inflamed gums or tooth decay.

Stainless Steel 

These crowns are made from steel, which is particularly good at resisting corrosion and staining. However, some people might find that their mouth doesn’t accept steel crowns as quickly as it accepts other dental crown materials, like porcelain. 

Also, note that stainless steel crowns tend to be rather larger to keep them stable, so they can look a bit strange on top of your teeth if you’re not used to them.

Permanent vs. Temporary Dental Crowns

Permanent crowns are meant to last a lifetime. Metal alloys, porcelain, and natural tooth enamel are used to create them. You can also find them in ceramic and zirconia material. 

Temporary crowns are made of plastic or metal and slip onto a natural tooth with dental preparation. If you have an uncomfortable temporary crown, speak with your dentist about removing it before your permanent one is ready.

 If it’s no longer serving its purpose, your dentist may be able to create a comfortable denture to use until you get your permanent restoration done.

Dental Crown Procedure

A multi-day approach including a temporary crown

For a typical crown, you will need to see your dentist twice.

  • The dentist examines and prepares the tooth for the crown. This procedure may involve taking X-rays of the teeth. Before the treatment, they may also take a mold of your tooth or mouth.
  • The dentist will file down the tooth and remove some outer layers.
  • Trimmed teeth and the teeth around them will be imprinted.
  • The dentist will install a temporary crown on your tooth to protect it.
  • They send the imprint to the laboratory that makes the crown. 
  • When the crown comes back from the lab, you’ll return for a second appointment with your dentist to have it cemented.

Same-day procedure

  • Your mouth is photographed digitally by the dentist.
  • The dentist produces the crown directly in the office using the digital scan from the images. You may have to wait for 1 to 2 hours for the crown to be manufactured.
  • A dental professional will cement the crown in place once it is complete. It takes 2 to 4 hours to complete the procedure.
  • Depending on your unique scenario, you might even be able to return to work while you’re waiting.

Some dentists may not have the technology to provide same-day crowns. Ask your dentist if this option is available and how much it would cost if you do not have dental insurance.

The Cost of Dental Crowns

The average cost of dental crowns in America is $300 – $1000, but that’s just an average. Consult your dentist if you want to discover how much your dental crowns will cost, as well as what type of treatment would be best for you.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to dental crowns, you want to be informed to make an educated decision.  Hopefully you’ve gained some necessary knowledge and feel more educated on this topic. Contact your local dental professional if you have further questions. 

When you’re ready to get your dental crown, you can visit this dentist who does crowns, bridges, and the best veneers in Jefferson City.

SHARE THIS POST