3 Things To Know About Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are something that you may find yourself needing at some point. Crowns are often referred to as caps. They are essentially tooth-shaped caps that are attached on top of the tooth in order to restore its size, shape, and appearance. Crowns are often used when a tooth is too decayed for fillings to be sufficient. They can also be used to restore cracked or broken teeth, to hold a bridge in place, and to cover dental implants. If you are in need of a dental crown, here are three things to keep in mind.

Your Options

When it comes to dental crowns, there are a variety of options to choose from. Some common materials used for crowns include stainless steel, porcelain, ceramic, resin, porcelain-fused-to-metal, and metal alloys with platinum or gold. Cosmetic crowns, which are crowns that are put in place solely for aesthetic reasons, are typically made of porcelain or ceramic since those materials best mimic natural teeth. The crowns that work best for you will be dependent on your dental needs. If you are seeking out crowns for cosmetic reasons, you may also want to consider veneers as well.

The Cost

Cost is another factor to keep in mind when it comes to dental crowns. Costs vary significantly depending on what type of crown you choose. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns average out to $500 to $1,500 per tooth. Porcelain crowns typically range in price from $800 to $3,000 per tooth. Crowns made out of metal alloys can also vary in price significantly depending on what types of metals are used. Typically you can expect to pay between $600 and $2,500 per tooth for these types of crowns. If you have dental insurance and are getting a crown for non-cosmetic reasons, your insurance may cover up to 50 percent of the total costs.

Lifespans

If you are looking into dental crowns, it's also important to consider their lifespans. Even with proper dental care, your dental crowns will likely need to be replaced in the future. On average most dental crowns will last somewhere between five and 15 years before they need to be replaced. Regular checkups, dental cleanings, and proper oral hygiene can help extend the life of your crown. You will also want to avoid grinding and clenching your teeth as well as chewing ice and other hard foods.

If you are getting dental crowns put into place, there are a few things to consider. First, there are a variety of options to choose from ranging from metal to porcelain. Costs can vary but your insurance may pick up some of the tab if the crowns are needed for medical reasons. Crowns also will likely need to be replaced some time in the future. 


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