Dental crowns are a versatile dental restoration treatment that can effectively address damaged teeth, improve their appearance, and enhance oral function. In Virginia, individuals have access to various types of dental crowns, each with unique benefits and considerations. Understanding the different types of crowns and their associated costs can help you make informed decisions about your dental care and achieve optimal oral health outcomes.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns, also called “caps,” “tooth crowns,” or “tooth caps,” are tooth-shaped coverings placed over a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its size, shape, and strength and improve its appearance. They serve as a protective shell around the weak or damaged teeth, enhancing your oral health and smile.
Here are some common dental issues that crowns can help with:
- Tooth Decay: When a tooth has a large cavity that’s too big for a filling, a crown can be used to protect and restore the tooth.
- Cracked or Broken Teeth: Crowns can hold together parts of a cracked tooth and prevent it from breaking further. They can also restore broken teeth to their normal shape and size.
- After Root Canal Treatment: After a root canal, the tooth often needs a crown to protect it, prevent it from breaking, and restore it to full function.
- Large Fillings: When there’s not enough tooth remaining to hold a large filling, a crown can be used to protect and support the tooth.
- Cosmetic Reasons: Crowns can cover misshapen or discolored teeth to improve their appearance.
- Dental Implants: Crowns are often used to complete dental implant treatment. The implant replaces the root of the missing tooth, and the crown replaces the visible part of the tooth.
It’s important to note that traditional crowns differ from same-day crowns (also called CEREC crowns). Same-day crowns are made of ceramic resin and can be made and placed in just one visit.
Different Types of Dental Crowns and Their Average Costs
There are several different types of dental crowns available, each with its own set of advantages and considerations. Depending on the specific needs and preferences of the patient, a suitable type of crown can be recommended by a dentist or prosthodontist. Also, their average costs can vary depending on a few factors like your location and insurance company.
Here are the different types of crowns and their price ranges:
1. Metal Crowns
Metal crowns are a popular choice due to their durability. They are made from metal alloys like gold, platinum, and other base metals. While their metallic color might be a drawback for some, they’re a solid choice for molars due to their high resistance to wear and tear. This dental crown material can cost anywhere from $900 to $2,500 per tooth.
2. Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns are highly sought after for their natural tooth-like appearance. They provide excellent aesthetics while offering good strength. However, they can cause more wear to neighboring teeth than metal or resin crowns. The cost of porcelain dental crowns typically ranges from $800 to $1,850 per tooth.
3. Ceramic Crowns
Ceramic crowns, like E-Max crowns made of lithium disilicate, offer a balance between durability and aesthetics. They are popular due to their natural tooth color and are ideal for people with metal allergies. The cost of ceramic dental crowns typically ranges from $500 to $3,000 per tooth.
4. Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia crowns are known for their superior strength and longevity. They can be colored to closely match natural teeth, making them popular for front and back teeth. You can expect to spend from $800 to $1,600 per tooth for this type of tooth crown.
5. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns
These crowns combine the strength of metal with the aesthetics of porcelain. However, sometimes the metal under the crown’s porcelain cap can show through as a dark line, especially at the gum line. The price for PFM crowns typically ranges from $800 to $3,000 per tooth.
What Are the Benefits of Tooth Crowns?
Dental crowns offer several benefits:
- Restoring Damaged Teeth: Crowns provide a protective layer to a broken, fractured, or decayed tooth, restoring its function and appearance.
- Improved Appearance: They cover discolored or misshapen teeth, enhancing your smile.
- Support for Weak Teeth: A crown can hold together parts of a cracked tooth and prevent weak teeth from breaking.
- Longevity: With proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, crowns can last up to 15 years or more.
- Natural Bite and Chewing Function: Dental crowns are designed to closely mimic the shape and size of natural teeth, allowing for proper bite alignment and efficient chewing. This helps to maintain a balanced and functional oral cavity.
- Enhanced Confidence and Self-Esteem: Since dental crowns effectively restore damaged or misshapen teeth, they can greatly improve a person’s confidence in their smile.
- Protection for Dental Implants: Crowns are often used to cover and protect dental implants, which are artificial tooth roots used to replace missing teeth.
- Application Versatility: Dental crowns can be used for various restorative purposes, from cosmetic enhancements to functional repairs.
How Does Dental Crown Treatment Work?
Dental crowns involve two to three dental visits. Here’s a closer look at how the procedure works:
Step 1: Appointment, Assessment, and Preparation
During your initial consultation, your dentist will assess your oral health and determine if a dental crown is necessary. They may take X-rays to get a closer look at the affected tooth and surrounding structures. If a crown is recommended, your dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decay or damaged areas. They will then shape the remaining tooth to make room for the crown.
Step 2: Impression Creation
Next, the dentist will take an impression of the tooth and the surrounding teeth. This can be done with a putty-like material or digitally with a machine. The impression ensures that the dental crown will not affect your bite.
Step 3: Crown Fabrication
The impression is sent off to a dental laboratory where your crown will be made. Crowns can be made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of these. The choice of material depends on the location of the tooth, its function, and the patient’s preference.
Step 4: Temporary Crown Placement
Since it takes some time to create the permanent crown, a temporary crown is often placed on the prepared tooth to protect it. The temporary crown is made from an acrylic-based material or stainless steel.
Step 5: Placement of Permanent Crown
Once the permanent crown is ready, the dentist will remove the temporary crown and check the fit and color of the permanent one. If everything is acceptable, a local anesthetic will be used to numb the tooth, and the new crown will be permanently cemented in place. Before you go home, your dentist will give tips on how to care for your crowns to extend their lifespan.
What Are the Factors Influencing Dental Crown Costs?
Several factors may affect the cost of dental crowns, including:
- Types of Dental Crown: The material of the crown significantly influences its cost. For instance, gold and zirconia crowns generally cost more than porcelain or ceramic ones.
- Geographic Location: Costs can vary by region. The average cost of crowns is typically higher in urban areas with a higher cost of living.
- Dentist’s Expertise: The dentist’s experience and reputation can also impact the cost.
- Additional Procedures: If you need additional dental treatments like a root canal procedure or dental fillings before getting a crown, this will add to the total cost.
- Dental Insurance: Whether or not you have dental insurance and what it covers could greatly affect your out-of-pocket expenses.
Financing Options and Insurance Coverage
Dental Insurance Coverage
It is important to check with your dental insurance provider to understand what portion of the dental crown cost they cover. Insurance plans may offer partial coverage, but knowing their limitations and exclusions is essential. This knowledge will help you plan your budget accordingly and make informed decisions about your dental care.
Financing Options
Many dental practices offer in-house payment plans, allowing patients to spread out the cost of their dental crown treatment over a period. Third-party financing companies like CareCredit also specialize in healthcare financing, offering flexible payment plans and low-interest options. It is worth researching and comparing different financing options to find the one that best suits your needs and financial situation.
FSAs and HSAs
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) or Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) can cover dental crown expenses. These accounts allow individuals to set aside pre-tax funds for healthcare expenses, making dental treatments more affordable. By understanding and utilizing these accounts, patients can reduce out-of-pocket costs while receiving necessary dental care.
Discover the Best Type of Dental Crown for You at Reston Serenity Smiles
Investing in a dental crown is an investment in your oral health and confidence. At Reston Serenity Smiles, our friendly staff and experienced dentists are dedicated to providing you with the best dental solutions tailored to your needs. Our dental office offers a wide range of crown types and accepts most dental insurance plans to help manage the costs. We also provide financing options to make your treatment more affordable.
Don’t let tooth decay or damage keep you from smiling. Contact us today to schedule your initial appointment and explore the best options for your oral health!