Going to the dentist to have your teeth fixed can be a life-changing experience. It’s difficult to smile when you know you have a damaged tooth showing through. Damaged or missing teeth can result in physical pain as the nerve endings in your teeth become exposed. Becoming an expert at forcing a closed-mouth smile isn’t the best solution to the problem when a dentist can help you fix the tooth quickly and with little to no pain. Most teeth rotted beyond a cavity filling need a crown.
There Are Two Main Types Of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns come in two different varieties at the most basic level. Those who wish to get one can choose between a metal or a porcelain one. The most common choice is porcelain; however, metal crowns can be cheaper when made out of bronze. Most crowns are porcelain and dyed to match the color of the rest of your teeth.
Porcelain is a strong material. With that, there’s a lot of action going on in your mouth when you eat. Most porcelain crowns are backed up with other materials to make them stronger. They may be only porcelain on the outside and metal on the inside. The temporary crown you receive will most likely be made out of composite resin.
Your Dentist Will Help You Choose
A dentist will help you choose the right material for your crown. Broken teeth located in the front of the mouth are typically replaced with porcelain so that no aesthetic problem can be identified. Other teeth around the crown may be shaven to aid in its durability when chewing. This creates less friction between teeth, which makes the crown last longer.
Your dentist may recommend a metal crown if it is to repair your kid’s baby tooth. They are cheaper and cosmetics don’t matter quite as much since the child will end up losing the tooth anyway.
You May Not Need A Full Crown
Those who have a damaged tooth may not need a full crown to surround it. A 3/4 crown may be put in place to cover the damaged or weakened area of the tooth without the full cost of getting a dental crown put in place. It’s fixed in a way that makes it look seamless and natural.
They’re Common After A Root Canal
Teeth in need of a root canal can be unsightly. What’s less hideous looking, yet completely intolerable, is a tooth after it’s been treated for one. In most situations, your dentist can save some of the teeth. After it has been shaven down, an imprint of your tooth is made that helps your dentist accomplish two goals. A temporary crown can be put in place, and the dentist has an imprint to send to the lab where they’ll make the permanent one.
There are other situations that call for a crown. A weakened or damaged tooth that may result in a chip later should be covered with a crown to save its integrity. A chip that resulted from an injury can often be painful. Covering that tooth will make it so the nerves are unexposed again.
The Cost Of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns can be costly even with insurance. Many insurance companies only pay half the price or less for the service. Most people end up spending around $1,500 for a porcelain crown. Those looking for metal crowns, not including gold, could end up spending around $800. A gold crown can set someone back as much as $2,500. While the cost of a crown can be high, they are strong and long-lasting. Most need to be repaired or replaced every fifteen years.
Is Getting A Dental Crown The Right Option For You?
Dental crowns can increase the durability and strength of the tooth in question if it has been severely weakened or worn. They are needed after an injury or root canal. Getting a dental crown can be cost-saving as getting a dental implant is much more expensive. Make an appointment with a dentist today to learn about this smile-saving treatment.