TL;DR
- Dental crowns are snug caps that completely shield a damaged tooth.
- They’re used to hide damage or discoloration but may also be used to cover an implant or hold a bridge in place.
- The primary types of crowns and their costs are as follows:
- Metal Crowns (Gold, Nickel, Chromium, and more): $600 to $2,500
- All-Porcelain/All-Ceramic Crowns: $800 to $3,000
- IPS e.max Crowns: $800 to $3,000
- Resin Crowns: $300 to $1,000
- Same-Day Crowns: $800 to $2,500
- Metal and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns provide the most durability while all porcelain and e.max crowns provide the most natural result. Resin crowns are the most cost-effect while same-day crowns are the fastest to procure.
Protecting Your Smile: When a Dental Crown is the Best Solution?
A dental crown is a snug cap that fits over a damaged tooth to basically refresh its appearance. Patients may be recommended crowns for a variety of reasons, including to provide some reinforcement, restore a worn-down, cracked, or broken tooth, completely cover a discolored tooth, cover a dental implant, or even hold a dental bridge in place.
They’re simultaneously an easy fix for a tooth that’s affecting your smile and a final step in more complex procedures like implants.
Since they may serve different purposes, crowns are constructed of different materials. We’ll break down the six primary teeth cap types to help you walk into your dentist’s office with more confidence.
What are the Types of Dental Crowns?
All dental crowns are designed to protect and restore a tooth but the materials they’re made from can affect how they look, perform, and even feel in your mouth. Here are the types of dental crowns:
Metal Crowns (Gold, Nickel, Chromium, Chromium)
These types of crowns are designed to stand out and protect rather than blend in.
Depending on your preference, dentists can fashion metal crowns out of a variety of materials, including gold, nickel, chromium, and palladium. Metal crowns are pretty durable and last the longest. They don’t chip or break under regular chewing and biting forces. For this reason, metal crowns are well-suited for back molars that aren’t easily visible, although many patients choose them intentionally for their distinctive look.
If durability matters more to you than appearance, metal crowns are a strong option. However, keep in mind they will be visible in your mouth.
All-Porcelain/All-Ceramic Crowns
Porcelain or ceramic crowns are the most realistic-looking option for dental crowns. They’re also commonly recommended for individuals with metal allergies.
These teeth cap types are designed from a block of dental ceramic material (one of the most popular types is zirconium dioxide). The result is a crown that closely mimics the pearlescent, translucent quality of natural teeth.
These are the most advanced and discreet options for patients but offer slightly less durability than their metal or metal blend counterparts, making them a great option for front teeth restorations.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns are the best of both worlds: they provide the durability of metal crowns with the natural appearance of porcelain crowns, barring a line of metal visible just above the gum line. The core of these crowns is metal while the outer part is made of porcelain.
PFM crowns last about as long as metal crowns but they’re more prone to chipping and breaking, which may expose the metal core within. They may also wear down the teeth on the opposite jaw. Because they’re a balanced option, they work great for both front and back teeth.
IPS e.max (Lithium Disilicate) Crowns
Lithium disilicate crowns represent the best of modern dentistry. You may hear them be referred to by their brand name: e.max.
These types of crowns are crafted from a singular block of glass ceramic. The material is notable for allowing a higher degree of light transmission, allowing the resulting crown to most closely resemble a natural tooth. These restorations blend near perfectly with your smile anare d the best option for your front teeth, where appearance is of prime importance.
Resin Crowns
Resin crowns are constructed of composite resin which comprises plastic and fine glass particles. Composite resin is tooth-coloured and is also used for direct tooth fillings and dental bonding procedures.
These types of crowns are much more affordable than their counterparts and can be fashioned in a dental office itself (other types of crowns need to be constructed in labs).
They’re a great option for patients looking for something more cost-effective and quick. They’re also often suggested as a temporary measure while a more permanent crown is being fashioned. They last between three and five years.
Same-Day Crowns
Many dentists use computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology to fashion crowns in a dental office while you wait. Most other types of crowns take a few weeks to be fashioned.
Your dentist uses digital impressions of your teeth (taken in the office) to design a quick custom crown with an on-site milling machine. However, these crowns may not fit as well as other options and depend largely on the skill of the dentist and available technology.
They’re usually fashioned out of ceramic and are only recommended for minor tooth issues and not deeper problems like decay, which need more extensive treatment. Their main advantage is their quick timeline.
How Much Do Crowns Cost?
Crowns are a handy restorative procedure that help you regain your confidence. Here’s how the different types of caps for teeth are typically priced:
- Metal Crowns: $600 to $2,500
- All-Porcelain/All-Ceramic Crowns: $800 to $3,000
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns: $500 to $1,500
- IPS e.max Crowns: $800 to $3,000
- Resin Crowns: $300 to $1,000
- Same-Day Crowns: $800 to $2,500
Which Dental Crown is Right for You?
A dental crown is a long-term restorative treatment, with most options lasting between 5 and 15 years, with proper oral hygiene.
Before you say yes to a crown, understand the extent of your damage and plan around it. Evaluate your priorities: do you want your crown to be a statement or be discreet? Are you willing to spend more for a natural-looking option? Do you want it to be over quickly or are you okay with waiting a while for a better result?
Above all, ensure you consult with your dentist about your viability as a patient for teeth cap types and what’s the best option. An experienced dentist will help you decide on the best course of action.
At Le Sueur Family Dental, we approach every restoration with care and compassion. Our team is sensitive to the anxieties surrounding restorative care and aims to create a safe space where you can express your concerns and voice your goals.
We take a patient-centric approach that will always prioritize your comfort and care.
Visit one of the most trusted dentists in Le Sueur, MN today.
Contact: (507) 665-6812 // office@lesueurfamilydental.com
Address: 219 South 2nd Street, Le Sueur, MN 56058
FAQs
The best type of dental crown truly depends on your needs. metal crowns offer the most durability, while porcelain and e.max crowns provide the most natural appearance. You should ideally consult your dentist to make a choice based on the location of the tooth, your budget, and your cosmetic goals.
Teeth under crowns can still develop decay if proper oral hygiene isn’t maintained, especially around the gum line. With regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups, a crowned tooth can stay healthy for many years.
Yes, once your crown is properly placed and adjusted, you can eat normally. It’s still best to avoid chewing very hard or sticky foods, especially with temporary crowns or newer restorations.
