Do you need a tooth crown to restore your damaged tooth? Are you looking for a non-invasive procedure to improve the aesthetics of your smile? If yes, a dental crown is what you need.
You will find detailed information about the dental crown in this guide. This comprehensive guide will provide detailed information on the different types of dental crown, the costs, the pros and cons and many more. You will also learn how to care for the crowns.
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped covering that covers the visible part of the tooth completely. A dental crown helps to restore the whole tooth. There are quite several reasons why a dental crown can be fitted; here are some of the reasons:
Dental crowns are usually manufactured from different materials, which consequently influence the outlook. Some dental crowns are metal-coloured while some look like natural teeth.
You might have been wondering what the difference between a tooth crown and tooth cap is. In the real sense, they both refer to the same thing.
Dental Cap and dental crown refer to a small device used for the covering of the whole tooth; it is usually placed on a shaved down tooth. Although some say the crown is metal coloured while the cap is tooth coloured.
A teeth crown is commonly made from the following materials:
An acrylic tooth crown is a temporary tooth crown worn while waiting for the permanent one. You should know that gold crowns are not pure gold while the pure form of metal would be too soft to become a crown. Hence, gold is often combined with other metals to create a stronger gold alloy.
Every tooth crown material has its benefits and disadvantages; hence, the right dental crown material will depend on the teeth that need to be capped, the duration you need them and the aesthetic look you desire.
Ceramic dental crowns are always designed in a laboratory; they are built layer by layer. This makes them appear translucent and look natural. Hence, they are popularly chosen for the front teeth. They are however liable to crack because of their brittle nature.
Gold Dental crowns and the alloy metal derivatives are more durable and are biocompatible with teeth; i.e. the capped teeth won’t cause any damage to the supporting teeth. Some individuals find it appealing and even opt for crowns with engraved signs or studded with gemstones.
Metal Dental Crowns are not popularly chosen because of the colour. Many do not like the idea of having the showcasing of the gold or silver colour.
PFM (porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are strong and good looking although they don’t look natural. The ceramic coating can chip or crack, but the metal will still be intact.
The prices of tooth crowns differ in several locations and dental clinics. The price is usually influenced by some certain factors like the type of material used.
Metal crowns are usually the cheapest while the ceramic crowns are the most expensive. Also, front tooth crowns are more expensive because a lot is put into making them look natural. The table below shows the prices of the different types of dental crowns.
| TYPES | COST |
| Metal Crown | £250 – £600 |
| Ceramic Crown | £350 – £950 |
Please note that these prices do not include your dentist’s consultation fees or treatment fees.
Your dental insurance can help reduce the money you spend on the whole dental crown fitting process. Ensure you read through your insurance policy to identify the waiting period and the annual limits. This will let you know the amount of money you are likely to pay on your own.
Dental insurance policies in the United Kingdom often covers dental crown fitting. If you have active health insurance, you need to confirm if your dental care is covered.
Dental Crowns are not designed to last forever; however, some materials used are more durable than the others. For instance, Gold crown does not crack the same way as porcelain.
You should expect your dental crown to last for about 5-15 years and in some cases, more than that. You will need to replace your crown if:
The Procedure of Capping a Tooth
At your first visit, a significant amount or all of the existing tooth enamel will be removed so that the crown material can be fitted securely. Prior to that, your dentist will take an x-ray to ascertain whether your tooth can accommodate a crown, and also rule out any underlying complications. Then your dentist will inject an anaesthetic agent to numb the gums and tooth.
Your dentist will proceed to remove all traces of decay and material from previous fillings. A filling material might be used to build back the teeth if there is very little tooth left to work with.
Your dentist will then take an impression of the tooth for the creation of the crown. The creation of the crown in a lab usually lasts about 2-3 weeks. While you wait for it, an acrylic crown can be worn to stop tooth sensitivity. This visit does not take more than an hour.
Once the permanent crown has been created in the lab, you will be contacted by your dentist to visit the clinic for the fitting. The acrylic crown will be removed, and anaesthetic agent will be injected again to numb the tooth and gum.
Dental cement will be applied on the inside of the dental crown, which is then pressed down your tooth. Ensure to air your view about the colour, shape or material used for the new crown before it is being cemented because it is difficult to make changes once fitted.
The second visit does not last more than an hour.
You must avoid any sticky or chewy food that could pull off your temporary crowns. Ensure you stay from hard foods such as raw carrots and apples.
Try to chew or bite away from the capped teeth while you can use the crowned teeth for soft foods.
Do not pull back out between the teeth when flossing; instead, slide out the floss sideways. Also, you should not lift it out to avoid dislodgement.
In order to allow the cement set properly, you need to avoid hard and chewy foods for the first few days after your permanent crown is fitted. Once it is properly set and you regain the normal feeling in your mouth, carefully try test biting your crown in all directions.
You should care for your permanent crowns in the same manner in which you care for your natural tooth. Brush twice daily and floss daily. You can invest in a water flosser to make your daily flossing better.
It is recommended you visit a dental hygienist regularly to have your teeth cleaned. This will reduce the risk of gum disease.
Dental crowns or dental caps are used to recover decayed, chipped or cracked teeth. Dental Crown fittings are readily carried out at Smile Works Dental.
'Our weekday offer extended for the weekend of Saturday 27th
and Sunday 28th April, 2024 ONLY!'
Any patients booking on this weekend ONLY will also receive a
top up gel
at 50% discount too.
