Dental crowns protect damaged teeth, protecting them from more costly and extensive restorative procedures in the future. Dental insurance typically covers these crowns.
However, your crown choice can affect its cost. This article will examine different materials available for dental crowns and their respective prices.
Porcelain
Porcelain is the material used in high-end tableware and figurines. Due to its durability, translucent quality, heat retention capabilities, and ability to look like natural teeth, porcelain makes an excellent material choice for bakeware. In dentistry, crowns resist corrosion.
Ceramic fillings are non-toxic and won’t discolor over time, making them an attractive option for fillings. Ceramic crowns – made of porcelain – can also be created to match the color and shape of existing teeth for aesthetic purposes, offering the best cosmetic choice for front teeth but less suitable for back molars due to being more fragile.
Fonthill vase dates back to 1338; later, Meissen factory porcelain would arrive from Germany and England in Europe. By the Industrial Revolution, porcelain became a flourishing industry across the United States, with numerous potteries opening nationwide to supply this status symbol of wealth and beauty.
Porcelain objects produce a pleasing musical sound when struck against, while ceramic pottery tends to make an unearthly dull thud when struck on either side. Porcelain objects also exhibit thermal shock resistance, allowing them to handle temperature variations without cracking or breaking under stress.
Dental practitioners frequently turn to porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns when repairing molars, and have proven very successful. Furthermore, these crowns are strong enough to withstand clenching and grinding, often occurring among TMJ patients. On the downside, these crowns may not look as natural and may cause a gray line at the gumline where porcelain meets metal. Zirconium-coated crowns, commonly called E-Max crowns, combine porcelain beauty with metal strength for maximum aesthetics and strength. If you are considering ceramic crowns as an option, speak to your dentist regarding possible alternatives.
Zirconia
Dental crowns are an increasingly popular temporary tooth restoration treatment that covers severe decay, discoloration, and fractures in natural teeth. Available in porcelain and metal materials, zirconia crowns have an increasingly natural aesthetic and less abrasive surface treatment; they don’t cause allergic reactions in the mouth and are biocompatible; however, they remain more expensive compared to other crown types and are often not covered by many dental insurance plans.
Zirconia dental crowns are made from lithium disilicate ceramic material that resembles diamond in its hardness. This material can be shaped to match existing tooth structures precisely while being highly resistant to wear-and-tear damage and stains – an ideal option for front teeth.
Zirconia crowns are manufactured at dental labs using computer-aided design and milling technology to speed up fabrication. Once complete, they’re cemented onto an affected tooth using dental cement. A zirconia crown should last years with proper care and maintenance, such as brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, using fluoridated mouthwash, and avoiding habits like grinding teeth or chewing complex objects.
At your appointment, the dentist will begin the preparation of the tooth to receive its crown by filing down its tops and sides to create space for its placement. Following this process, they may use particular acids to shape and roughen its surface to increase the bond between it and its new crown. Finally, once complete, they will test its fit and appearance before cementing it.
Cost factors associated with zirconia dental crowns depend upon its type, material, and placement location; level of experience and reputation of the dentist performing procedure; geographical area of practice may influence the price; living costs/taxes can also have an effect; however, a dental insurance policy can help cover some expenses, which helps bring overall costs down significantly.
Metal
Metal crowns are tooth caps made from an alloy made of gold or base metals such as silver, cobalt-chromium, or nickel-titanium that are more commonly found in dentistry such as silver, cobalt-chromium or nickel-titanium. Noble metals such as gold tend to cost more than base metals. At the same time, some individuals may have allergies to certain base metals – for instance, if one suffers from nickel allergies, they should avoid porcelain fused to metal crowns altogether.
Crowns explicitly designed for use on molars typically stand up better against chewing forces than other kinds. Their durability depends on factors like their type and whether a patient takes proper care of it if they grind their teeth or clench their jaws. A post-care plan should include regular checkups and good dental hygiene practices if patients want their crowns to last as long as possible.
These dental crowns are cheaper than ceramic and zirconia models because they do not require production using unique ceramic materials and curing in high-heat environments. Unfortunately, however, they may need repair or replacement sooner due to being less durable than other types of crowns.
The average cost of dental crowns can vary significantly, depending on their type, location, and preparation required to fit securely. An initial dental exam typically includes a visual exam and X-rays before proceeding with placing a crown; in some cases, they may perform root canal therapy or gingivectomy before installing one; total installation fees increase depending on how long installation will take; same-day installation may save some money though these services aren’t widely available or usually costlier than traditional installations.
Dental Insurance
Dental crowns can be expensive. To reduce costs, dental insurance policies offer partial coverage. Before deciding, ensure you know how much range your policy offers, its specific terms & conditions, and the reputation of the provider you plan on working with.
Most dental insurance plans will cover dental crowns as long as they’re considered medically necessary, which could include weak or broken teeth. But dental crowns may also be used cosmetically – for instance, to cover discolored or disfigured teeth or improve smile appearance – although typically, insurance won’t cover such expenses because they are considered cosmetic rather than preventive measures.
Costs associated with crowns can differ widely depending on where they’re performed. Many dental offices will work with your insurance provider and offer discounted rates; this is an excellent way to save money without compromising quality results. Not all offices accept insurance policies, so you must find one that fits your provider as soon as possible.
General guidelines indicate dental insurance coverage typically accounts for 50-80% of crown costs. Your payment depends on the specific range, type, and style of crown you select and whether it comes from an in-network dentist. Your insurer pays this cost through their Universal Claims Resource Fee (UCR).
For an accurate assessment of crown costs, it’s best to contact your dentist and arrange an initial consultation appointment. Your dentist should be able to answer all your queries about how much the procedure will cost – Also helpful is understanding its total price without insurance, as this helps determine whether dental protection makes financial sense.
