Types of Dental Crowns

Different types of dental crowns are made up of metal, ceramic, resin, etc.

Metallic Crowns are made of gold mixed with copper, nickel, or chromium. They provide strength and longevity but do not match the natural tooth in appearance. Also, they have an opaque appearance which becomes difficult to match with the natural teeth.

Porcelain Crowns are made of biocompatible material and best match the teeth in colour and appearance and are best suited for front teeth. But they lack strength as compared to metallic crowns and are costlier too.

Porcelain Fused to Metal Crowns (PFM) is used widely by dentists and offers great aesthetics and durability. But because of the presence of a metallic line at the base make them look artificial. They also get worn down easily where the people have the habit of clenching their teeth.

Zirconium Crowns are the latest crowns that are being suggested by the dentist for making a tooth cap. They are metal-free crowns and are made of a material that is strong, long-lasting, highly translucent, and looks like more original teeth. 

They can be used for the front as well as back teeth. They are biocompatible and don’t wear down easily. Above all, they come with a warranty of 15-20 years.

All these crowns by providing great results add beauty to your smile. These are the procedures to bring back your self-esteem and be presentable during public appearances.

 Planning to get a crown, the process needs various steps to be followed.

• First, the dental doctor examines your condition of the teeth and looks for the extent of tooth decay, infection and injury if any to the pulp that is the house of nerves and tissues.
• Next, he cleanses the area thoroughly making it get rid of any bacteria trapped under where the veneer is to be placed.
• The digital image is produced to have the impression of the teeth and sent to the lab for making a dental crown.
• The tooth is shaped to hold the crown in its place. The sharpening of the tooth depends on the material used in making the crown. The metal crown does not need more filing as compared to the porcelain crown.
• As the permanent crown can take 3 days to 3 weeks in getting ready so, the dentist gives you a temporary crown till the availability of a permanent crown. When the permanent crown gets ready, it is placed after the removal of the temporary crown.

How can you find the right one for you?

Veneers and Crowns do equal jobs in making you smile confidently. Veneers help in improving appearance but lack functionality and cannot be repaired. Crowns can provide both protection and improved looks.

To solve the tooth issue that has a large filling, a root canal, or cracked too much, then having a dental crown will solve the problem. The thickness is double that of veneer which makes it long last and resists cracking. 

It involves the removal of the tooth in great amounts so that the cap can be fitted easily. When the teeth get broken, teeth are cracked or a root canal treatment is required, then the dentist follows the treatment by using tooth caps. The crown by covering the visible part gives extra protection and crosses out the chances for extraction of the tooth.

But if minor corrections are to be done to restore your beautiful smile, then you can decide on veneers. Veneers have strength but they are brittle, repeated impacts can make them crack. 

In the case of veneers, less of teeth are removed from the front teeth and do not touch the core or back of the tooth. So it is advisable for the front part of the tooth. 

They provide the optimal solutions in case of stained teeth, teeth that are chipped, to deal with minor cracks, small gaps, and outward misalignment. These cases are dealt with significantly by the veneers that help to deliver a widened smile. With some exceptions, they provide a permanent solution that solves the issue.

If one follows good oral hygiene and proper eating habits, both veneers and crowns can last for at least 10 years. The chewing of hard substances can damage them, so it is advised not to have these types of food items in your meals.

How much do they cost?

The cost involved in having Veneers and Crowns can be more than expected. It depends on the size of the tooth, your residential location, and the prices offered in your area.

How much do veneers cost?

Veneers are quite affordable but the difference can be noticed depending on the clinic and their treatments. The type of material used in making a veneer also affects its price. The cost of porcelain veneers is more than that of composite veneers. But the durability and life span of porcelain are greater than the latter one. The cost of porcelain veneer range from Rs 9000 to 20,000.

The dental crown cost depends on the material being used, the length of the process involved, and the extent of the decay. Usually, porcelain crowns cost more than metallic crowns. 

In case you need a root canal then the cost can go higher and may get doubled. The cost of Zirconia crowns in India starts from Rs 10,000 and can go up to Rs 25,000. 

The high price comes with a warranty of a minimum of 10 years and a maximum lifetime depending on the type. 

The cost of dental crowns in India is between Rs 1500 to Rs 20,000 approx. The exact cost is based on the type of crown used, the number of teeth being capped, the complexity of the treatment, overall health of the patient’s mouth.

Pros and cons of Veneers and Crowns

Veneer pros

• They may be more aesthetically satisfying than crowns in the long run, because they don’t let somebody see a gum margin after several years, as crowns sometimes do.
• Some veneers don’t entail a lot of trimming, so more of your teeth that are in good physical shape remains intact.
• Teeth with veneers have negligible movement.

Veneer cons

• Veneers leave more areas of your tooth open to the elements that cause new decay.
• Composite veneers do not cost more, but may only end 5–7 years. The results of materials may last longer, but have to be replaced.
• Veneers cannot be changed.
• Veneers may not be covered under dental insurance.

Crown pros

• As the tooth is covered wholly so it gets more protected from decay.
• Porcelain crowns give the impression of being just like your natural teeth.
• Crowns are comparatively permanent and don’t have to be detached for cleaning as dentures do.
• Dental insurance may cover a segment of the cost of a crown.

Crown cons

• The original tooth that is removed is more in the case for of a crown to make room for it.
• Your crowned tooth may be more susceptible to heat and cold at the start and you may experience gum pain. If you feel that the sensitivity has increased, do consult your dentist and plan for a visit.
• Porcelain can be easily broken and can be damaged over time.
• Porcelain fused to a metal alloy (PFM) crown shows a slightly dark line between your natural tooth and the crown.

Questions to ask your dentist

You’ll want to make out at the beginning how much your crown or veneer is going to cost, and how much, if anything, your insurance will pay toward the cost. You would also like to be familiar with your dentist’s know-how with both procedures.

Other questions for your dentist depend on your particular requirements, but some questions you may want to ask include the following:

• Are there other options to reflect on, such as dentures or implants?
• How long do you suppose my veneer or crown material to last?
• Will the initial cost envelop succeeding visits if the crown fit isn’t right?
• Will I need to put on a mouth protector?
• Do you suggest any extraordinary care for the veneer or crown?

The technology has advanced so much that all your doubts will find the right answers after your initial visit to the dentist. Today they are equipped with the latest tools and techniques that can give you the best treatments beyond your imagination. The only way to have a beautiful smile is to have one of it.