Types of Dental Crowns and Their Costs

Dental crowns are a common solution in both restorative and cosmetic dentistry, serving a number of purposes from improving the appearance of teeth to restoring functionality. In today’s article, we will explore the different reasons people need dental crowns, the materials used to make them, and the factors influencing dental crown costs to give you a complete picture of dental crowns.

Why do people need dental crowns?

Caps — also known as dental crowns — are custom-made covers for damaged teeth. There are a few reasons why someone may need a crown to compensate for their current dental structure. Below are some of the primary reasons:

Improve a tooth’s appearance

A crown can be for something as simple as improving the appearance of the teeth. Damage, yellowing, and stains can cause significant changes in someone's smile and can even impact their confidence. Applying a tooth crown can help improve this. 

Fix a chipped or cracked tooth

In addition to restoring the way someone looks, clients can choose to get a crown in order to fix a damaged tooth that is either causing them pain or is preventing them from using their mouth appropriately. These dental crowns can help those trying to retain a sense of normalcy after damage occurs. 

What can dental crowns be made of?

Although the functionality of the crown remains the same, the material can vary based on the needs or desires of the client. Below are some materials that are commonly available, as well as why you might select them:

Porcelain

Porcelain crowns remain a popular, budget-friendly option for crowns due to their natural appearance. They closely mimic the translucency and color of natural teeth, making them an excellent choice for those looking for a discrete solution. Porcelain crowns are also one of the more biocompatible options, meaning they are unlikely to cause allergic reactions. The only downside is that they are more susceptible to chipping or breaking with time. 

Different kinds of metal like gold and silver

Known for their durability and strength, metal materials have been praised as a reliable solution. The better quality of these metal crowns makes them a popular choice for those looking for long-term solutions. Although slightly more costly than porcelain crowns, gold crowns are appealing to some for stylistic purposes. Even though this is not a cheap option, it is a reliable one. 

Zirconia

Looking for durability while also being able to withstand the trials of time? Zirconia caps offer a mix of camouflaging the repairs with the durability of metal crowns. Zirconia crowns are made from a type of ceramic and are highly durable and resistant to chipping. They also offer a natural look and can be color-matched to your existing teeth, making them ideal for both durability and inconspicuousness. 

What affects the costs of the crowns?

The pricing of dental crowns can change depending on several factors. Consider these when looking at the price of your crown service to find the cheapest crown possible:

Do you have insurance?

Any type of medical procedure will be costly, but the cost range can decrease if it’s covered by insurance. While many cosmetic services may not be covered by your insurance provider, it is worth checking your dental insurance just in case. In situations where the insurance may be able to help, and your provider is an in network dentist, it could cut your out of pocket costs in half. 

The reasoning behind needing a crown

In the event that the crown service is intended to be primarily cosmetic, there is a chance that the fees associated with the procedure could be higher. Aesthetic crowns are a luxury item and usually cost more than medically required crowning services. 

The dentist you choose

Lastly, a dentist’s expertise, location, and the technology they use can also impact the cost of your crown. Dentists with specialized skills or those practicing in high-cost urban areas may charge more than those located in smaller, less populated towns. Additionally, the use of advanced materials and techniques, such as CAD/CAM technology for same-day crowns, can also influence the price.

Come to Coral Reef Dental for a great crown procedure!

For those looking to receive a crown service, look no further than the experts here at Coral Reef Dental. We have the equipment and staff needed for an elevated dental experience within your price range, conveniently located close to home.