Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are used to repair cracked and damaged teeth, as a cosmetic dental procedure to enhance the aesthetics of badly stained teeth or as a replica tooth when attached to dental implants. Dental crowns add an extra layer to the natural tooth and act as a protective covering, stopping further damage to cracked teeth.

Procedure for dental crowns

As dental crowns are attached to the outer surface of teeth, the individual teeth must be prepared before the crowns are attached. The procedure of fitting dental crowns will require two dental appointments. Dentists reshape the tooth before taking a mould which is sent to a dental laboratory where the crown is custom- made. Temporary crowns will be attached to the tooth while the permanent crown is being made. The finished crown is attached during a second dental appointment by using a dental adhesive to bond the prosthetic to the tooth.

Types of dental crown

Dental crowns can be made from metal, gold, porcelain or ceramic depending on the functionality needed and the aesthetic result the patient wants to achieve. Metal and gold crowns are stronger and more durable. This type of crown is often used on back teeth. Porcelain or ceramic crowns provide a more pleasing aesthetic and dentists recommend front teeth are capped using one of these dental crown options.

Benefits of dental crowns

There are many benefits to using dental crowns as a replacement for missing teeth or to strengthen weak, damaged teeth. Dental crowns are used to seal and strengthen teeth, providing protection from further decay and cracks in tooth enamel. Tooth crowns can be used to restore teeth that have lost a significant amount of the structure due to tooth decay or injury and provide a stronger restoration than dental onlays. Teeth capped with dental crowns are less susceptible to breakage and are also enhanced aesthetically if the crown used is made from porcelain or ceramic.

Cost of dental crowns

Dental crowns at first seem like an expensive dental treatment, however the ability of capping teeth with crowns is that the tooth is protected from further decay requiring reconstructive dental work. Dental crowns can cost between $500-1500USD per tooth depending on the type and size of crown used. Prices for a crown in Mexico can be up to 70% cheaper for the same standard of treatment care and identical quality dental work.