05 Dec 2023
Dental crowns are a common dental treatment used to strengthen damaged teeth and improve their aesthetics at the same time. If you are thinking about getting a dental crown yourself, you may be wondering which type is best for you and how much that crown will cost. Today, we will discuss the factors you should consider to help you make this decision and acquire a rough estimate of how much you will owe.
What Does Getting a Crown Involve?
Getting a dental crown is a multi-step process that usually involves multiple appointments.
- First, your dentist will prep your tooth for the crown. This involves removing any decay from the tooth and shaving down the enamel outside the tooth to make space for the crown material. Depending on how deep the tooth decay has spread, you may also need a root canal.
- Next, your dentist will have you bite down on a special putty to take an impression of your prepared tooth. This impression will serve as the mould for your crown.
- After this, your dentist will apply a temporary crown to your tooth to protect it while your final crown is fabricated at the lab. This crown is less durable than your final crown and requires special care to keep it from cracking or dislodging. Avoid eating hard or sticky foods and see your dentist as soon as possible if it breaks or becomes loose.
- It will take the lab approximately one week to finish your final crown. When your dentist receives it, they will permanently cement it to your prepared tooth and complete your dental crown procedure.
What Crown Type Should I Choose?
What is a dental crown made of? That depends on your needs. Each type of dental crown has its own strengths and weaknesses that make it better suited to certain situations.
1. Gold Crowns
Gold crowns are not actually made of gold – they are made of copper mixed with other metals like nickel.
Advantages
- They are very strong and unlikely to break, even under the heavy chewing forces of the back teeth.
- They wear down very slowly, just like natural tooth enamel.
- With good care, they last a very long time.
- They require less tooth enamel to be removed.
Disadvantages
- They do not look like real teeth.
- Some people are allergic to the metals used to create the gold alloy.
2. All Porcelain Crowns
All porcelain crowns are made entirely of porcelain or ceramic. They are one of the most popular types of crowns available.
Advantages
- They look almost identical to natural teeth, mimicking their size, shape, and colour very well.
- They are fully biocompatible and toxin-free.
Disadvantages
- They are less durable than metal crowns and require more care and upkeep to remain intact.
- They are not appropriate for people with a history of bruxism.
- They cost more than many other types of crowns.
3. Porcelain Fused-to-Metal Crowns (PFM)
Porcelain fused-to-metal crowns combine a metal inner layer with a porcelain outer shell to create a crown with the best attributes of each material.
Advantages
- They are very strong and very aesthetically pleasing.
- They can last for decades without any problems.
- They cost less than crowns that are made of nothing but porcelain.
Disadvantages
- You may be able to see a thin grey line at the gumline of the crowned tooth where the metal shows through.
- They may chip or wear down quickly if you clench or grind your teeth.
4. Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia crowns are made of a new material that offers both the strength of metal crowns and the beauty of porcelain crowns, all in one solid piece.
Advantages
- They look just like natural teeth.
- They are extremely durable and long-lasting.
- They can be completed in-office without the use of an external lab.
- They are biocompatible and unlikely to cause allergic reactions.
Disadvantages
- They may cause opposing teeth to wear down prematurely.
- They may be difficult to adjust if they do not fit perfectly.
5. E- MAX: Lithium Disilicate Crowns
E-MAX (or lithium disilicate) is a cutting-edge ceramic material that is stronger than plain porcelain.
Advantages
- E-MAX crowns offer excellent aesthetics.
- They are strong enough to be used for front or back teeth.
Disadvantages
- They are one of the most expensive types of crowns available.
- E-MAX has not yet been extensively studied and may have a higher failure rate than is currently known.
What is the Cost of Dental Crowns?
The cost of dental crowns varies depending on multiple factors. Some of these include:
- Which materials you choose
- Whether a core build-up is needed
- Whether a gingivectomy is needed
- Where your dentist’s office is located
- How skilled your dentist is
How Much Can a Single Dental Crown Cost?
When your dentist places a dental crown on your tooth, the fees you pay reflect the cost of their services as well as the cost of the crown itself. You may also pay a separate lab fee if your crown is fabricated off-site.
Your dentist can give you an estimate of what your crown will cost before your procedure. You can also ask your insurance company how much of that cost they will cover so you can more accurately forecast your out-of-pocket costs.
How Much Do Crowns Cost with Insurance Coverage?
Many dental insurance plans cover at least part of the cost of dental crowns when they are deemed to be necessary for your oral health. This is often the case when the tooth is heavily decayed, is chipped or broken, or has undergone a root canal.
However, those same plans may not cover crowns that are installed purely to enhance the look of your teeth. These crowns are considered cosmetic, so they must be paid for entirely out of pocket.
Cheaper Dental Care Options in Mississauga
If you cannot afford the crowns you need, there are several ways you may be able to access that care for a lower price.
If you are aged 65 or older, you may be eligible for the Ontario Seniors Dental Program. This government program covers part of the cost of necessary dental procedures for low-income seniors, including crowns that are necessary for your oral health.
If you have a child aged 17 or under who needs a crown, they may be eligible to receive one through Healthy Smiles Ontario. This government program covers the cost of emergency treatment for low-income children in Ontario. Contact the program directly for more information on what is covered and whether your child may be eligible.
Finally, you can always ask your dentist to set up a payment plan. Most dentists are happy to do this to help their patients get the treatment they want or need at a price that they can afford.
How to Pay for a Dental Crown
If you have dental insurance through your workplace, your coverage may pay for part or all of the cost of a crown. Be sure to ask your insurance provider whether your procedure will be covered before you commit to having it done.
If you are uninsured, you may be able to access care through government-funded programs. People who are not eligible for these programs can also go to dental schools to receive quality professional care for a reduced cost.
Get High-Quality Dental Crowns at Affordable Prices
The first step to getting your new crown is to book your first appointment at Trillium Smile Dentistry. Our professional team will walk you through all of the steps involved and ensure that you are able to get the care you need. Contact us today to inquire about our dental crown services or any of our other preventative or cosmetic dental treatments.