What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a restoration that completely covers or “caps” a tooth or dental implant. Dental crowns are used to restore the shape, size, strength and improve the appearance of a damaged or weakened tooth. Once cemented in place, the crown covers the visible part of the tooth above the gum line.
Dental crowns can be made of various materials, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The choice of material depends on factors such as the location of the tooth, the patient’s esthetic needs and the dentist’s recommendations.
What material are the crowns of dental implants made of?
Porcelain Crown
Porcelain crowns are made entirely of porcelain and offer the best natural appearance. They are especially recommended for front teeth because of their ability to mimic the color and translucency of natural teeth.
- Advantages: Excellent esthetics, biocompatibility, no risk of allergic reactions to metal.
- Disadvantages: Less durable than metal or metal-porcelain crowns, more susceptible to fracture.
Metal Crown
Metal crowns are made of metal alloys such as gold, platinum or a combination of base metals such as nickel or chromium. These crowns are extremely durable and can withstand the forces of chewing and biting. Because of their metallic color, they are often used on molars and premolars, where esthetic appearance is less critical.
- Advantages: Very durable, requires less wear of the original tooth, less susceptibility to fracture.
- Disadvantages: Metallic color that does not blend with natural teeth, less esthetically pleasing.
Metal-Porcelain Crown
Metal-porcelain crowns combine the durability of metal with the esthetics of porcelain. They have a metal core covered by a porcelain layer that can be matched to the color of the patient’s natural teeth.
- Advantages: Good combination of durability and esthetics, stronger than all-porcelain crowns.
- Disadvantages: Porcelain can chip or break, and over time, the underlying metal can begin to show at the gum line.
Zirconium Crown
Zirconium crowns are made of zirconium dioxide, an extremely strong and durable material. These crowns combine the esthetics of porcelain with the strength of metal.
- Advantages: Very durable, excellent aesthetic appearance, biocompatible, ideal for people with metal allergies.
- Disadvantages: Can be more expensive than other types of crowns, require specific fitting and preparation techniques.
Lithium Disilicate Crowns
Lithium disilicate crowns are made of an advanced ceramic material that offers an excellent combination of esthetics and strength. These crowns are known for their high durability and ability to mimic the appearance of natural teeth.
- Advantages: High strength, excellent esthetics, biocompatibility.
- Disadvantages: They can be more expensive and require a more complex manufacturing process.
Dental Crown Placement Process
The process of placing a dental crown usually involves two visits to the dentist. During the first visit, the dentist examines and prepares the tooth that will receive the crown. This may include removing decay and reducing the tooth to make room for the crown. Next, an impression of the tooth is taken and sent to a dental laboratory to create the crown. While the final crown is being made, a temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth.
On the second visit, the dentist removes the temporary crown and cements the final crown in place, adjusting it to ensure a correct bite and a natural appearance.
Care of Dental Crowns
Proper care of dental crowns is crucial to ensure their longevity. Here are some tips to keep your crowns in good condition:
- Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to avoid plaque build-up and cavities.
- Avoid Hard Foods: Try to avoid biting into extremely hard foods, such as ice or nuts, which could damage the crown.
- Regular Dental Visits: Get regular dental checkups to make sure your crowns and natural teeth are in good condition.
Dental Crowns Prices
The cost of dental crowns can vary significantly depending on the material used and the complexity of the case. The following is a general price guide for different types of dental crowns:
- Porcelain Crown: Between 500 and 1,500 euros.
- Metal-Porcelain Crown: Between 400 and 1,200 euros.
- Metal Crown: Between 300 and 1,000 euros.
- Zirconium Crown: Between 700 and 2,000 euros.
- Lithium Disilicate Crown: Between 600 and 1,800 euros.
You can get more detailed information on our dental crowns pricing page. dental crowns prices page.
