A dental crown, or cap, is a type of dental restoration device used to cover up a tooth or dental implant at and above the gum line. A crown is essentially the new outside covering of a tooth. Dental crowns are usually implemented to strengthen a decaying tooth, restore a chipped tooth, or improve the overall appearance of a tooth.
Preparing a dental crown for a patient is a long process that requires two separate appointments. During the first appointment, the dentist will numb the patient’s tooth and nearby gum tissue with anesthesia. Next, the dentist will reshape the tooth. This requires taking off a thin outside layer of the tooth. This thickness will match the thickness of the crown so that the tooth retains its size later on. The dentist may also have to shave off some areas more than others to make it fit comfortably inside the cap, or in situations where the patient has a chipped tooth, he may have to build up certain areas. Then, a putty material is used to make an impression of the tooth. This impression will be sent to a dental technician and used as a cast to create the actual crown. This process can take up to two weeks. During the second appointment when the crown is ready, the dentist will cement the crown in the patient’s mouth. There will then be a final inspection by both the dentist and patient to see if the crown is satisfactory.
The two most popular types of crowns made of metal or ceramic. Metal crowns, such as those made of gold, are strong yet malleable. This means dentists have an easier time making a metal crown with the perfect fit, and patients feel more comfortable. They are also strong and last longer than ceramic caps, and they do not wear away enamel of other teeth it comes into contact with due to biting or chewing. However, metal caps are gold or silver, so they are usually only used for teeth that are not visible when smiling, such as molars. Ceramic or porcelain crowns, on the other hand, have the best look. They have a translucent quality and blend in with other teeth. However, they are not as strong or durable as metal caps.
Dental crowns have the power to restore a beautiful smile. For more information on crowns, please contact your local dentist’s office
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Dental Crowns Cost
Dental crowns cost is normally very high. One of the factors that contribute to the high cost of dental crowns is because the crown used for the procedure is custom made in the laboratory. There are different types of materials that can be used in the making of the dental cap but the cost of these materials is not the same. The difference in the cost of these materials is one of the factors that affect the cost of the dental crown and make it to vary. If you have need for a dental crown, it is necessary you know these materials, their difference, and their cost in order to make a good choice.
Gold alloy caps
The gold alloy is one of the materials that can be used in making the dental crown. Gold alloy crowns are very expensive. So, if you want to use a dental crown made from gold alloy, you should be aware that the cost of the dental crown of such a procedure will be higher. However, the gold alloy has some advantages over other types of material used in making the cap. It is not difficult to prepare a tooth for gold alloy crown. The preparation also involves less complicated process owing to the fact that tooth structure removal is minimal. However, gold alloy does not give the look of natural teeth. People who do not like gold to be in their teeth will opt for porcelain.
Porcelain dental cap
Porcelain or ceramics is another material that can be used in making dental cap. A dental cap made with only porcelain is very cheap. But the disadvantage of this type of cap is that it is not as durable as the type that is made with gold only. It can easily break. However, it is the best material if you want to have a dental cap that looks like pure natural teeth. The average dental crown cost per tooth using this type of material is about $800.
Porcelain can be fused with some materials. There is a dental cap made from porcelain fused to gold alloy. Such a dental cap can cost around $912. Porcelain can also be fused to a metallic alloy of nickel or chromium. Dental cap made with such material will cost around $850.
All Resin dental cap
This type of dental cap is the cheapest. However, the disadvantage of the cap made with only resin is that it is susceptible to fracture and wears down over time than the other types of caps.
Metal crown
Besides gold alloy, there are other metallic alloys that can be used in making dental caps. Examples of such metal alloys are chromium and nickel. The disadvantage of metal crowns is their metallic color. A natural tooth look will not be obtained. But it is more reliable and durable. The dental crowns cost of this option is higher than that of resin.
Temporary crown
A temporary crown is applied for temporary restoration pending when the permanent crown will be made. It is normally made with stainless steel or acrylic material and it is made in the dentist’s office rather than in the laboratory.