Dental crowns are an essential solution for patients with damaged or weakened teeth. When a tooth has enough structure to avoid extraction but requires restoration, crowns provide a protective and functional covering. This blog delves into the various types of crowns for teeth, their costs, pros and cons, and the considerations you should keep in mind when selecting the right crown for your dental needs.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that encases the visible portion of a tooth. It restores the tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are commonly recommended for teeth that are broken, decayed, or cracked, especially when a filling is not sufficient to provide the necessary support.
Crowns can last many years with proper care, making them a reliable option for tooth restoration. They can enhance not only the functionality of a tooth but also its aesthetic appeal, particularly for front teeth that are visible when you smile.
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1) Metal Crowns
- Material: Metal crowns are made from alloys like gold, palladium, or base metals such as nickel.
- Cost: metal crown is one of the types of dental crowns and cost Rs. 3000 to Rs. 4500 per crown
Advantages:
- Extremely durable and long-lasting 10-15 years or more
- Ideal for molars due to strength and ability to withstand chewing forces.
Disadvantages:
- Highly noticeable due to metallic colour, making them not suitable for front teeth
- Not suitable for front teeth so not for patients concerned with aesthetics.
- Best For: Back teeth where strength is more important than aesthetics.
2) Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns
- Material: These types of crowns consist of a metal structure covered with a layer of porcelain.
- Cost: PFM crowns are one of the types of dental crowns and cost Rs.6500 to Rs.8500 per crown.
Advantages:
- Combines the strength of metal with the natural appearance of porcelain.
- More affordable than all-ceramic or zirconia crowns.
Disadvantages:
- Porcelain can chip over time, potentially affecting aesthetics and durability.
- The metal underneath may show through, especially at the gum line.
Best For: Both front and back teeth that require strength and a natural look.
3) All-Ceramic Crowns
- Material: Made entirely from ceramic or porcelain materials.
- Cost: All- ceramic crowns are one of the types of dental crowns and cost Rs.10000 to Rs.15000 per crown
Advantages:
- Highly aesthetic and natural-looking, making them ideal for front tooth.
- Ideal for people with metal allergies, as they contain no metal.
Disadvantages:
- Not as strong as metal or PFM crowns, making them less suitable for back teeth.
- More prone to cracking or chipping than metal options.
- Best For: Front teeth where appearance is key.
4) Zirconia Crowns
- Material: Made from zirconium dioxide, a very strong type of ceramic.
- Cost: zirconia crowns are one of the types of dental crowns and cost Rs.10000 to Rs.15000 per crown
Advantages:
- Extremely strong and durable suitable for high stress areas
- Provides a natural look similar to all-ceramic crowns, making them suitable for front teeth as well
- Biocompatible, hence a suitable choice for patients with metal allergies
Disadvantages:
- Can be more expensive than other types of crowns for teeth
- May be harder to adjust or colour-match as compared to ceramic crowns
- Best For: Both front and back teeth due to their durability and appearance.
5) Emax Crowns
- Material: Made from lithium disilicate, a strong ceramic.
- Cost: E-mac crowns are one of the types of dental crowns and cost Rs.13000 to Rs.20000 per crown
Advantages:
- Excellent aesthetics, often indistinguishable from natural teeth
- Strong and durable, making them suitable for different applications
- Suitable for patients with metal allergies
Disadvantages:
- More expensive than other different types of crowns for teeth
- Not suitable for molars or heavily damaged teeth
- Best For: Front teeth and visible areas.
Few Other Types of Crowns for Teeth
- Resin Crowns: Less expensive but less durable, typically used as temporary crowns.
- Stainless Steel Crowns: Usually used for children’s teeth as a temporary solution.
How to Choose the Right Dental Crown for You
When selecting the appropriate types of crowns for teeth, several factors need to be considered:
Aesthetics: Front teeth require a more natural look, making all-ceramic, zirconia, or E-max crowns ideal.
- Durability: Back teeth need to withstand more pressure, so metal or zirconia crowns may be better suited.
- Allergies: Metal allergies can limit your choice to all-ceramic or zirconia crowns.
- Budget: Crowns vary significantly in price, so it’s essential to consider what you can afford. For example, metal crowns are more affordable but less aesthetically pleasing, while zirconia and Emax are more expensive but offer better aesthetics and durability.
- Functionality: Consider your lifestyle and dental habits. If you grind your teeth or often bite hard objects, you may need a more durable option like a metal or zirconia crown.
- Dental Health: The overall health of the tooth in question will influence your crown choice. Severely damaged teeth may require additional procedures, which could affect your final decision.
Types of Dental Crowns and Cost Comparison
| Type of Crown | Material | Cost (Approx.) | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metal Crowns | Gold, Nickel, Palladium | Rs. 3000 to Rs. 4500 | Durable, long-lasting | Noticeable, not aesthetic |
| PFM Crowns | Metal + Porcelain | Rs.6500 to Rs.8500 | Strength + aesthetics | Porcelain can chip, metal may show |
| All-Ceramic Crowns | Ceramic/Porcelain | Rs.10000 to Rs.15000 | Natural-looking, good for allergies | Not as strong as metal |
| Zirconia Crowns | Zirconium Dioxide | Rs.10000 to Rs.15000 | Strong, durable, aesthetic | Expensive, can be hard to colour match |
| E-max Crowns | Lithium Disilicate | Rs.13000 to Rs.20000 | Excellent aesthetics, durable | Expensive, not ideal for molars |
Factors That Affect the Cost of Dental Crowns
Several factors influence the different types of dental crowns and cost:
- Material: Metal is generally less expensive, while zirconia and Emax are more costly due to their aesthetic and strength benefits.
- Dental Insurance: Some insurance plans cover part of the types of dental crowns and cost, while others may not, particularly if the crown is considered cosmetic.
- Location: The cost of dental work can vary significantly based on where you live.
- Additional Procedures: If additional work, such as root canals or build-up, is required, it can increase the overall cost.
Caring for Your Dental Crowns
To extend the life of your different dental crowns types:
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush twice a day and floss regularly to prevent decay.
- Regular Dental Check-ups: Get professional cleanings and exams to ensure the crown remains intact and your gums stay healthy.
- Avoid Harmful Habits: Refrain from grinding your teeth or biting hard objects, as this can damage the crown.
- Be Mindful of Staining Foods: If you have all-ceramic or porcelain crowns, limit consumption of foods and drinks that may stain your crowns, such as coffee, tea, and red wine.
- Wear a Night Guard if Necessary: If you grind your teeth at night, a custom night guard can protect your crowns from excessive wear.
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Conclusion
Selecting the right dental crown types is a decision that should factor in both practical and aesthetic considerations. Whether it’s durability, appearance, allergies, or budget, there are numerous different types of dental crowns and cost to suit your needs. By understanding the different types of dental crowns for teeth and how they compare, you can make an informed choice that offers long-lasting results.
At AO Dentistry you can also find various other treatments like tooth reshaping, teeth whitening, dental X rays and many more if you are in Pune.
FAQs
1) Which type of crown is most expensive?
E-max crowns tend to be the most expensive, with prices ranging up to Rs.18000 per crown.
2) What is the healthiest type of crown?
All-ceramic and zirconia crowns are ideal for those with metal allergies and are biocompatible.
3) How many types of crowns are there?
There are five main different types of crowns for teeth: metal, PFM, all-ceramic, zirconia, and E-max, with additional variations like resin or stainless-steel crowns.
4) Is it painful to get a crown?
The process is generally painless due to local anaesthesia, though you may experience some discomfort during recovery.
5) How many times can a crown be replaced?
Crowns can typically last 10-15 years or longer with proper care but may need replacement if they become damaged or worn.
6) What is the safest crown?
Zirconia crowns are considered one of the safest options due to their durability and lack of metal components, making them suitable for people with allergies.
