What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped “caps” that are placed over a tooth. They are used to cover the tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength. They also improve its appearance. Crowns are cemented into place and fully encase the entire visible portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line.
Crowns can be made from many different materials, including metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, all-resin, or all-ceramic. Metal crowns, like gold crowns, are the strongest, but they are also the most noticeable. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are also strong and look more like natural teeth than metal crowns. All-resin and all-ceramic crowns are not as strong as metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, but they look more like natural teeth.
As a dental restoration treatment option, crowns are designed to help you keep and improve your natural teeth. Your dentist will recommend the best type of crown for you based on the location of the tooth, the amount of chewing force on the tooth, and your aesthetic goals. With the help of a dental crown, you can improve your oral health and appearance.
What Do Dental Crowns Cost?
One popular choice for dental restorations is getting a dental crown. A dental crown is an expensive dental procedure that improves the appearance and functionality of a tooth. The average cost of a dental crown depends on different factors: the materials used, the location of the tooth, the dentist’s experience, or the dental plan.
In Western Australia, a cantilever bridge with a crown starts at just \$2700. For patients preferring ceramic crowns, you can expect to spend $1500 to $2000 for a single crown. We also offer a full metal crown for those who need it. One full metal crown can cost between $1600 and $2200.
In some cases, patients will need to have a root canal done prior to the placement of their dental crowns. The dental crown cost will then vary depending on the number of root canals done. Teeth can have between 1-4 roots depending on the type of tooth. The cost of a 2-canal procedure and crown starts at $2400. You can expect to pay $3000 or more for 4-canal procedures.
It is recommended that you contact your preferred dental clinic to inquire regarding the cost of dental crowns for their practice. You can also schedule a consultation to see if they are the right treatment for you.
Why Are Dental Crowns So Expensive?
A dental crown is a cap placed over a tooth after a root canal procedure has been completed. This helps prevent further decay from occurring. It also makes the teeth look great and feel more comfortable. However, they can be expensive. You may be wondering what makes this dental treatment so pricey. There are several factors that can contribute to why you are paying that certain cost.
- Material Costs of Dental Crowns
The cost of a crown depends on the material it is made from. Ceramic or porcelain crowns are typically the most expensive options, while resin crowns are the least expensive. However, resin crowns are also the weakest option and are more likely to break or wear down over time. Crowns made from metal alloy metals such as gold or palladium, nickel, and chrome last longer and are more durable, but they also come with a higher price tag. Other popular materials used to make dental crowns include zirconium and porcelain. They tend to appear more natural and are extremely durable. - Laboratory Costs of Dental Crowns
Many clinics outsource laboratory services, which can increase the overall cost of the treatment. In addition, outsourcing often extends the duration of treatment, as crowns must be shipped back and forth between the clinic and the laboratory. Additional services and procedures, such as gum contouring or root canals, can also have an impact on treatment costs. - Cost of the Digital Technology Used in Dental Crowns
Digital technology has revolutionized the dental industry, and there are now a variety of ways to create high-quality dental crowns. One of the most popular methods is CAD/CAM (computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing). This technology uses advanced equipment to produce crowns that are perfectly customized to each patient’s individual needs. In addition, laboratories that specialize in digital smile design can often create crowns that are even more aesthetically pleasing than traditional methods. - Labour Costs for Dental CrownsThe cost of dental crowns varies depending on the material used and the expertise required. A ceramic crown tends to be more expensive than other materials because they require more expertise and time to prepare. The hourly wage for the dental professional is the most significant expense when it comes to dental crowns. More experienced professionals can create more natural dental crowns with more comfortable fits.
When Should I Get Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are an ideal solution for many dental issues. A dental crown provides an artificial protective cover for the internal components of a tooth, including the dentin and the pulp. This helps to prevent pain, sensitivity, and damage to the internal structures of a tooth.
In addition, dental crowns can help to ensure a tooth’s proper function. They can provide a protective cover and provide a chewing surface for the teeth. Crowns can also conceal natural tooth discolouration, tooth fillings, and other imperfections. These are instances that call for dental crown treatment:
- Cracked Tooth
Cracks or fractures can occur in healthy teeth for a variety of reasons. Patients who chew ice or nuts may crack their teeth. A cracked tooth may occur from repeated filling, trauma, caries or grinding at night (bruxism). - Aesthetic
A person’s appearance is affected by teeth alignment, shape, and shade. The most common problems are yellowish, brownish or greyish discoloured teeth or those with irregular shape and spacing. To restore a tooth for aesthetic reasons, you can either use a crown or a veneer. - Worn dentition
An abrasive, irregular, short, and sensitive tooth surface is a sign of wear. A hard bristle toothbrush, grinding teeth during sleep (bruxism), and drinking acidic or carbonated beverages regularly can cause worn teeth. You can overcome this problem by using a dental crown. - Root canal treatment
Often, root-treated teeth have weakened physical structures. Weak teeth with large tooth decay (caries) are less resistant to chewing forces due to severe loss of tooth structure. To optimize oral function, a crown is used to restore the tooth. - Dental caries
Bacteria cause dental caries or tooth decay. To prevent dental caries, it is important to practice good oral hygiene. Left untreated, caries spreads and destroys tooth structure. Dental crowns are needed to protect healthy tooth structure after a direct filling removes caries.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Dental crowns are a popular solution for improving the appearance of damaged or misshapen teeth. Made from porcelain or ceramic, crowns are designed to match the natural colour of your teeth and provide a long-lasting, durable solution. Most crowns will last from 5 to 15 years, and with proper care and maintenance, they can provide many years of use.
A study showed that 97% of 10-year-old crowns were still in place, and 85% of 25-year-old crowns were still functioning properly. These results show that when manufactured with high-quality materials and installed by an expert, dental crowns can provide years of reliability and satisfaction. If you are considering dental crowns, be sure to consult with an experienced dentist to ensure the best possible results.
What Happens During The Dental Crown Procedure?
Initial dental visit: Examination and tooth preparation
The first step in receiving a dental crown is to have X-rays taken. These X-rays help the dentist determine if the roots of the tooth are healthy and if there is any damage to the surrounding bone. Once it has been determined that the tooth is healthy enough to receive a crown, the next step is to numb the tooth and surrounding gum tissue. This numbing agent ensures that you will not feel any pain during the procedure.
The dentist will then prepare the tooth for the crown by removing any existing damage and shaping the tooth. Once the tooth is prepared, an impression will be made. Digital scanners are sometimes used to make impressions. To confirm that the crown will not affect your bite, impressions will also be taken of the teeth above and below the tooth receiving the crown. These impressions will be used to create your custom crown. While your crown is being made, you will be given a temporary crown to wear.
Second dental visit: Installation of the permanent dental crown
Getting a dental crown is usually a two-visit process. A second visit will be needed to check the permanent crown’s fit and colour. If everything is acceptable, a local anesthetic will be used to numb the tooth, and the new crown will be permanently cemented in place. In most cases, dental crowns are made of porcelain or ceramic and can last for many years with proper care.
Does Private Insurance Cover Dental Crowns?
Depending on the policy, dental services may be covered by hospital or extras health insurance. Many extra policies cover general dental care (including regular check-ups, scale and cleans, and most preventative services). Extras coverage is usually required for major dental work (such as crowns, bridges, surgical extractions, wisdom teeth, dental implants, dentures, and root canal therapy) and orthodontics (braces, retainers, fittings, and similar procedures).
It is a good idea to check with your private health insurer to find out what dental treatments are covered by your policy before undergoing any dental treatment. In addition, you can find out if there is a limit on the amount you can claim or if there is a waiting period.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in need of a dental crown, it’s important to know the cost and when you should get one. Our team at Piara Waters Dental can help walk you through the process from start to finish. We want to help you restore your beautiful smile, so please don’t hesitate to call us at 08 6196 4661 to schedule an appointment today!