Although there are six types of dental crowns, they all are used for the same purpose – restoring weak, broken, or decayed teeth. While the main purpose of a dental crown is restorative, it can also enhance the appearance of your teeth. Let’s learn more about why someone would need a dental crown and the different types of dental crown materials available.

When is a Dental Crown Needed?

Dental crowns are used for a number of purposes, and temporary dental crowns are often used in emergency situations while your permanent dental crown is manufactured. Permanent dental crowns can be used to strengthen a weak tooth, protect a cracked tooth, and restore a worn down tooth, as well as hold a dental bridge in place. Dental crowns are also often used for covering a discolored tooth, a root-canal-treated tooth, or a dental implant. Your dentist will determine if a dental crown is the appropriate treatment and discuss the different types of dental crowns available.

What Are the Most Common Types of Dental Crowns?

The most common types of dental crowns are metal crowns, all-ceramic or porcelain crowns, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, pressed ceramic crowns, same-day crowns, and all-resin crowns. 

• Metal Crowns

Metal crowns can be made of nickel, gold, chromium, and palladium. Metal crowns are long lasting as they rarely chip or break and require only a small amount of enamel removal from your natural tooth. 

Metal dental crowns can also withstand more forceful biting and chewing. However, metal crowns are more noticeable. So, most people prefer metal crowns placed on out-of-sight molars.

• All-Ceramic or Porcelain Crowns

All-ceramic or porcelain crowns provide a very natural looking crown placement. They’re also recommended if you have metal allergies. The most common type of material used to make porcelain crowns is zirconium dioxide. This material is extremely durable while also being gentle on adjacent teeth, lessening the amount of enamel wear. 

• Porcelain-Fused-To-Metal Crowns

Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns combine a metal inner core and a porcelain surrounding to create the crown. The porcelain used in PFM crowns can be matched to the shade of your natural teeth to create a more natural smile. 

While PFM crowns have the added durability with the metal inner core, the porcelain coating may chip overtime, exposing the metal underneath. This type of crown can also wear down the enamel on adjacent teeth over time. However, PFM crowns last almost as long as metal crowns and can be used to restore front and back teeth.

• Pressed Ceramic Crowns

Pressed ceramic crowns are similar to a PFM crown, but the hard inner core of a pressed ceramic crown is made of melted and pressed ceramic rather than metal. Although this is another more natural looking option, the ceramic can chip away over time in this type of dental crown as well.

• Same Day Dental Crowns

With computer-aided design and manufacturing technology, many dentists are now able to create crowns in-office based on dental impressions of your teeth. Same day dental crowns are usually made from a solid block of porcelain or ceramic. A key advantage of same day crowns is having a crown placed in one visit instead of having to wait and come back for your dental crowns. 

• All-Resin Crowns

 All-resin crowns are less expensive, but they are more fragile and more likely to break compared to other types of dental crowns. Resin is often used to make temporary crowns, which typically last three to five years.

Here at Shapiro Family Dentistry, we use same day crowns for our patients. Our same day crowns are milled from a solid block of durable dental porcelain. Not only do these types of dental crowns provide our patients the convenience of a crown placed in one visit but they also get rid of the need for a temporary crown, thereby reducing the cost of placing a dental crown. 

We use iTero intraoral scanners to make your permanent, custom-made crown in the office during your appointment. Same day crowns can treat aesthetic and functional issues, all while matching the shade of your natural teeth.

Are Crowns Safe?

Dental crowns are safe, but there are some things to be aware of when considering a crown. To properly fit a crown, some of your natural tooth enamel is removed. If not properly fitted, a dental crown can trap bacteria, leading to tooth decay. Your teeth may be more sensitive in the weeks following a crown placement, and over time, dental crowns can break or fracture if not properly cared for.

How Long Do Crowns Last? 

Dental crowns can last up to 30 years, but the average lifespan of a dental crown is 15 years. To help prolong the life of your dental crown, avoid foods that can damage or pull off your crown, such as extremely hard nuts, ice cubes, popcorn, and super sticky foods. 

Good oral hygiene will also extend the life of your dental crown. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste. Use an antibacterial mouthwash and floss once a day to manage plaque and bacteria build up. 

Scheduling and attending regular dental cleanings and exams will also help to prolong the life of your dental crown. If you clench your teeth at night, talk to your dentist about a custom mouth guard to help protect all of your teeth. 

How Much Do Dental Crowns Cost?

The price of a dental crown varies but on average is approximately $1,200-$1,500. The type of dental crown material used will be the biggest factor in the price of your dental crown. Porcelain crowns, which are the most natural looking, can sometimes have a higher range. Don’t let the price of a dental crown discourage you from getting your perfect smile back. Talk with your dentist office about possible insurance coverage and see if their office offers a discount plan like Shapiro Family Dentistry’s smile discount plan.

If you have weak, discolored, or decaying teeth and are interested in same day crowns, get in touch with our expert dental providers here at Shapiro Family Dentistry. With offices located across South Florida in West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, and Fort Pierce, our husband and wife dental team, along with our team of dental practitioners and specialists, provide expert dental care at your convenience. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about our dental services guaranteed to make you smile.