Tooth crowns are tooth-shaped caps that restore the appearance and functionality of your damaged teeth, improving your smile and retaining your natural look. They are pocket-friendly and readily available. However, they come in a wide range according to cost and material. You should understand the various types and their advantages and disadvantages to choose the best crown for your dental needs. Additionally, you should consider the cost, mainly if you are on a budget. Your skilled Northridge dentist can determine whether you require this treatment. They can also assist you in understanding your available options, enabling you to make an informed decision.

What are Dental Crowns?

A dental crown is a cap fitted over a damaged tooth to cover the missing part, restoring the tooth’s shape, size, and strength. It also enhances your tooth’s appearance.

When fitted into the place, the dental crowns fully cover the visible part of your tooth in and above the gum line.

Here are reasons why your dentist can recommend a dental crown:

  • Your tooth is severely decayed
  • You have a cracked or broken tooth
  • You want to hold a denture or bridge in place
  • To protect a weak tooth
  • You have had root canal treatment

You can also use dental crowns to conceal severely stained or misshapen teeth.

Different Types of Dental Crowns

Different types of tooth crowns vary based on the treatment procedure, cost, the material used, treatment suitability, and the patient’s dental needs. Dental crowns are made from zirconia, porcelain, gold alloy, or a mix of metal and porcelain. Your skilled Northridge dentist should recommend the right option so your treatment can yield the most effective, precise, and best possible outcome.

Porcelain Crowns

Porcelain crowns are currently the most popular dental crowns. They are made of porcelain material.

Their advantages include:

  • Ideal for your front teeth restorations
  • Ceramic or porcelain dental crowns match your neighboring teeth in color, size, and shape, offering the best natural appearance.
  • They are toxic-free, which means they are biocompatible and do not have any metal components.

Nevertheless, they have the following disadvantages:

  • Patients with bruxism should consider gold or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns (PFM) instead of ceramic crowns
  • They can be more expensive than other dental crown types, like metal crowns
  • Porcelains are less robust than metal dental crowns. Porcelain dental crowns are durable but require proper maintenance.

E-Max: Lithium Disilicate Dental Crowns

E-Max is the latest dental crown in the dental practice. The crowns are ceramic crowns developed from lithium disilicate, a thin and light substance.

E-Max pros include:

  • They are solid and durable
  • They have great aesthetics, making them ideal for enhancing your smile and mouth’s appearance.
  • They are ideal for your rear and front teeth

E-Max crowns' disadvantages include the following:

  • Some dentists have reported E-Max failures for back teeth, especially when performing the procedure on multiple teeth.
  • They can be more costly, especially for your dentist

Gold Dental Crowns

Gold dental crowns blend copper and various metals, like chromium or nickel.

Typically, dentists use them for back teeth restorations and according to the patient’s needs. While some dentists can recommend them, gold dental crowns are not a popular dental crown choice presently because of their aesthetics and color.

Their pros include the following:

  • Your dentist will remove a minimal proportion of the enamel
  • They are durable, mainly if you properly maintain them
  • They are highly resistant and strong
  • They are ideal for rear teeth restorations
  • They gradually wear down, like your natural enamel

Some of their disadvantages include the following:

  • Gold crowns could affect some individuals and cause side effects like swelling and allergic reactions.
  • They have poor aesthetics since they do not resemble natural teeth.

Porcelain Fused-to-Metal Crowns (PFM)

PFM tooth crowns are popular among dentists and patients because they offer strength and aesthetics. Thanks to their porcelain coat covering the cap and metal structure.

Here are the benefits of porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns:

  • Dentists and patients have used PFMs for over fifty years, and the crowns are renowned for exceptional performance.
  • They provide durability and aesthetics
  • They are more pocket-friendly than other porcelain crowns

Its cons include the following:

  • PFMs wear down quickly against the opposing teeth for patients with clenched teeth.
  • The metal in the porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns can result in a gray line at your gum line. Consequently, it might offer the 100 percent aesthetic appearance of porcelain crowns.

Zirconia Dental Crowns

Zirconia is a crown material that merges porcelain crown aesthetics with the metal’s strength. Layered zirconia and high translucent zirconia dental crowns have recently gained popularity.

Their benefits include the following:

  • They are strong and rarely wear down
  • They offer excellent aesthetics
  • Like metal-free dental crowns, they are biocompatible and do not produce allergic reactions.
  • They are long-lasting and robust since their probability of breaking or chipping is less.
  • The procedure is less time-consuming; your doctor can cut and shape zirconia at their office without sending them to a dental laboratory.

Their disadvantages include the following:

  • They are too solid, making it difficult to adjust
  • Their strength could make your teeth bite against each other

Practical Tips For Choosing The Right Dental Crowns

You should consider the following when choosing the right dental crowns:

  • When choosing your crown, inspect the shape and color. The shade must match your natural teeth well, and the crown’s size must complement your smile.
  • Consider the crown’s material — Dental crowns are available in various materials. Knowing the pros and cons of every material will assist you in deciding the right crown for your preferences and needs.
  • Comfort — Consider how comfortably the tooth crown will fit in your mouth. Ensure you ask your dentist vital questions about the crown’s feel and fit before deciding.
  • Consider the cost — Undergoing a dental crown procedure can be expensive. Therefore, you should carefully compare prices. If you have health insurance, ask your provider what they cover and whether they offer discounts.
  • Durability — When choosing a crown, consider its lifespan. That will assist you in deciding if the cost is worth it in the long term. Gold crowns are the most durable dental crowns and can withstand different forces in your mouth. They do not fracture, chip, or break unless subjected to unusual stress.
  • Maintenance — You should understand any special instructions associated with your new crown. It will help ensure optimal care for many years, increasing your tooth crown's longevity.
  • Look for quality — Choose a crown with high-quality materials and superb craftsmanship. It will ensure your crown serves you for years while still looking great.
  • Aesthetic characteristics — Emax crowns have the best aesthetic properties. They are translucent and look like your natural teeth. However, you can realize exceptional outcomes with other ceramic dental crowns.
  • Your dental crown’s location — Your front teeth are the first thing people notice whenever you smile. Therefore, you should select an option with the best aesthetic characteristics. On the other hand, your molar teeth’s crowns should have a balance between resistance and looks. They should also be able to withstand substantial biting forces.
  • Ask questions — Ensure you ask any questions that might arise when choosing your tooth crown. That way, the dentist will give you a detailed description of dental procedures and crowns, allowing you to make an informed decision.

How Much Will You Spend on Your Dental Crowns Treatment?

Dental crowns are essential to preserving your natural teeth and preventing further decay. There is no definite answer to how much you expect to pay during your treatment. Determining the overall price of your dental crown entails considering different factors, including the following:

  • Type of your dental crown — Various materials have varying cost ranges. Every material possesses unique qualities and functions, so discussing the treatment options with the dentist is wise. They will recommend the most pocket-friendly options that suit your needs and budget.
  • Your crown’s size and placement — Teeth in visible areas like your mouth’s front require crowns designed of materials that offer aesthetics, making them more costly.
  • Additional treatment procedures — Sometimes, other procedures like extractions and root canals could be essential before placing your crown. These dental procedures increase the overall price. You should factor that into your budget.
  • Dental practice — An experienced dental practitioner offers high-quality services, which could cost more.
  • Location — Dental service costs vary depending on location, living costs, dentistry overheads, and local market trends, which influence pricing variations. Typically, you incur more in a large city than in a small town.
  • Dental insurance coverage — A dental insurance plan plays a considerable role in influencing the out-of-pocket expenses for the treatment.
  • Diagnostic expenses, including digital X-rays to determine your tooth decay location and examination conducted during your initial dental visit
  • The number of dental crowns you need
  • Treatment options like emergency costs, local anesthesia, and fees for replacing your old crowns
  • Aftercare — It can include prescriptions, ice packs, or gauze.

Insurance Coverage for Your Dental Crowns

Dental insurance coverage for crowns varies with different plans. Some insurance plans cover some of the cost, while others cover specific dental crowns.

If you are contemplating this treatment, contact your insurance company to determine the degree of coverage and the out-of-pocket expenses you will incur. These details will assist you in planning your budget and avoiding future unexpected financial burdens.

Working With an Out-of-Network Dentist Vs. an In-Network Professional

Crown prices vary significantly depending on whether you choose an out-of-network doctor or an in-network dental professional.

Since the insurance provider has appointed dentists in their network and has negotiated rates, you will pay less when working with an in-network physician. However, your options will be limited, and some might not meet your needs. The insurance provider will only cover a certain percentage of the entire cost.

Since insurers have not contacted out-of-network dentists, you will pay more for your treatment. These dentists are ideal for complicated treatments like dental crowns. You have many options to choose from and can achieve your desired goal.

How to Pay for Your Dental Treatment

Here are the different ways in which you can pay for your procedure:

  • Using a dental practice that accepts insurance — Paying for your treatment with health insurance is the most effective way. Insurance companies cover dental crowns because they are essential for maintaining oral health and fixing weak or cracked teeth. However, the insurer will not cover the treatment if you desire to enhance your overall look and smile. The insurance firm will consider it a cosmetic treatment that adds no value to oral health. Most seasoned dentists accept various insurance plans and can assist in checking your job benefits by completing the relevant paperwork for you and maximizing your benefits.
  • Government programs — Although Medicare does not cover your procedure, it will pay for inpatient medical care in dental emergencies. If you use Medicare, ensure you analyze it.
  • Flexible expenses account — An FSA is pretax money deducted from your paycheck and set aside for healthcare expenses. The arrangement is only viable for employees who provide it. Most companies have it as part of their staff benefits insurance coverage. Please note that FSA benefits do not carry over to the following year, and you should use them before the end of the year.
  • Health savings accounts — The health savings account is a government-controlled account for savings that allows you to allocate pretax income to cater to your healthcare bills. It differs from FSA because health savings account funds carry over to the following year, provided you have high-deductible insurance.
  • Dental schools — Sometimes, your local dental schools provide dental services. Dental schools that offer affordable services have students supervised by a qualified dentist performing the procedure.
  • In-house flexible payment plans —Many dental practices offer payment plans, so you do not have to pay for your treatment at once. It is ideal if you do not have insurance coverage and cannot afford your treatment. Most dentists recognize that patients avoid treatment due to the considerable cost, so they offer flexible, affordable payment options, accept different credit cards, and work with third-party finance providers.

Are Dental Crowns Worth the Price?

Dental crowns are an effective and safe method of restoring damaged teeth, improving your smile’s appearance, and strengthening your weak teeth. If you visit your dentist regularly and maintain proper oral hygiene, your crown can last years.

Contact a Qualified Restorative Dentist Near Me

For years, dentists have used tooth crowns to restore the functionality and appearance of damaged teeth. You can use the caps to enhance your smile. After your dentist has recommended dental crowns, you may wonder what the best ones are for your dental needs, preferences, and budget. Northridge Advanced Dentistry understands your concerns and is dedicated to offering a safe and comfortable dental experience. Our friendly, qualified, and knowledgeable dentists can guide you throughout the procedure, from selecting the most suitable tooth crown material to ensuring you find an affordable option to ensuring your crown is perfectly fitted. Please call our dental office at 818-701-3010 to schedule your appointment.