Why Would I Need a Crown?
- You might require a crown for any number of reasons.
- Cap a damaged or decayed tooth.
- Strengthen a filled tooth.
- Protect a weak tooth.
- Improve a discolored tooth.
- Hold a dental bridge in place.
- Hold together a cracked tooth.
- Protect a tooth post-root canal.
- Cap a dental implant.
What are Dental Crowns Made Of?
If you’ve always wanted a golden crown, you might be able to have one – in your mouth. However, not all crown materials are mined. Some are scientifically developed or designed from other natural substances, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information and the ADA.
Your dentist will advise you on which material – or combination of materials – will work best for you.
What Is Zirconia, and What Are its Benefits?
Zirconia is a white solid ceramic glaze and one of several newer materials that combine metal’s strength with the aesthetic, tooth-like appeal of porcelain. And zirconia crowns are continually being developed to improve their performance further.
Some of the benefits of zirconium crowns are:
- They somewhat resemble the color of teeth.
- They’re durable.
- They can be shaped in the dentist’s office and need less preparation than other materials, meaning you can be fitted for your crown and have it placed in one appointment.
- Zirconia can be layered with porcelain for an even more tooth-like aesthetic.
- These crowns can be bonded or cemented to your tooth, giving your dentist more options for your specific needs.
- Zirconia is biocompatible – it won’t cause any adverse reactions in your body.
What Are the Benefits of Porcelain Crowns?
The biggest advantage of porcelain-based ceramic crowns is cosmetic. They are great for restoring front teeth because they can be made to look like your natural teeth. And there are other advantages, too:
- Porcelain is biocompatible, so there’s little-to-no risk of allergy, infection, or toxicity from the material.
- It provides a great seal to guard against leakage and cavity prevention.
- Porcelain can also be fused to metal to increase strength. The Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health found that more than 60 percent of these crowns remain strong and undamaged for longer than eight years after they are placed.
How Can I Maintain My Crowns?
If your crown becomes loose, falls out or chips, consult your dentist. But with proper dental health maintenance – the same oral hygiene routine you use to keep your teeth healthy – crowns can last a lifetime.
However, the goal is to avoid needing a crown, and you know how to do that. Eat foods your teeth love, floss or clean between your teeth, and brush twice daily, preferably with a toothbrush that cleans your back molars, such as one with bi-level bristles, and, as always, schedule regular checkups with your dentist.
What’s the Cost?
The cost of dental Crowns in the United States ranges from $500 to $3,000 per tooth, depending on the type of material. In Colombia, the procedure is 30-50% less. We offer packages that include the procedure and accommodations.
