A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that is placed over a tooth to cover the tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Dental crowns are used when a tooth is too damaged or decayed to be repaired with a filling. The cost of crowns for teeth can vary significantly depending on the type of material used and where they are placed in the mouth. In this article, we will discuss the various factors that influence the cost of dental crowns and how much they typically cost.On average, crowns for teeth can cost between $800 and $1700 per tooth. The exact cost will depend on factors such as the type of crown, the dentist’s fees, and your location.
Factors Impacting the Cost of Teeth Crowns
The cost of a dental crown can vary depending on a few factors, including the type of crown used, the complexity of the procedure, and where it is being done. The type of crown used is likely to have the biggest impact on the cost. Different materials such as porcelain, metal alloys, and composites have different costs associated with them. Porcelain is often the most expensive option due to its aesthetics and durability. Metal alloys are usually less expensive than porcelain, but they may not be as aesthetically pleasing. Composite crowns are usually less expensive than either porcelain or metal alloys but may not last as long.
The complexity of the procedure can also affect the cost of a dental crown. A simple procedure that only requires one crown may be less expensive than a more complex one that requires multiple crowns or other treatments. Additionally, if there is a need for additional work beyond just placing a crown, such as root canal therapy or gum disease treatment, this can add to the overall cost.
Finally, where you get your dental crown can also affect its cost. Dental work in certain parts of the country or certain cities may be more expensive than others due to local economic conditions or differences in insurance coverage or other factors. The same goes for if you choose to use an out-of-network dentist versus an in-network provider; out-of-network dentists may charge more for their services.
In general, it’s best to discuss all factors with your dentist before making any decisions about getting a dental crown so you know what to expect in terms of cost and quality of care.
Types Of Teeth Crowns
Teeth crowns are an effective way to restore strength and aesthetics to damaged or decayed teeth. A crown, also known as a ‘cap’, is a custom-made prosthetic device that fits over the entire visible portion of a tooth. It is often used to protect weak teeth from further damage, or to improve the appearance of discolored or misshapen teeth. There are several different types of crowns available for patients depending on their needs and budget.
Porcelain crowns are the most popular type of crown due to their natural look and durability. Porcelain crowns are made from a ceramic material that is custom-color matched to blend in with the patient’s natural teeth. They are also very strong and able to withstand normal biting and chewing forces. Porcelain fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns combine both porcelain and metal materials into one crown for extra strength and durability, making them ideal for molars that experience significant chewing forces.
Metal crowns are made from gold alloy, silver alloy, palladium, nickel chromium or other strong metal materials that offer extra strength compared to porcelain crowns. They are often used on back teeth where extra durability is needed but they can be noticeable because of their metallic color.
Zirconia crowns offer the strength of metal while still having a very natural-looking appearance similar to porcelain. Zirconia has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its ability to mimic the look of natural teeth more closely than other materials while still being extremely durable.
Resin crowns are made from a composite plastic material that can be customized in terms of shape, size and color, making them ideal for front teeth where aesthetics are most important. Resin is less expensive than porcelain but it may not last as long due to its lower durability compared with other materials.
No matter which type of tooth crown you choose, it’s important to consult with your dentist before making a decision so they can help you find the best option for your needs.
Is There Any Difference In Cost Between Different Types Of Crowns?
Yes, there is a difference in cost between different types of crowns. The type of crown, materials used, and the complexity of the procedure will all factor into the total cost. Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns are typically the least expensive option, while all-porcelain or all-ceramic crowns are usually more expensive due to their higher quality materials. Gold and other metal alloy crowns are usually the most expensive option due to the cost of the materials used. Additionally, if a special dental lab is required for a custom restoration, this will also add to the overall cost.
In general, it is important to consider both cost and quality when selecting a type of crown. It is important to consult with your dentist to determine which type of crown is best for you and your budget. Your dentist can explain the differences between types of crowns and help you make an informed decision that best suits your needs.
Do Insurance Companies Cover The Cost Of Teeth Crowns?
Many insurance companies provide coverage for teeth crowns, however the extent of coverage varies depending on the plan. Generally, insurance may cover some of the cost of a crown, however it is likely that a portion of the fee will need to be paid out-of-pocket. In addition, many plans require pre-authorization from a dentist before they will cover any portion of the cost.
The amount that an insurance company covers for a crown can vary greatly depending on the type of procedure being done and how much work is required. Most plans have a set maximum amount they will pay per year for dental care and this amount may vary between plans. It is important to check with your insurer to understand what type of coverage you have and how much it will cost to get a crown.
In some cases, insurance companies may offer discounts on certain procedures if they are done in certain locations or by certain providers. It is important to ask your dentist or insurance company about any potential discounts that may be available in order to reduce the overall cost of getting a crown. Additionally, some dentists offer financing plans that can help make dental care more affordable.
Overall, while many insurance companies provide partial coverage for teeth crowns, it is important to check with your insurer regarding what type of coverage you have and what your out-of-pocket costs will be before getting any dental work done. Additionally, it may be beneficial to ask your dentist about any potential discounts or financing options that may help reduce the overall cost of getting a crown.
Porcelain or Gold Crown on a Tooth
The cost of having either a porcelain or gold crown on a tooth depends largely on the complexity of the procedure, the materials used, and the dentist’s fees. Porcelain crowns are generally more expensive than gold crowns because they require more labor-intensive procedures. Porcelain crowns must be carefully shaped and color-matched to ensure an aesthetic result. Additionally, porcelain is usually more expensive than gold. However, gold crowns may also require additional procedures to ensure a proper fit and to minimize any potential allergic reactions. Furthermore, some dentists may charge extra for using high-quality gold alloys in their work.
In general, porcelain crowns tend to cost more than gold crowns due to the increased labor costs and materials required. However, it is important to note that the cost of each procedure will vary depending on the complexity of the procedure, materials used, and dentist’s fees. It is best to discuss all costs with your dentist before beginning any treatment.
Porcelain Fused To Metal (PFM) Or All-Ceramic Crown For My Tooth?
Choosing between a porcelain fused to metal (PFM) crown and an all-ceramic crown for your tooth depends on several factors. PFM crowns are made of metal fused to a porcelain veneer, and they are strong and durable. However, they can be prone to wear over time and may show a dark line at the gum line. All-ceramic crowns, on the other hand, are made of ceramic material that is more aesthetically pleasing, but they may not be as strong as PFM crowns.
Your dentist will be able to help you decide which type of crown is best for your situation. They will take into account your budget, the condition of your tooth, and any other factors that might affect the outcome of the restoration. Generally speaking, if you have a healthy tooth with enough tooth structure to support the restoration, an all-ceramic crown may be a good choice since it will provide better aesthetics than a PFM crown.
If your tooth is heavily damaged or decayed, however, your dentist might recommend a PFM crown since it is usually stronger than an all-ceramic crown and can better withstand biting forces. Additionally, if you have a limited budget or if you need to replace an existing PFM crown, then it might make sense to go with another PFM restoration rather than switching to an all-ceramic one.
Ultimately, deciding between a PFM or all-ceramic crown for your tooth depends on several factors that should be discussed with your dentist. They can help you determine which type of restoration is right for you based on their experience and expertise in dentistry.
Lab-Made Crown vs Chairside Crown
When it comes to crowning a tooth, there are two main options: a lab-made crown or a chairside crown. While both will provide the same results in restoring your tooth, the cost can vary significantly. Lab-made crowns are generally more expensive than chairside crowns because they require more time and effort in the laboratory setting. The process of creating a lab-made crown involves taking an impression of the tooth, creating a model, and then fabricating the restoration using special materials and techniques. This method is usually more costly due to the extensive labor involved.
In contrast, chairside crowns can be made quickly in one single dental visit. This is done by using an intraoral scanner to capture an image of your tooth and then milling the restoration from a block of ceramic material. The cost of this type of crown is typically lower than that of lab-made crowns due to its convenience and shorter fabrication time.
Overall, lab-made crowns tend to be more expensive than chairside crowns due to the complexity and precision required for fabrication. However, both types of restorations offer excellent results in restoring your teeth back to their original state. It is important to discuss with your dentist which option is best for you based on your individual needs and budget.
Conclusion
The cost of a crown for a tooth can vary significantly depending on the material used, the type of crown, and other factors. Generally speaking, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are the most affordable option. However, tooth colored ceramic and zirconia crowns may be more aesthetically pleasing and thus cost more. Additionally, dental insurance can help offset some of the expense. It’s important for individuals to consult with their dentist to discuss their options in order to choose the best type of crown for their needs.
Overall, when it comes to how much do crowns cost for teeth, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The cost will depend on various factors including the patient’s needs and budget. It’s important to discuss your options with your dentist to determine which type of crown is right for you.