What are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are a custom-fit cap that goes around a broken, weak, or decaying tooth to help restore it. The tooth is reshaped to fit the crown, which is placed over the tooth. One may need a crown to fix a chipped tooth, to prevent grinding due to stress or misalignment, to fix a cavity, protect a dental implant, and more. They can be made from a variety of materials, such as resin and metal, but most commonly ceramic or porcelain.
Ceramic vs. Porcelain
Ceramic crowns, made entirely of ceramic, are known for their ability to be color-matched almost perfectly to your existing teeth. Because of this, they are a great choice if you need a crown in the front of your mouth that is visible. This type of crown also has a high resistance to varying temperatures.
Porcelain crowns are made by fusing porcelain to metal. Because of this, they offer the same aesthetic appeal that a ceramic crown does, but are more durable. This type of crown is good for molars or other teeth that experience a lot of pressure or grinding. One downside of porcelain fused to metal is that the porcelain coating can chip off over time, exposing the metal underneath.
Your dentist will help you determine what type of crown is right for you. Some different factors to consider are where the tooth is located, how the gum tissue is positioned around the tooth, how much of the natural tooth is still intact, how much of the tooth is showing when you smile, the function of the tooth, and the color of the surrounding teeth. A dental crown can last about 10 years if it is properly taken care of and the area is cleaned.
Cost Difference
Ceramic crowns often cost less than porcelain, ranging anywhere between $600 and $1,500, and the cost will depend on the size, exact material, and procedure. A porcelain crown tends to be a bit more expensive than a ceramic crown because they cost more to produce and take more skill to install. The cost of a porcelain crown ranges between $800 and $2,000. You might be able to save money on the porcelain crown by choosing a less expensive material.
For more information about the differences between porcelain and ceramic crowns, and which one might be best for you, please reach out to our office to schedule an appointment with the dentist.
Related Article: How Long do Ceramic Crowns Last?