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. A patient might 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, and in this article, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a common material used to make crowns: ceramic.
Advantages
The main advantage of a ceramic crown is the appearance. They are known for their ability to be color-matched almost perfectly to the existing teeth. Because of this, they are a great choice if you need a crown in the front of your mouth that is visible when you smile, talk, or open your mouth. In addition to appearance, ceramic crowns can withstand common wear and tear. Overall, they are a great choice for someone who is looking to restore strength and appearance.
Disadvantages
Ceramic crowns are known to have a complex fabrication process in order to mimic the shape and color of surrounding teeth. It is common that the patient will need to visit the office at least twice to complete the treatment. Another common disadvantage is the installation process. Ceramic crowns have to be thicker than other crown materials to prevent them from breaking or cracking. Because of this, the dentist may have to remove more of the natural tooth to accommodate the crown. On top of that, if the crown does crack, the ceramic tooth is a bit more difficult to repair.
While an all-ceramic crown is a great choice for many patients, there are a few conditions that can affect a patient’s candidacy.
- If there is not enough distance between the teeth, or you have a deep overbite that puts a lot of pressure on the crown. If that’s the case, you may require something stronger than ceramic, such as metal.
- Another factor that can affect a patient’s candidacy is whether or not they excessively clench or grind their teeth. If that is you, again, you may require a stronger material than ceramic.
Cost Difference
Ceramic crowns often cost less than another common material: porcelain. Ceramic crowns can range 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 many patients, a ceramic crown is extremely common because it can provide a strong and attractive way to fix a damaged tooth. We will work with you to determine the advantages and disadvantages of all materials and recommend the best one for you. Please do not hesitate to reach out to the office to schedule an appointment or for any further questions you might have.
Related Article: What is a Ceramic Crown?