Your teeth are valuable tools in health and nutrition. As you age, they are exposed to chemicals and trauma that chip, decay, crack, or even damage them completely. That is why your dentist might recommend dental crowns.
Dental crowns provide the necessary protection and aesthetic improvement for your teeth. They reinforce the structure of your teeth and help your overall oral health. Crowns make your smile complete again. They are usually made to fit your mouth well and blend flawlessly into your smile. They are meticulously crafted to match the shape, color, texture, and size of your other teeth. They are also meant to bring back the strength of your bite.
The following are the things you need to know in getting dental crowns:
1. How it starts. A custom crown starts by preparing one’s teeth. The dentist takes a mold of your teeth. He then performs a temporary restoration process to protect your teeth until our dental crown is ready. Sometimes, the dental crowns secure your artificial teeth as part of your dental bridge. Other cases involve attaching the crowns to dental implants to take the place of any missing teeth. Having a dental crown needs two visits over two to three weeks. Other dentists are now offering same-day crowns for those who do not have the time to make two visits.
2. Your candidacy. Dental crowns can be acquired for aesthetic purposes, but your dentist may recommend dental crowns because of the following:
• Severe discoloration or your teeth, unresponsive to teeth whitening procedures
• Chipped teeth
• Misshapen teeth
• Extraordinarily small teeth
• Cracked teeth
• Damaged or decayed teeth
• Teeth that need strength and support
• The inability to chew food
• Misalignment of the teeth
• Extensive damage of the teeth
• Damaged surface of the teeth because of teeth grinding or bruxism
• Single tooth replacement with a dental implant
• Protection of the teeth after a root canal procedure
3. The cost. You should undergo a consultation first. Be careful if you want a cheaper dental crown installation because you might end up with cheap materials, more time, more discomfort, and poor service. This is an estimate of how much you expect to spend:
• Dental examination- 40 to 120 USD
• Treatment and materials- 500 to 2,500 for each tooth
• Root canal procedure- 750 to 1,000 for each tooth
• Dental x-rays- 20 to 150 USD
• Dental implant- 1,500 to 2,000 USD for each tooth
The cost is overwhelming but if you have dental insurance, it can go down significantly. You can discuss the method of payment with your dentist or with your dental insurance provider.
4. Choosing your dentist. You can go to your general dentist for your dental crown procedure. If your case is complex or severe, your dentist may refer you to a prosthodontist. It is best that you do your own research and be open to all available options. Ask close friends or read reliable reviews online in checking out a dentist’s chair-side and skills. Call the clinics that provide the service and ask as many questions as you can.
5. The Initial Consultation. This is when you will have your teeth assessed. Then, available options will be discussed with you. This is when you should be clear about the costs and the method of payment. during your consultation, you will also undergo a diagnosis to see if there are signs of infection or decay in your teeth and in your jawbone. A treatment plan follows the x-rays that provide a visual image of the underlying maxillary and mandibular bones and the roots of your teeth.
6. The Available Materials. The types of dental crowns available are made of resin, stainless steel, pure ceramic, solid zirconia, porcelain, all metal, and porcelain fused to metal. Choosing the materials depends on your cosmetic preferences, medical requirements, and budget.
7. The Temporary Crown. Your temporary crown is the result of your temporary restoration procedure. You will wear it and care for it until your dental crown is ready. Here are some tips in caring for your temporary crown:
• Be careful when you floss, so you do not remove the temporary crown by accident. Always floss downward and then slide out. Moving upward can remove the temporary crown. Don’t worry. You only need to wear this for three days up to a week.
• Do not eat chewy or sticky foods.
• Just use the teeth on the opposite side of your mouth when you chew.
• Do not eat crunchy or hard foods.
A dental crown can change your life completely. Find the right dentist and your teeth shall be restored in the best way they can.