The Cost of Dental Crowns

How much do dental crowns cost?

This depends upon the material that was used, x-ray costs, and other factors that go into helping you get prepared for the placement of a crown as well as creating the crown itself. Dentists usually send them out to another laboratory, which means that they must pay the lab to make it and wait for it to be sent back to them so that they have seat it during your office visit.

There are more complex situations that may require reshaping your tooth or gum line to ensure the best fit possible, which could lead to additional costs. However, all the services to be performed are looked at upon your initial visit so that you know what to be prepared for.

With that said, here’s a more detailed look into the cost of dental crowns.

What are the different types of dental crowns?

There are a variety of crowns that you can get for your teeth, and for some options, a particular kind might be suitable. The type of material that is used to make it determines the overall cost of dental crowns, as some materials can be obtained cheaper than others. Without further ado, let’s see what each type of crown has to offer, shall we?\

· Gold Crowns

The cost of metal crowns is usually $1,200 per tooth on average without insurance.

Gold crowns (which are commonly referred to as metal crowns) are made up of metals (that includes chromium, copper, nickel, zinc, etc.). Known for being the most durable dental crown to exist today, it is often an option preferred by your dentist when they want to ensure that your back teeth are protected and that they can be strong against their usage.

However, for those who are wanting front teeth restoration, a cold crown would definitely stand out. So, unless that’s the style you prefer for your front teeth, you might want to consider another option such as porcelain fused to metal.

Benefits of Metal Dental Crowns

· Deterioration usually isn’t an issue, as it wears down slowly just like natural enamel.

· Great choice to cover any of your back teeth, especially when it comes to molars.

· Known to have one of the longer lifespans when compared to other types of crowns.

· They are usually more resistant to impact, making them more durable.

· You won’t have to remove a lot of the tooth for it to have a smooth fit.

Disadvantages of Metal Dental Crowns

· A slight chance that if you’re sensitive to metals you could see side effects (such as swelling).

· Not an ideal tooth restoration option for your front teeth due to its aesthetics and color.

· Porcelain Crowns

The cost of porcelain crowns is usually $1.400 per tooth on average without insurance.

Completely made of porcelain, this type of dental crown has become the most popular option of today among dental offices around the world. Of course, it has an embracement of aesthetics that really allows one to refine it to match your smile the best.

Also, those who find themselves allergic to metal will find that this is the best alternative to gold crowns since no metal is used whatsoever. Porcelain crowns are custom-tailored and crafted in an off-site laboratory. Expect it to take 2 visits for a porcelain crown to be seated properly.

Benefits of Porcelain Dental Crowns

· Great for restoring your front teeth when using a dental crown is the option.

· Made specifically for you, which also ensures a proper bite alignment.

· Not only is it free of metals, but it is free of any harmful toxins as well.

· The most natural-looking dental crown on the market today.

Disadvantages of Porcelain Dental Crowns

· Easier to break since it is made of porcelain, but proper care prevents this.

· Porcelain Fused to Metal

The cost of porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns is usually $1,000 on average without insurance.

While it may not be as popular as an all-porcelain crown, it still serves its purpose in the world of tooth replacement rather well. For those who don’t have the risk of being allergic to certain types of metals, the added element to the structure makes this an extremely durable solution.

The main downfall is that over time, it may appear grey at the gum line where it’s seated but your dentist should be able to help you correct it. Overall, this is one of the better solutions and considered to be one of the original tooth replacement methods of the world of dentistry.

Benefits of Porcelain Fused to Metal Dental Crowns

· Aesthetics are still embraced thanks to its usage of porcelain for appearance.

· Can be more affordable than other types of dental crowns currently available.

· Fusing it to metal makes it stronger than a traditional porcelain crown.

· Made to fit your mouth as well as blend in with the size and shape of other teeth.

· One of the longest-used types of dental crowns to have ever existed.

Disadvantages of Porcelain Fused to Metal Dental Crowns

· Contains metal, so you will want to make sure that you don’t experience any reactions.

· Wait time is involved, as it will have to be made by an outside laboratory instead of in-office.

· You can still chip or damage the outer portion of the crown easier than with gold crowns.

· Resin Crowns

The cost of resin crowns is usually $800 on average.

One of the most cost-effective ways to fix your teeth with a dental crown, resin crowns are the lightweight of the dental world. The materials that it uses are made of different types of plastics that are colored to match the natural appearance of your teeth.

If you need a solution just to get by, this could be an option. Just remember that the other types of dental crowns we have featured on this page might be a little more expensive, but the materials that they use are also a lot more durable and longer-lasting than resin crowns.

Benefits of Resin Dental Crowns

· Affordable priced, making it one of the most affordable options on the market today.

· Despite the lower price tag, they can still blend in pretty well with your natural smile.

· Great for using for the restoration of both front and back teeth.

Disadvantages of Resin Dental Crowns

· More prone to fractures and wear than porcelain dental crowns.

· Zirconia Crowns

The cost of zirconia crowns is usually $1,500+ on average without insurance.

This is one of the most expensive routes that you can take when it comes to restoring your teeth with any kind of crown. The reason for this is that it’s made of zirconia, which is a much more durable material than porcelain.

Think of zirconia crowns as a cross between metal and porcelain crowns. It has the durability that gold crowns are known for having while having the amazing appearance that porcelain is able to provide. If you can afford to go this route, you definitely get what you pay for.

Benefits of Zirconia Dental Crowns

· A longer lifespan than all of the other types of dental crowns, including PFM dental crowns.

· Free of using any metal or toxins during the manufacturing process.

· If your dentist of capable of doing so, this could be an in-office procedure. No more waiting!

· Less likely to wear down than it is when using any other type of crown for your tooth.

· Makes it look just like you had the full assistance of your natural teeth when you smile.

· Success rates have been extremely high with patients going with zirconia dental crowns.

Disadvantages of Zirconia Dental Crowns

· Expensive, because it’s one of the highest-quality crowns on the market.

When are dental crowns used?

· After having a root canal done.

· Any time that a tooth has decayed or a cavity has become unfillable.

· If the alignment of your bite needs to be corrected or improved.

· Large filling(s) have fallen out and can’t be refilled.

· To provide coverage for a dental implant.

· When one wants to achieve a more beautiful smile.

The situations listed above are the usual reasons that your dentist may recommend that you embrace the power of a dental crown to use to your advantage. For a more accurate answer on whether this is the best solution available to you, contact your dentist, or set yourself up with the folks here at Best Dental to see to it that you get the best prices on the best level of dental care in the area.

Will my insurance help pay for a dental crown?

This depends on whether your insurance company claims for the procedure to be cosmetic, or medically necessary as it has a negative impact on your daily life. The best way to find out is to contact your dentist or your insurance company to find out what they will/will not cover when it comes to getting dental crowns.

There are also a lot of other factors that come into consideration when it comes to whether or not a dental crown is covered by your insurance provider. Sometimes you must may the excess charges if the procedure costs more than your annual max for dental procedures, and sometimes you may be required to wait a certain amount of time before they will cover the more “advanced procedures” like this one.

Other Dental Financing Options for Crowns

There are many ways that you can cover the cost of getting crowns affordable, and one of the most popular among our patients is what is known as a Dental Savings Plan. It cuts down the cost of dental services significantly while giving you a chance to invest in your long-term oral health by stashing back a little bit of cash every now and then for that specific reason.

You can also embrace a third-party dental financing company, such as CareCredit. We have seen a lot of cases with our patients where they were able to get their dental crowns without having to pay any money down on it. All they had to do was make a low monthly payment over a set amount of time.

Of course, the financing options that are available to you will depend upon your dentist. Some dentists will only be willing to work with a handful of lenders, while dental practices like ours tend to have a portfolio of lenders to choose from so that they can take care of their patients regardless of their credit or financial situation.

Where to Get the Best Dental Crowns

If you don’t have a dentist already, seek out one that’s knowledgeable about the aesthetics of your teeth, and that has a solid track record with its patients. Here at Best Dental, we pride ourselves upon being the best choice for crowns in Houston by providing access to dental care as affordable as we can without sacrificing the quality of the results that we deliver to our patients.

If you’re in Houston, you can give us a call at 281-762-0637 to schedule your initial consultation to discuss your tooth replacement/restoration offices.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns

Can dental crowns be whitened?

Many people worry that their crown(s) can’t be whitened because the crown might not take well to the application of the bleach that’s used in a tooth whitening treatment, but they really shouldn’t be. Just like your regular teeth, teeth whitening can turn your crown back to its intended color. Your dentist will choose the whitening method that’s best, as traditional teeth whitening methods usually fail.

Can dental crowns get cavities?

The teeth that are under your crown still have a chance to get a cavity, even though a crown is used to protect it. The reason being is that the tooth is still there, and unlike your crown, it isn’t made of synthetic material. Your crown itself can’t get cavities, but the tooth underneath can.

Do dental crowns need to be replaced?

While there are cases where crowns have lasted up to 30 years for patients, dental crowns are still something that you want to pay attention to. Over time, a dental crown can wear, or even become loose, which creates a need for a crown replacement. This is done by scheduling an appointment with your dentist where they will remove the crown, prep the area, and put on the new one.

Do dental crowns stain?

Yes, there are certain foods and drinks that can stain porcelain dental crowns, but metal crowns aren’t as susceptive stains. If you find that your dental crown becomes stained, you can increase the amount of time that you brush your teeth to 3 times per day and add a fluoride rinse to your regiment. This will help you defeat any stain that comes your way while keeping your crown naturally blended in.

How long do dental crowns last?

You will find that in most cases a crown can last anywhere between 10-15 years on average, but there are other times when they’re well taken care of, that they have lasted many patients a lifetime. The lifespan of a crown depends upon the material that is used to make it as well as your oral hygiene.

Also, make sure that you follow the directions that your dentist gave you after the procedure, you’ll be ensuring a secure fit without the risk of having it fall out in the middle of a meal. Getting a crown requires adjustment and time to set in, so be careful in the beginning.

How much is it to repair a dental crown?

The cost of dental crown repairs depends on the extent of the damage and whether it’s a quick repair that it needs. A lot of the time, your dentist can do the repair in their own office which will be a lot more affordable than it would be if they had to wait for it to be made by a third-party.

However, there are times when a dental crown is not able to be repaired, and this is when an entirely new crown will need to be made. If this is the case, it will usually cost around the price that you originally paid for it.

What is dental crown lengthening?

Dental crown lengthening is used when it’s needed in order to reveal the best smile possible and it’s a procedure that involves reshaping your gum line and the tooth that the crown sits on. A lot of the time this is done whenever the best fit isn’t possible without a little bit of extra care during the procedure.

Where are dental crowns made?

Your dentist will most likely be able to make a temporary crown in their office, but permanent crowns are made by a third-party laboratory that they choose. The laboratory that we embrace here at Best Dental in Houston is technologically advanced and capable in all forms of dental crowns. This ensures that our patients get lasting results that look as natural as possible over the years.

Which dental crowns last the longest?

Metal crowns are usually the ones that last the longest, as ceramic dental crowns can have a need to be replaced within 10-15 years. However, the current state of dental crowns ensures that it’s a lot more likely to get a crown that has the chance to last a lifetime if you take care of them properly.

How much does Best Dental charge for a Dental Crown?

We normally charge $1,200 for our dental crowns, but this month we are holding a crown special of only $700 for a full Porcelain crown. This will give you the same high quality crown that you deserve while saving you a lot of your hard-earned dollars.

What material do most people select when choosing a crown?

The main choice is normally Porcelain since it gives a great and natural look, while giving your teeth the safety and protection that it needs.

What is the average cost for a dental crown in Houston?

On average, the cost of a dental crown in Houston is $1,100. Prices may vary depending on the area and doctor that is performing the procedure.

How long do dental crowns last for?

This will depend on how well you take care of your crown, and the quality of dental work that was performed by your dentist. The better you take care of your crown (brushing and flossing) the longer it will last. Most dental crowns last over 10 years.

Is it painful to have a crown put on your tooth?

When a tooth does not have a root canal, placing a dental cap on your tooth structure can be slightly uncomfortable. Most times, your dentist will have to numb the tooth with a local anesthetic to make sure you are comfortable for your tooth cap seating procedure. The reason why the tooth is sensitive is because the dentin portion of your tooth is exposed prior to your crown seat, which is a very sensitive part of your overall tooth structure.

Can food get under a dental crown?

If your tooth cap is properly constructed, it should be sealed 360 degrees around the tooth structure. This means that no food particles should be able to penetrate underneath your dental crown.

How is a dental crown procedure performed?

There are a series of steps in constructing a dental crown. Let’s go over those steps now:

• Your tooth that is to be crown is numbed with a local anesthetic (Lidocaine is the most common one used today).
• Your dentist will grind and prepare your tooth with a dental handpiece to shape it properly.
• After the tooth has been shaped, an impression of a tooth is taken either with impression material, or a custom digital impression.
• This impression is sent over to a custom lab that fabricates your crown (if your dentist has a Cerec Milling machine at their office you may be able to get a same-day dental crown made at their office).
• An interim crown is made in the meantime to prevent the space between the prepared tooth from closing.
• Once is final crown is sent back to your dentist, he or she will remove your temporary crown and cement the final crown in place.

Do I really need a crown?

If your tooth is worn down to the point where a dental filling cannot properly restore the tooth, then your tooth will more than likely need a crown. Large dental fillings are prone to fracturing your tooth, which is a why a crown is recommended in these cases.

Is it better to have my tooth extracted or get a dental crown?

At Best Dental, we always advise our patients to to save their teeth if they can. Our conservative approach allows our patients to restore their teeth in an affordable manner so they can function and chew their food properly. We never recommend an extraction if the problem can be solved with a tooth cap.

Can you get a cavity under your dental crown?

Through secondary decay, it is possible to get a cavity underneath a crown. This is due to leaks and gaps between your tooth structure and the crown itself. Sometimes these cavities become so large that the tooth may end up needing a root canal or an extraction.

Why is my crowned tooth hurting so much?

There are two main reasons why a tooth that has been crown is hurting:

• Your bite is too high: The crown is preventing your teeth from fully coming together causing aching and pain in the area where the crown is. If this is the case your dentist needs to adjust your crown until your bite is even on both sides of your mouth.
• The tooth is prepared too close to its nerve: If your cavity was large, then the nerve of the tooth can become irritated. These crowned teeth eventually will need root canal therapy to alleviate any pain or discomfort that you may be having.

Why is my tooth turning black under my dental crown?

If your tooth seems to be turning black under your crown, there could be two main reasons for this. One, it could be a cavity forming under the crown that is breaking down your tooth structure. The second reason this happen is through the formation of sclerotic dentin, which is the tooth’s defense mechanism against further breakdown by bacteria. Make sure you check with your dentist to find our what is causing the discoloration under your crown.

Why does it smell under my crown?

If you have a foul odor coming from under your dental crown, then it is likely you are developing a cavity or infection in the tooth structure. This problem needs to be addressed immediately with your dentist to prevent any dental emergencies from occurring. More than likely, your crown will need to be replaced, and additional procedures such as a root canal will need to be undertaken.

See Also: Dental Crown Infection – Causes and Remedies

Are there any alternatives to a dental crown?

Some more conservative dentists may be able to place an indirect restorative material called an onlay to help prevent any further breakdown of your tooth structure. These onlays preserve more tooth structure and are slightly less expensive than dental crowns are. Fillings are usually not a good alternative to dental crowns, as teeth that are in need of crowns are highly susceptible to fracture if a tooth filling is placed instead.

Can a dental crown last a lifetime?

No they cannot. Most dental crowns last around ten years, at which they will need to be replaced. No dental material can last forever even in today’s modern age.

Call us today to learn more about the costs of dental crowns in the Houston area. We offer different payment plans, financing options, and monthly specials. You can also find our specials by following us on Facebook. We hope to see you soon!