If you have teeth that are damaged, decayed, misshapen or have recently been treated by a root canal, you may benefit from dental crowns. Also known as a dental cap, this simple restorative dental procedure works to protect and strengthen teeth while maintaining a natural look and feel.
How Do Dental Crowns Work?
A dental crown is a cap made of synthetic material that is adhered to the top of a damaged or surgically altered tooth. This tooth cap prevents discomfort and protects the tooth from further damage while maintaining the tooth’s natural shape.
The Types of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns come in all kinds of materials. While some prefer their crowns to mimic the look and feel of natural teeth, others opt for the more resilient metal crowns, or the comfortable and convenient all-resin option. No matter what kind of dental crown you and your doctor decide on, you can rest assured that Guelph Family Dentistry has you covered.
The following are only a few of the dental crown options available:
All-Resin Dental Crowns
All-resin dental crowns look natural and are more affordable than other types of crowns. But, these dental crowns wear down faster over time. So, what you may gain in comfort, you may lose in longevity. However, don’t let this fact dissuade you. Because these crowns are more affordable, having them replaced more frequently may not hurt your wallet as much as you think.
Metal Dental Crowns
Metal crowns are made from one of four common metals: gold, palladium, nickel, and chromium. These are the most resilient type of crowns. They rarely chip or break and don’t wear down over time. The only drawback to metal dental crowns is their appearance. Due to their unnatural look, they’re better suited for less visible teeth, like molars.
All-Ceramic & All-Porcelain Dental Crowns
Most effective when used on front teeth, all-porcelain and all-ceramic dental crowns provide the most natural-looking crowns. While not as strong as metal crowns, this type of crown is also a great alternative for those with metal allergies who still value strength and longevity in their dental crowns.
Pressed Ceramic Dental Crowns
Pressed ceramic dental crowns are a best-of-both-worlds option. This type of crown features a hard core of pressed ceramic, providing strength and resilience, while the cap is made of porcelain so that it looks more like a natural tooth. As a result, pressed ceramic dental crowns are long-lasting and natural-looking.
The Dental Crown Process
A standard dental crown procedure requires two office visits and is performed by a dentist.
Here’s how we go about the process at our Guelph office:
Examining and Preparing the Tooth
The dental crown procedure starts with a dental examination. Our doctor will check and clean your teeth so they are prepared for the teeth caps. If a tooth is broken or severely damaged by decay, the doctor will remove the damaged areas so the tooth cap can effectively protect the tooth from further decay.
Shaping the Crown
Next, our doctor will take an impression of your teeth. This impression will be sent off to a lab where it will then be used to manufacture the crowns. In the meantime, we’ll provide you with a temporary dental cap until your next appointment.
Placing the Crown
At your second appointment, we will remove your temporary crown and replace it with a permanent crown. The crown will be secured using durable dental cement or a hidden screw. To complete the process, we will polish your crown and make any necessary adjustments to ensure your comfort and security.
The Cost of Dental Crowns in Guelph
The out-of-pocket cost for a dental crown can vary widely from patient to patient. With a typical insurance plan a single crown averages out to about $200 to $600+. Without insurance, a reasonable figure for a crown is about $800 to $1200 and up.
So what goes into determining the cost of a dental crown?
- The type of crown and the material that is used.
- The location and complexity of the procedure.
- The number of crowns that may be required.
- Combining the crown with other dental appliances like bridges.
- Supplies and equipment that are required for your specific treatment.
Remember, no dental practice can provide an accurate quote over the phone. Ultimately, your needs are as unique as your smile. It’s important to schedule an appointment at our office in Guelph and undergo an oral exam to find out all your treatment options and to receive an accurate quote. If you have dental insurance, we would be happy to supply you with a quote to submit to them so you can find out your out-of-pocket costs before you make a decision.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Our Patients Have to Say
Welcoming and Wonderful Practice
Friendly and Professional Service
Very Professional
