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What To Know About Crowns

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Crowns are something that you may find that you need at some point in your life. They are essentially caps that are bonded into place in order to strengthen a tooth and restore its size and shape. There are various types of crowns, and they can be put in place for different reasons. Often, they are used on teeth that are damaged or decayed in order to strengthen them. Crowns are also placed on top of dental implants to act as replacement teeth. They can also be put into place for cosmetic reasons. Here are three things that you should be aware of when it comes to dental crowns

Types of Crowns

If your dentist suggests a crown, one of the first things that you will want to do is to look into the different types of crowns available. There are four types of crowns, and the type that works best for your needs will depend on the tooth on which your crown is being placed and your personal preferences. The main types of crowns include ceramic or porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, base metal alloys, and gold alloys. Porcelain-fused-to-metal and ceramic crowns best mimic the look of natural teeth. Gold alloys and base metal alloys are very durable but also very obvious.

The Cost of Crowns

Another thing to consider when it comes to dental crowns is the costs. Costs vary depending on the type of crown being put into place. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns cost on average between $500 and $1,500 per tooth. Metal alloys, either base metal or gold, range in price between $600 to $2,500 per tooth. Ceramic crowns on average cost between $800 and $3,000 per tooth. Dental insurance may cover around 50 percent of the total costs if your crowns are needed for medical reasons. Typically you will be responsible for the entire cost of crowns that are placed for cosmetic reasons.

How Long They Last

How long a crown will last will vary significantly depending on the type of crown you have, where it is located, and how well you care for your crown. Avoiding chewing ice and eating hard foods can help extend the lifespan of your dental crown. Typically crowns can be expected to last between 5 and 15 years. While some crowns may last longer, most need to be replaced eventually.

When it comes to dental crowns, there are a few key things to know. First, there are different types of crowns to choose from. Costs can vary but typically you will pay anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars per tooth. Crown lifespan will vary depending on how well you care for your crowns. In most cases, they will last somewhere between five and 15 years before replacement is needed. 


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