Dental crowns are masters at restoring the look and function of a damaged tooth so you can smile confidently again. A crown is effectively a ‘tooth-shaped cap’ which is purposefully placed over an area in order to resemble any existing teeth within the mouth and look realistic. The crown is cemented into position to guarantee that the affected area is secure and fully concealed. They can be used for various reasons including the covering of an implant, as support for a bridge, to protect a broken tooth/teeth and temporarily in the middle of procedures.
The crown that will be recommended to you will be based on your specific issues and circumstances at the time.
There are seven different materials the dental crown can be made from:
- Lithium disilicate: This form of crown has become increasingly popular in recent years due to their aesthetic benefits, as well as their significant durability.
- Stainless steel: This type of crown is normally only used as a temporary fix, before the permanent crown has been fully formed and is ready to be used. In some scenarios, they can also be used for deciduous teeth, as these by nature are temporary also.
- Resin: This form of crown is the most inexpensive, although the key issue with them is they are fairly week in comparison to the other options and thus, are susceptible to breakage under significant pressure.
- Metal: This type of crown is very strong. It is moulded from alloys and possesses a high content of gold/platinum/titanium, or in some cases, a combination of these.
- Zirconia: Formed from a bio-compatible material and possesses immense strength, this crown type can be made in various colours and often blend very well with a patients’ existing teeth.
- All-porcelain/ceramic: This type of crown is one of the most widely used as it often blends in very naturally with a patients’ existing teeth. This type of crown is ideal for any teeth which are front facing and will be seen when smiling/eating.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal: By combining the aesthetic benefits of the aforementioned all-porcelain/ceramic crowns with the aforementioned strength of the metal crown, this is the strongest pick of the bunch. However, they can be pricey.
Factors that affect the cost of dental crowns
The cost of a dental crowns will be dependent on several factors. The five key factors are:
- Number of crowns: If you require multiple crowns then the cost will obviously be higher. However, in some cases, multiple crowns can be acquired at a discount, and you may be paying lower per crown then a single placement.
- Type of crown: The type of crown plays a key role in the price. On the one hand a Zirconia or Porcelain crown will likely incur a higher price, while comparatively a resin crown will be lower.
- Procedure complexity: Certain crown types can be particularly difficult to fit within the mouth and in some cases may require multiple visits and therefore, bumping up the cost.
- Technology required: Certain types of crowns require complex modern forms of technology in order to create them, and the price will reflect this.
- Location: The location in which you get your treatment will also greatly influence the price. For example, if you are getting crown treatment in a major city then it will likely be more expensive than if you conduct the procedure in a rural area.
Dental crown cost
Due to the numerous aforementioned factors which can affect the cost of a crown, getting an exact cost is difficult. Some rough prices have been provided below, although they can vary greatly:
- An all-porcelain/ceramic crown will typically cost between £600 to £1200.
- A zirconia crown will typically cost around £600 to £950.
- A porcelain-fused-to-metal crown will usually cost between £500 to £800.
- A resin crown will usually be the most inexpensive and cost between £300 to £500.
When it comes to making dental crowns it is important to choose a dentist who is up to date with new techniques and materials, and most importantly, someone who understands the principles behind high-quality, beautiful restorations. Our Sensational Smiles team would be happy to chat through any questions you may have. 020 8629 1433.
