Would you like to learn more about what capped teeth cost?
A broken and cracked tooth does not look pretty. Aside from damaging your smile, it can also affect your health since a weak tooth makes you vulnerable to a lot of dental issues.
A common solution for a broken and cracked tooth is tooth caps or dental crowns. These are small tooth-shaped caps that go on top of a cracked, broken or damaged tooth. When attached the capped teeth look like normal teeth. It is considered to be a reliable option as a semi-temporary or permanent dental solution.
Capped teeth can be a solution for several dental issues as well. It can protect a weakened existing tooth, help cover up teeth that gave been ground down because of teeth grinding, and you can even have it for cosmetic reasons because you want to have a better smile.
But the real question is – are capped teeth affordable? Here, we will discuss how much tooth cap or dental crown cost and other important things that you should know when getting tooth caps or dental crowns.
How much does a tooth cap or dental crown cost?
Tooth caps or dental crowns cost will depend on what kind you are getting. Please take note that the following price range is a general estimate.
- Gold crowns – $600 to $2500
- Porcelain crowns – $800 to $3000
- Porcelain fused to metal – $500 to $1500
- Zirconia crowns – $800 to $3000
- E-max crowns – $800 to $3000
Types of tooth caps or dental crowns
Gold crowns
Gold crowns or metal crowns are made out of copper and other metals like chromium or nickel. The combination of these metals makes it a strong and durable material.
Metal crowns are usually used for back teeth restorations. It also requires less of your natural teeth structure to be removed. But it is not the most popular choice because the color stands out.
Porcelain crowns
This type is the preferred type for front teeth restorations because they have the most natural look. All porcelain crowns can match your surrounding teeth in size, shape, and color. There is no metal involved so they are biocompatible and toxic-free.
Porcelain dental crowns are not as strong and durable as metal crowns but they can last for a long time as long as you take care of them properly.
Porcelain fused to metal (PFM)
This material combines the strength of metal and the aesthetics of porcelain. The structure of the crown or cap is made out of metal and that structure is given a porcelain coat.
Among all types of dental crowns, porcelain fused metal is the cheapest. But its cheapness also means it is not that aesthetically pleasing. The metal part of the porcelain fused metal crown may cause a grey line at the gum line.
Zirconia crowns
Zirconium is a new material for dental crowns. The material is as strong as metal and it has the looks of porcelain. This makes them a strong and long-lasting material that is recommended if you want a permanent crown.
It is also the best material to choose if you are in a rush because the material can be cut and shaped at the dental clinic. There is no need to send your order to a dental lab.
E-max crowns
This is a ceramic crown made out of lithium disilicate. The crown may be light and thin but it is also strong and durable. Aesthetically, they look as great as porcelain and in copying a tooth’s natural surface. They can be used for both the front and back teeth.
The material is relatively new so some dental professionals still have to go through training and practice, especially for dental crowns for multiple posterior teeth.
How long do capped teeth last?
A high-quality crown and good discipline can make your tooth cap last for about 15 years. With proper care, some patients are able to keep them for 25 to 30 years.
Remember, you need to take care of your tooth caps with the same attention and level of hygiene that you would with your natural teeth.
When should teeth be capped?
How can you know for sure if you need a tooth cap or dental crown?
During the consultation, your dentist will evaluate your case and examine your teeth first. Then, they will lay out the possible treatments that you can avail of.
Generally, here is a list of situations where your dentist will suggest that your teeth be capped:
Weakened tooth due to severe cavity or tooth decay
- Covering an implant
- Replacing a large filling
- Damage or cracked natural tooth
- Covering up a tooth that went through a root canal
- Aligning your bite
- Aesthetic purposes or improving your smile
How does tooth capping work?
Here are the general steps involved when it comes to getting a tooth cap or dental crown. Take note that some dentists may have a different approach.
Consultation
The first thing to do is to get a consultation with your dentist. During the consultation, your dentist will check the damaged tooth and its root to see if teeth capping is the right move for you.
During this consultation, it will also be determined wether or not you need other dental procedures before you do tooth capping.
Preparing the tooth
The first step is to prepare the tooth before the cap is put on. Root canals are sometimes necessary in case there is infection or decay in the tooth that will be capped. Other dental procedures may also be necessary, depending on the condition of your tooth.
Reshaping the tooth
Once your tooth is ready, the dentist will reshape the tooth so that a cap or crown can be placed on it. Then the dentist will make an impression on the cap or crown. The impression will be sent to the dental laboratory where the tooth cap will be created. Meanwhile, the dentist will give you a temporary crown to wear until your permanent crown arrives.
Fitting the tooth cap
Once the dentist receives your tooth cap, they will call you in. The dentist will check if the size and color of the crown are correct. The dentist will then fit the crown in using permanent denture cement.
Tips to extend the lifespan of your tooth cap or crown
Practice good dental hygiene routines
You should treat your tooth cap as you would treat your natural teeth by maintaining good oral health routines. Brush twice a day and floss at least once a day. When you brush your teeth, give special care to the area around your tooth cap – especially the gum line.
Stop biting on hard food and objects
When you have your tooth caps or dental crowns, you should be more conscious about what you bite into – especially for front teeth replacements. Do not chew on ice, bite on your fingernails, or bite hard candy, and other hard food.
Avoid eating sticky foods
Aside from avoiding hard foods, you should also stay away from sticky foods. Some foods can be sticky enough for your tooth cap or crown to get stuck in and it can pull the cap off. When this happens, you will have to see your dentist immediately to have it reattached with dental cement.
Avoid clenching or grinding your teeth
Clenching and grinding can cause your cap or crown and your opposing teeth to crack and get chipped. If you have the tendency to clench and grind your teeth in your sleep, it is recommended that you get a custom-made night guard from your dentist to protect not just your crown but all your teeth while you sleep.
Visit your dentist regularly
A big part of having healthy teeth is doing routine checkups and dental cleaning. During these visits, your dentist can examine your tooth cap for any signs of trauma or decay. They can also check if the dental cement is going loose. This way, any issues can be remedied right away.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much is a dental crown in 2022?
In general, a dental crown will cost you anywhere between $600 to $3000, depending on the type of crown you choose.
Other factors that can affect the final cost will be other procedures you might need before the final crown is cemented such as a root canal, gum surgery, or bone grafting. The more treatment your tooth needs, the higher the dental fees will be.
Is tooth cap covered by dental insurance?
If you have insurance, 50% can be covered if you have orthodontic coverage. But remember, this depends on what type of insurance you have. So you should consult a representative from your insurance company first before you get treatment.
Take note though that getting cosmetic dentistry is not covered by insurance policies and some dental plans. So if you are thinking of getting teeth capping as a cosmetic treatment, you may have to pay for it out of your own pocket.
Is capping teeth a good idea?
A tooth cap or a dental crown is a long-term restorative dental treatment. This means it can last for many years, depending on how you take care of it. Choosing this as a treatment is often worth it.
Are there any complications?
A common complaint is that a dental crown can fall off but often this happens when people do not take care of them by not watching what they bite into. When your crown or cap falls off, just save it and go back to your dentist to have it cemented back in place again.
Can I still get cavities even with a tooth cap?
The crown itself can not decay or get cavities. But cavities and decay can still attack the tooth underneath the crown if you do not practice good oral hygiene routines.
If this decay will not be taken care of immediately, your tooth might have to undergo a root canal to prevent further damage like gum disease and you may have to replace your tooth cap.
Does it hurt to get a tooth cap?
Any pain or discomfort that you may feel will be due to treatments like a root canal before getting the tooth cap. But these days, local anesthetics are strong enough to numb the area, making patients feel as less pain as possible.
When it comes to the tooth cap itself, there is no pain at all. Some people are able to get them without the use of anesthetics.
How will I know if I need to replace my crown?
A crown or tooth cap needs to be replaced once it is cracked or chipped. But take note that the amount of wear on a crown will be unique for each individual so there is no general timeline as to when you should replace it.
Conclusion
A tooth cap or a dental crown is one of the best solutions you can cover your tooth to avoid further dental issues. It has the same function and appearance as your natural teeth so people will barely be able to tell that you have one on whether you have a temporary crown or a permanent crown.
As you can see from the above discussion, the total cost of dental crowns will depend on several factors. A major determining factor is the type of material you choose. Some may be costly but if you have a good dental insurance plan, you do not have to worry because some policies can cover half of the cost.
A temporary crown just looks as real as a natural tooth and so will a permanent one. A porcelain fused to metal tooth cap may be the cheapest option you can get from the dental office. All porcelain crowns are expected to be a bit on the pricey side because they look as good as permanent teeth.
So, if you have a damaged tooth or you simply want to improve your smile, getting capped teeth is one of the best solutions that you can turn to. It is a solution that is cheaper than getting a dental implant or dental fillings.
