Everything You Need to Know About Dental Crowns: Expert Advice

What is a Dental Crown?

Dental crowns are custom-made, durable structures made to cover damaged or weakened teeth. Crowns help in protecting and restoring the strength, shape, and appearance of the teeth. The dental crown is like a protective cover.

Who Should Get a Dental Crown?

The major function of the dental crown is to protect and support the structure of the implanted tooth. However, there are various other reasons you might need one. Such as to,

Protect weak or cracked teeth
Replace old or failing tooth fillings
Cover large fillings and make cosmetic modifications.
Hold dental bridges,
Cover dental implants
Restore strength after root canal therapy.
Enhance tooth appearance
Protect from further wear and breakdown

Note- If you have missing teeth, discussing tooth replacement options with a dentist is advised before capping or crowning.

Types of Dental Crown

There are several options for dental crowns, and choosing the right one, considering aesthetics, quality, and budget, is a task. Common types of dental crowns are:

Metal Crowns:

Made of gold, palladium, or base metal alloys.
Highly durable and strong, and requires less tooth enamel removal.
Not suitable for cosmetic purposes.
Best for back teeth.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns:

A metal substructure with a tooth-colored porcelain exterior.
Offers a balance of strength and natural appearance.
Can chip and reveal metal underneath.
Best for restoring both front and back teeth.

All-Ceramic Crowns:

Made entirely from ceramic materials.
Sub-types include All-Porcelain/All-Ceramic, Zirconia, and E.max.
Provides a natural look and biocompatibility
Good for front teeth.
Not as durable as PFM or metal crowns
It can be more expensive.

Temporary Crowns:

Made of acrylic or stainless steel.
Protect teeth while a permanent crown is made.
Not as strong or aesthetic as permanent crowns.

Step-by-Step Dental Crown Procedure

Dental crown procedure takes place in two sittings or visits, and can be extended if done along with implantation.

Step 1: Initial tooth reshaping and preparation by removing enamel to fit the crown.

Step 2: Taking impressions of prepared and surrounding teeth for a natural crown.

Step 3: Placement of a temporary crown over the tooth to protect it.

Step 4: Removal of the temporary crown during the second appointment to prepare for permanent crown placement.

Step 5: Fitting and adjustment of the permanent crown over the tooth,

Step 6: Making necessary adjustments for a comfortable bite and natural appearance.

Step 7: Bonding the crown to the tooth with dental cement for long-term protection.

Same-day dental crown options are also available and have become popular with the advanced technology. This eliminates the need for a temporary crown and a second appointment. However, they are slightly high in cost.

Dental Crown Cost

Crown Type / Material	Average Cost Without Insurance	Average Cost With Insurance / PA Region Estimate	Notes That Affect Price
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM)	~$800 – $1,500 per tooth	May drop to ~$500 – $1,000 with insurance in PA	Tooth position, lab fees, experience of dentist
All-Porcelain / All-Ceramic / Zirconia	~$1,000 – $2,500+ per crown	Insurance often covers 30-50%, patient pays remainder in PA (~$800-1,500)	Material strength, aesthetic finish, front vs back tooth
Metal / Gold Crowns	~$900 – $2,500+ depending on alloy and visibility	With insurance, often 40-60% of cost depending on plan	Alloy type, thickness, cosmetic requests
Temporary Crowns	~$200 – $700 until permanent crown is made	Usually less or partly covered under general dental plan	Size, urgency, material used temporarily

At Newtown Dental Arts, we offer natural-looking, long-lasting solutions for replacing or restoring damaged and missing teeth. Still unsure? Get a free consultation and clear your doubts at patientcare@newtowndentalarts.com or call now.