What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made “cap” that covers the entire visible part of a tooth above the gum line. It restores the tooth's shape, strength, and appearance, allowing you to chew, speak, and smile normally again.
Dentists recommend crowns for different reasons. Sometimes a tooth is cracked or worn down. Sometimes it's discolored or misshapen. Other times it's been treated with a root canal or holds a dental bridge in place. A crown can also cover a dental implant. In short, a crown is a blend of function and aesthetics, protecting your tooth while also making it look better.
Different Types of Dental Crowns
Not all crowns are the same. Materials and techniques can affect appearance, durability, and price. Let's look at the most common ones.
Metal Crowns
Metal crowns are made from strong alloys like gold or platinum. While their metallic color makes them more noticeable, they are incredibly durable and rarely chip or break. These crowns are perfect for molars or areas where chewing forces are strongest.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns
PFM crowns combine the strength of a metal base with the natural appearance of porcelain. They can be matched to your natural teeth, making them a versatile choice for both front and back teeth. However, over time, the metal underneath may show as a dark line near the gum.
All-Ceramic / All-Porcelain Crowns
For patients who value aesthetics, all-ceramic crowns provide the most natural look. They are also a great option for people with metal allergies. While they may not be as strong as pure metal crowns, they offer an excellent balance of appearance and durability, especially for front teeth.
Resin Crowns
Resin crowns are lightweight, affordable, and tooth-colored, making them a good short-term option. However, they are less durable and more prone to wear, which is why they are often used as temporary or budget-friendly solutions.
Same-Day CAD/CAM Crowns
Thanks to advanced digital technology, same-day crowns can be designed, milled, and placed in just one visit. These tooth-colored crowns are durable, convenient, and ideal for patients who don't want to wait weeks for a permanent crown.
Implant-Supported Crowns
When a natural tooth is missing, implant-supported crowns are the solution. They can be crafted in porcelain, ceramic, or metal and are securely anchored to a dental implant, offering both strength and a natural look. These crowns restore function and confidence for patients with tooth loss.
Choosing the right type depends on where the crown will be placed, your budget, and your aesthetic preferences.
How Are New Dental Crowns Made?
The process starts with a careful assessment. Your dentist will examine the tooth, take X-rays, and make sure it's healthy enough to hold a crown.
Next, the tooth is shaped so the crown can fit snugly over it. If the tooth is too damaged, a filling material may be used to build it up first. An impression or digital scan is then taken and sent to a dental lab, where your crown is crafted. This can take 1-3 weeks, during which a temporary crown is placed.
For same-day crowns, digital scans are fed into a CAD/CAM machine that mills your crown on-site, letting you leave the office with your permanent restoration the very same day.
Why Choose a Crown Over Other Options?
A crown is more than just a cover, it's a protective shield for your tooth. Fillings work for small repairs, and veneers are great for cosmetic upgrades, but neither provides the same full protection as a crown.
If you have a large cavity, a fractured tooth, or a tooth that's already had multiple fillings, a crown can restore both strength and appearance in a way other restorations can't.
Benefits and Longevity
Crowns can give you back the comfort of chewing without fear of breaking your tooth. They also protect against further wear and damage, help maintain the shape of your face, and improve the way your teeth look. You might be wondering: how long do dental crowns last
Most crowns last between 5 and 15 years, but with proper care, they can last 20 years or more. Lifespan depends on the material used, your oral hygiene habits, and whether you have habits like teeth grinding or biting hard objects.
Potential Downsides
Crowns are safe and effective, but there are a few possible issues:
Dental crowns are a highly effective and long-lasting way to restore damaged teeth, but like any dental treatment, they may come with a few potential drawbacks. Knowing what to expect can help you take care of your crown properly and prevent future problems. Here are some of the most common issues patients may encounter:
Sensitivity to Hot and Cold It's not unusual to feel some sensitivity after a crown has been placed, especially when eating or drinking hot or cold foods. This happens because the tooth underneath the crown may still contain nerve tissue that reacts to temperature changes. In most cases, this sensitivity improves within a few weeks as your tooth adjusts. Using toothpaste for sensitive teeth and avoiding extremes in temperature can help reduce discomfort. If sensitivity continues for more than a few weeks, it's important to check with your dentist to ensure the crown fits correctly and no underlying issues are present.
Chipping, Especially With Porcelain Crowns Porcelain and ceramic crowns are popular because they look so natural, blending seamlessly with surrounding teeth. However, porcelain is more prone to chipping or cracking compared to metal-based crowns. Small chips can often be repaired with a composite material, but larger breaks may require the crown to be replaced. To minimize the risk of damage, avoid biting down on very hard foods such as ice, hard candies, or nuts. If you grind your teeth at night, your dentist may recommend wearing a night guard to protect your crown from unnecessary pressure.
Loose or Dislodged Crowns Over time, the cement used to hold a crown in place may weaken or wash away. This can cause the crown to feel loose, shift, or even fall out completely. When this happens, bacteria can enter and cause decay in the remaining natural tooth underneath. If your crown feels unstable, see your dentist promptly. In many cases, the crown can be re-cemented if the underlying tooth structure is still healthy. Keeping up with regular dental check-ups and practicing good oral hygiene can help prevent this problem.
Rare Allergic Reactions to Metals Although uncommon, some patients may have allergic reactions to the metals used in certain crowns, such as nickel or cobalt. Symptoms might include gum irritation, swelling, or discomfort around the crowned tooth. If you have a history of metal allergies or sensitivities, make sure to let your dentist know before treatment. Metal-free alternatives such as all-ceramic or zirconia crowns are excellent options for patients with these concerns.
Fortunately, most of these can be prevented with good dental care and regular check-ups.
Cost: How Much Is a Dental Crown?
Prices vary based on material, complexity, and location. At My Smile Dental Clinic in San Diego, the price starts at $433 USD. Additionally, insurance may cover part of the cost if the crown is medically necessary, so it's worth checking your plan.
Crowns vs. Alternatives
When it comes to restoring damaged teeth, crowns are often the most comprehensive solution. They don't just patch up a problem area they fully cover the tooth, protecting it from further damage and restoring both strength and appearance. For comparison, fillings are a good option for small cavities, but they don't provide full protection for a tooth that's already weakened. Veneers are excellent for cosmetic improvements, especially on front teeth, but they are thinner and don't provide the same level of strength as crowns. Onlays and inlays fall somewhere in between, repairing part of the tooth but not offering the full coverage of a crown.
Crowns stand out because they give you the confidence to chew without worrying about your tooth breaking, protect against wear and tear, and even help maintain your facial structure by preventing further tooth loss. They also improve the way your smile looks, making them a blend of both restorative and cosmetic dentistry.
In short, while alternatives may work for specific cases, crowns offer the most complete solution when strength, durability, and aesthetics are all important. If you're deciding between a crown and another treatment, here's a quick look:
| Treatment | Covers Whole Tooth? | Durability | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crown | Yes | 5-15+ years | Strength & appearance |
| Veneer | No (front surface only) | 7-15 years | Cosmetic only |
| Filling | No | 5-10 years | Small repairs |
| Onlay | Partial | 10-15 years | Large cavity repair |
Patient Experiences
Caring for your dental crown is simple, and with the right habits, it can last for many years. But don't just take our word for it, hear from patients who've restored their confidence and comfort with crowns.
"My front tooth cracked, and I couldn't smile without covering my mouth. My dentist explained what a crown was and the process was so smooth. Now my smile looks natural again." - Melissa R., Chicago
"I went to My Smile for two crowns. Not only did I save over $1,500, getting high-quality dental work." - Ana S., San Diego
"I chose a same-day crown. In just a few hours, my tooth was restored, and I didn't need a temporary crown at all. It matched perfectly." - James T., Dallas
Caring for Your Dental Crown
One of the best things about a dental crown is that it doesn't require any complicated special care. Once your crown is securely in place, you can treat it almost like your natural teeth. However, just because a crown itself can't decay doesn't mean the tooth underneath it or the surrounding gums are completely safe. Proper oral hygiene is still essential to make sure your crown lasts for years and your smile stays healthy.
Daily Cleaning Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste is the foundation of crown care. Pay extra attention to the gumline, where food particles and plaque can build up. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush helps prevent unnecessary wear on both your crown and your natural teeth.Flossing is equally important. Food can sometimes get trapped between your crown and your natural teeth, creating a risk for decay in those hidden areas. Slide the floss gently rather than snapping it up and down, as aggressive movements can loosen the cement holding your crown in place.
Eating and Lifestyle Habits While crowns are strong, they aren't indestructible. Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice, popcorn kernels, or pen caps, which can crack or chip your crown. Sticky foods such as caramel or taffy can sometimes pull on a crown, so it's best to enjoy them in moderation. If you're a fan of crunchy snacks like nuts or hard pretzels, chew them carefully and try to distribute the pressure evenly across both sides of your mouth.
Night Protection If you grind or clench your teeth at night a condition known as bruxism, your crown may wear down faster than expected. Wearing a custom night guard can protect not only your crown but also your natural teeth and jaw joints. This simple device can greatly extend the life of your dental work.
Regular Check-Ups Finally, don't skip your dental appointments. Your dentist will monitor your crown during routine check-ups, making sure it's still secure and functioning properly. Early detection of any issues, like a loose crown or gum irritation, means quicker and easier fixes.By combining daily care with mindful habits and regular dental visits, your crown can last well beyond its average lifespan and keep your smile strong and confident.
