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Are you considering having dental crowns?
Dental crowns are an effective solution for various dental issues, providing both functional and beauty benefits. At Glenvale Dental Group in Glen Waverley, we specialise in delivering high-quality dental crown services tailored to your unique needs. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the different types of dental crowns, the procedure for getting them, their costs, and their lifespan.
Types of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are mainly made of many different materials, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are the most common types:
1. Porcelain Crowns
- Aesthetic Appeal: Porcelain crowns are highly popular due to their natural appearance. They will be matched to the colour of your other teeth, making them virtually indistinguishable.
- Durability: While not as strong as metal crowns, porcelain crowns are still durable and can last many years with proper care.
- Best For: Front teeth, where aesthetics are most important.
2. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns
- Strength and Aesthetics: These crowns combine the aesthetic benefits of porcelain with the strength of a metal substructure.
- Versatility: Suitable for both front and back teeth.
- Durability: More durable than all-porcelain crowns due to the metal core.
3. Gold Crowns
- Durability: Gold crowns are known for their strength and longevity. They are highly resistant to wear and fracture.
- Biocompatibility: Gold is very biocompatible, meaning it won’t cause any adverse reactions in the mouth.
- Aesthetic: Typically used for molars and out-of-sight areas due to their metallic colour.
4. Zirconia Crowns
- Strength: Zirconia is an incredibly strong material, offering durability comparable to gold crowns.
- Aesthetic: They can be colour-matched to your teeth and have a more natural appearance than metal crowns.
- Versatility: Suitable for any location in the mouth due to their strength and appearance.
Procedure for Getting Dental Crowns
The process of getting a dental crown typically involves two visits to our clinic:
1. First Visit: Consultation and Preparation
- Examination: Your dentist will examine your tooth and take X-rays to assess the extent of decay or damage.
- Tooth Preparation: The tooth receiving the crown is filed down to make room for the crown. If many of the teeth are missing, a filling material may be used to build it up.
- Impressions: Impressions of your tooth and the surrounding teeth are taken to create a model for the crown.
- Temporary Crown: A temporary crown is placed over the prepared tooth to protect it until the permanent crown is ready.
2. Second Visit: Fitting and Placement
- Removal of Temporary Crown: The temporary crown is removed, and the permanent crown is checked for fit and colour.
- Cementation: If everything is satisfactory, the permanent crown is cemented in place.
Cost of Dental Crowns in Melbourne
The cost of dental crowns can vary widely based on several factors, including the type of material used, the complexity of the procedure, and your location. Here is a general idea of what you might expect:
- Porcelain Crowns: $1,200 – $2,500 per tooth.
- PFM Crowns: $1,000 – $2,000 per tooth.
- Gold Crowns: $1,500 – $2,500 per tooth.
- Zirconia Crowns: $1,200 – $2,500 per tooth.
Dental insurance may cover a portion of the cost, especially if the crown is deemed medically necessary. At Glenvale Dental Group, we offer flexible payment plans to help make dental crowns more affordable for our patients.
Lifespan of Dental Crowns
With proper care, dental crowns can last between 10 to 30 years. The lifespan of a crown depends on several factors, including:
- Material: Gold and zirconia crowns normally to last longer than porcelain and PFM crowns.
- Oral Hygiene: Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial. Brushing twice a day, flossing, and regular dental check-ups will help extend the life of your crown.
- Diet: Avoiding hard foods and habits like teeth grinding can prevent damage to your crown.
- Regular Dental Visits: Regular check-ups will allow your dentist to monitor the health of your crown and the underlying tooth.
FAQs
1. How do I know if I need a dental crown?
You would need a dental crown if you have a tooth that is severely decayed, cracked, or worn down. Crowns are also used to protect a tooth after a root canal or to anchor a dental bridge. Your dentist will evaluate your specific situation and recommend a crown if it’s the best solution for you.
2. Are there any risks or complications associated with dental crowns?
While dental crowns are generally safe, there can be some risks, such as sensitivity to hot or cold, discomfort or pain, allergic reactions to the materials, or the crown becoming loose or falling off. However, these issues are rare and can usually be addressed by your dentist.
3. Can I whiten my dental crowns?
Dental crowns cannot be whitened like natural teeth because they are made from materials that do not respond to whitening agents. If you are considering whitening your teeth, it’s best to do so before getting crowns so that the colour of the crowns can be matched to your newly whitened teeth.
Contact Us Today
Dental crowns are an excellent option for restoring damaged teeth, improving both function and appearance. As a top Glen Waverley dental clinic, we are committed to providing our patients with the highest quality dental care. If you are considering dental crowns, we invite you to visit us for a consultation. Our experienced team will guide you through the process and help you choose the best type of crown for your needs.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment for the first step towards a healthier, beautiful smile.
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