What are Dental Crowns ?
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped covers that are used to cover the damaged tooth completely. Crown treatment is mainly used for creating a tooth-like structure to restore the damaged tooth’s function. In addition to strengthening the damaged tooth, dental crowns can also be used to correct its appearance, shape, or alignment.
Dental crowns are usually made out of porcelain or ceramic. These materials are used to replicate the natural color of your teeth. Metal-alloy, acrylic, and metal-based ceramic dental crowns are also available.
Quick Summary About the Procedure
- Length of Stay in Country
- Length of Stay in Hospital
- Operation Duration
- Anesthesia Type
- Recovery Time
- 5-7 Days
- No Need
- Up to 4 Hours
- Local Anesthesia
- 5-7 Days
Who is the right candidate for dental crowns?
Dental crowns are useful for fixing various dental issues. But before you think about getting dental crowns, you have to consult your dentist. After consulting, your dentist will decide what procedure is best for your specific case. If you suffer from;
- Loss of a large portion of natural teeth and don’t have enough natural teeth to support a large filling
- Weak teeth you want to protect
- Broken teeth you want to restore
- Loss of a tooth. In this case, dental crowns will be used to make a bridge
- Severely discolored or deformed teeth
- Need to cover a root canal treated tooth
Your dentist could advise you to have the dental crown procedure done.
Where Should You Get My Dental Crowns Made?
After you consult a dentist about dental crowns and are sure you want to go with the crown treatment, you need to decide on where you should get the procedure done. Contrary to the popular belief, you don’t have to get them done locally. There are great benefits to get dental crowns abroad, first of which is getting a proper high-quality service for a fraction of time and money. If you live in the UK or the US, the dental crown procedure can get expensive pretty fast. Even with the large amount of money you spend, most of the time you have to get several appointments from a dentist and wait for longer to get your permanent crowns made, which causes unnecessary stress and discomfort. Also, for a fraction of money you spend at home, you can get the best dental crowns in Turkey.
In developing countries, medical services are cheaper for tourists because of government support for medical tourism and favourable exchange rates for foreign visitors. Countries like Turkey have top-of-the-line dental professionals who go through vigorous training and state-of-the-art dental facilities that use the CEREC technique. This technique takes full advantage of computer-aided design and manufacturing to get your dental crowns ready in a matter of hours, instead of weeks This makes getting a dental crown in Turkey an enjoyable experience.
What is the Procedure for a Dental Crown
Getting a dental crown is a 5 step process. These are as follows;
- Consulting the Dentist About Crown Procedure
- Preparation of the teeth,
- Mould Making
- Production of the Crowns
- Final fit and finish
1. Consulting the Dentist About Crown Procedure
First thing first, you have to choose if you want to get dental crowns abroad or locally, as the procedure and treatment length varies significantly between the two options. After you choose, you should get an online or face-to-face appointment with your dentist. If you choose to get dental crowns made abroad, you should send clear photographs of your teeth and your dental record. Sometimes your dentist can ask for an X-Ray but don’t worry, as most clinics will cover these expenses. After your online evaluation, your dentist then invites you for an appointment.
From there, the order is the same between local and abroad treatments. Your dentist will examine your teeth for signs of other underlying issues or additional damage. After your dentist gets a rough idea of what you may need. After examining your teeth, he/she will offer professional advice on what you need and what kind of crown will be best suited for your particular issues. Your dentist may declare that dental crowns are not viable and offer you some alternative treatment too. This may be a good time to ask some of the questions on your mind.
2. Preparation For the Procedure
After your dentist examines your teeth and the final verdict is made on dental crowns, he/she starts the process of preparation. This step usually waits until the second appointment if you are getting dental crowns made locally. But if you travel abroad for dental treatment, the dentist will usually prepare your teeth in your consulting session. This is done to save time. Your dentist will shave down a portion of your teeth to give the crowns a strong structure to stand on. After this is done, an impression of your teeth will be taken to ensure the perfect fit of your permanent dental crowns. After the impression, he/she will inform you about what kind of techniques the clinic uses to manufacture the dental crowns and give you options. During this phase, your dentist could give you temporary crowns to protect your prepared tooth. Also, this process is done under local anesthesia to improve your comfort so you shouldn’t feel any pain.
3. Mould Making
In this step, your dentist will send your impressions to the laboratory to get your crowns manufactured. Most of the clinics in Turkey have a dental laboratory on-site, so you don’t have to wait too long, unlike the local dental clinics. This step can be unnecessary if you choose a clinic that uses the CEREC technique because your dentist will scan your mouth to create a 3D model in the computer and use CAD software to design your dental crowns for a custom fit.
4. Production of the Crowns
Production steps and length can vastly change depending on various factors such as the crown material and the production technique. The traditional crowns are made from ceramics like porcelain, strong metal alloys. These can be made in 1-4 days abroad but when done locally, it could take up to 2 weeks. There are also metal-based ceramic crowns, these can take longer because their production is usually more complicated. CAD/CAM dentistry tools like CEREC are also used in dental clinics in countries like Turkey, with these processes, the production of a dental crown is much faster. They can be ready for fitment within an hour or a day.
5. Final Fit and Finish
The final step of the process is the final fitment of your dental crowns. After your crowns arrive from the laboratory, your dentist will call you for an appointment. He/she then will remove your temporary crowns and check your prepared teeth for any potential issues. After these checks are done, the dentist will apply a specially formulated dental cement for crowns to your teeth and the crowns. This dental crown glue will fix your new dental crowns in place. This process is pain-free and causes little to no discomfort at all. After that, your dentist will examine your teeth for a final time to make sure there are no future complications to the process.
What Material is Used for Dental Crowns
There are different types of dental crowns that have their advantages and disadvantages and use cases. Your doctor will give more detailed information about what kind of processes and materials they use for your specific needs. Different types of dental crowns are made from different materials. These materials are;
- Different kind of metals and metal alloys
- Porcelain fused to metal
- Resins
- Ceramics like porcelain
- Zirconium
- E-Max
1. Metal Dental Crowns
Metal dental crowns are a very popular choice for posterior restorations. They are made from different base metals and alloys. Metals like gold, copper, chromium, nickel, titanium, and palladium and their alloys are the most widely used materials for metal dental crowns. Main advantages of metal crowns are;
- They can last for a long time with proper care
- They are very strong.
- They rarely chip or break.
- They only require a small amount of preparation work
- They are not as abrasive against the opposite teeth
Their main disadvantages are;
- Some people could be allergic to metals and this could cause serious issues
- While the metals that are used are dentally safe, they could corrode over time
- They don’t look natural and some people aren’t into the look of metal crowns.
2. Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) Dental Crowns
Porcelain fused to metal dental crowns combine the best parts of metal and porcelain crowns. They are strong, more natural-looking, and very versatile as they can be used for front or back teeth.
Main advantages of PFM crowns are;
- They are very strong because of their metal base and look more natural than metal crowns because of their porcelain outer layer.
- They cost less than all-porcelain crowns
Their main disadvantages are;
- The metal base can show a grey line at where they meet with the gums, breaking the natural look of PFM crowns
- Porcelain layer could chip, crack or break easier than metal crowns
- The porcelain outer layer could wear down the opposing teeth.
3. All-Porcelain Dental Crowns
All-porcelain dental crowns are made from porcelain ceramic. These crowns can match perfectly to the color of your natural teeth and provide a good smile. That’s why they are the best choices for front teeth.
Main advantages of porcelain dental crowns are;
- Their biggest advantage is being biocompatible. They are made from porcelain because they don’t use metals, they don’t cause allergies, and don’t corrode.
- They are great for front teeth restorations as they can color match perfectly to the natural teeth and have a natural-looking translucency.
- Porcelain crowns are stain-resistant.
- They can last for a long time if taken care of properly.
Their main disadvantages are
- They are very hard but their hardness could be their disadvantage because they are fragile.
- They can cost more than the other types.
- They are abrasive against the opposing teeth
- Not suitable for patients who suffer from bruxism as they are prone to cracking
4. All-Resin Dental Crowns
All resin dental crowns are made out of resin material and are mainly used for temporary crowns. They can’t withstand the biting force and chewing movement very well and can break down or chip. They also need a large portion of natural teeth to be removed for permanent applications. Their main advantages are;
- They don’t wear down the opposing teeth
- They are cheap
- They are good alternatives to straight fillings
Their main disadvantages are;
- They are not durable
- Not suited for permanent applications
5. Zirconia Dental Crowns
Zirconia is the hardest and strongest ceramic that is used for making dental crowns. They can color match pretty well and withstand the wear from biting force and chewing motion exceptionally well. As they are almost impossible to etch, they are attached differently than the other ceramic crowns like porcelain. Their main advantages are;
- While not as close to the natural teeth’ look as porcelain crowns, they have outstanding aesthetic qualities.
- They can last for a lifetime if taken care of properly because they are exceptionally strong against cracking, chipping, or breaking.
- As they are very strong, they don’t wear down.
- They are biocompatible and don’t cause allergies or corrode like PFM or metal crowns while being stronger than these crowns.
Their main disadvantages are;
- They can wear down the opposing tooth aggressively
- They can be more expensive
- It can be difficult to adjust after the final fitment
6. E-Max Dental Crowns
E-Max dental crowns are made from lithium disilicate. They are the newest type of crowns and offer some great qualities. They are thin, translucent, and match the natural teeth so well that they are hard to differentiate. Main advantage of E-Max dental crowns are;
- Their impressions can be made with scanning so they are great for patients who couldn’t get their impressions taken traditionally.
- They can be produced quickly using computer-assisted manufacturing process
- They mimic the feel, look and wear of the natural enamel of your teeth
- They are biocompatible
- They are very strong and long-lasting
- They are quite versatile as they can be used for both front and back teeth
Their main disadvantages are;
- They can be expensive to produce for your dentist. While their cost does not always affect the patients, sometimes it does.
- Some dentists reported failures when they use E-max on posterior teeth, especially when using the E-max crown to support a bridge
How Much is a Dental Crown
Dental crown prices can change depending on the country, dental clinic, and the dental crown type. If you live in a highly-developed country like the UK, France, Germany, or the USA, dental crown cost abroad is generally cheaper than getting them done locally. Here’s a table of reference in regards of prices between the countries;
Country | Gold Crown (Per Tooth) | All-Porcelain Crown (Per Tooth) | PFM Crown (Per Tooth) | Zirconium Crown(Per Tooth) |
Belgium | $339 | $533 | $436 | $488 |
Hungary | $161 | $257 | $277 | $270 |
India | $81 | $144 | $77 | $125 |
Malta | $357 | $384 | $510 | $263 |
Philippines | $777 | $373 | $185 | $650 |
Poland | $403 | $426 | $270 | $330 |
Turkey | $332 | $155 | $206 | $210 |
Ukraine | $308 | $267 | $286 | $125 |
Sources: Treatment Abroad, dentalcrownmania.ph
As you can see, if you choose to get dental services from abroad, you will pay a fraction of what you will pay if you get them done locally. For example, dental crown cost in Turkey is cheaper because of favorable exchange rates. The price for dental services are indexed to the country’s median income and living costs. This is the main reason why Turkey offers world-class healthcare for low prices. It’s a huge advantage for medical tourists as they can have a vacation along with their treatment for less than what they would pay locally.
What to Expect From Your Consultation Session
Consultation is a very important step of dental crowns procedure as with any other medical operation. During the consultation, your dentist will examine your teeth and offer you some treatments and operations to help you with your unique condition. It is very important to ask questions during the consultation to get a little bit more information about your dentist, preferred treatments, and prices. You should ask about;
- If the dental crowns are the right fit for you
- What kind of dental crowns are applied and why
- A computer-generated mock-up of your new smile if you are getting the crowns for your front teeth
- How long will the treatment take
- How long do dental crowns last
- What kind of production techniques they use
- If the clinic have an on-site laboratory or uses CEREC CAD/CAM dentistry equipment
- Some before and after photos of your dentist’s previous patients
- Prices and if your insurance cover costs
Risks and Potential Complications of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are generally safe and efficient. They have a success rate of 92% and most types of dental crowns can last more than 15 years. However, as with any dental or medical operation, there could be complications both during and after the crown treatment. While most of the complications can be fixed easily, knowing the risks is very important. The risk and complications are as follows;
- Heightened sensitivity and discomfort. As dental crowns need a portion of the original teeth to be shaved down, you can feel sensitivity to hot or cold drinks or foods immediately after the treatment.
- Pain when biting down. This is unexpected and usually means that the crown isn’t fitted right. You should call your dentist for an appointment immediately. He/she can make the necessary adjustments to fix the problem.
- If you have a PFM crown, a dark line can be visible just above the gum line. This is the metal part of your porcelain fused to metal dental crown. This can be more visible as the gum line recesses. This is completely normal but if you are not happy with the look, your dentist will help you with an all-porcelain or some other kind of ceramic crown.
- Crowns that have all-porcelain or PFM construction can chip or break. If the damaged area is deemed manageable by your dentist, he/she can repair it. If the damage is too big to repair, you might need a new crown.
- Crowns can sometimes come loose. This is usually a sign that the cement has somehow washed away. The loose crown can allow some bacteria and food particles to leak under and cause decay. This can be a serious problem that needs to be dealt with by a professional right away.
- While incredibly rare, some people can show allergic reactions to the metals that are used for dental crowns. This could be serious. To avoid this, you need to be tested for metal allergies before getting dental crown treatment.
- Metals used for dental applications are usually specially treated and safe. But with time, your metal crown could corrode. If this happens, you need to replace your crowns.
- Dental crowns are held with a special glue. They are not supposed to fall off, but sometimes they do. If your crown has fallen, this is a serious problem and you need to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. In the meantime, you need to look inside the crown. If your crown looks like a hollowed-out tooth, you are in luck, as likely there’s no damage to your teeth. You should go to a dental clinic with your crown so they can evaluate the crown and hopefully cement it back in place. If the fallen crown is full, you need to talk with your dentist to evaluate your options.
How long does it take
Depending on the type, technique, and, location the duration of the treatment duration can change drastically. Traditionally, from the first consultation to the final fit and finish can take 1-4 week if done locally and 1-4 days if done abroad. You’ll have to visit the dental clinic twice during the treatment. The most time-consuming part is to wait for your dental crowns to be manufactured. But there are alternative solutions like CEREC. With this technique, your dentist will scan your mouth, design the crown with CAD software and manufacture your teeth on-site with the CAM process. With CEREC, the whole process can be done in 2-6 hours instead of days or weeks.
Downtime and Recovery
While the recovery from the dental crowns is pretty quick. The full recovery can be done in 1 to 3 days. Most of the time you only feel slight numbness because of your local anesthesia applied during the process. Some patients reported some issues like slightly heightened sensitivity and sore or inflamed gums. These issues are normal and usually pass on their own. If you have temporary crowns or just got your permanent ones, you should avoid smoking during the first 24 hours. Also, too hot or too cold drinks can cause sensitivity and should be avoided for the first few days. Also eating too sticky or hard foods can damage your crowns. To help with the sensitivity, you can brush your teeth with a special toothpaste made for sensitive teeth. Also, rinsing the mouth with warm salt water can help to calm the gums down and relieve the pain.
What are the Alternative Treatments for Dental Crowns
There are several alternative treatments to dental crowns. After consultation and examining your teeth, your dentist could offer these alternatives as more viable and helpful options for your needs.
Inlays and Onlays
Sometimes fillings are not enough, and crowns are too big. This is what Inlays and Onlays are used for. Inlays and Onlays are similar to dental crowns but they don’t cover the whole teeth. The difference between them is where they applied.
- Inlays are small and only used for filling in cavities between the cusps, also known as the chewing surface.
- Onlays are also known as partial crowns. They are used for repairing the damage to the cusps and the chewing surface.
Veneers
Dental veneers are thin shells that are used for covering the visible part of the teeth. They are the main alternatives to dental crowns. Veneers need a lot less shaving down but if you are suffering from decay, fracture, or gum disease, your teeth may not be strong enough to support the dental veneers.
- Dental veneers are mostly used for front teeth as they are the most visible.
- They are great if you have little to no structural damage to your teeth
Teeth Extraction
If you suffer from extensive tooth decay, tooth infection, or your teeth are compromised because of an impact and you don’t have enough structure to support the dental crowns, your dentist could advise teeth extraction. Teeth extraction might lead to dental implants.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are artificial teeth roots. The implants are placed in the jaw bone with surgery and they provide a strong base for permanent or removable artificial teeth. They look and function like real teeth and with the right maintenance, they can last for a lifetime. If you suffer from a dental condition that makes it impossible to wear a denture or alternative treatments like dental crowns, dental implants are great for improving your quality of life.
FAQS
A dental crown works just like your natural teeth. They are cemented in place over your natural teeth or root to provide a tooth-like surface to look and perform like a tooth.
Dental crowns can be fitted over your natural teeth, posts from a root or over an abutment of a dental implant.
Depending on the type and the material, a dental crown should last anywhere between 5 years to a lifetime. But most of them need to be replaced in 25 years.
It depends. But generally, crowns last longer than veneers because they are heftier.
The cheapest type of crowns are the All-Resin crowns. However, they are not suited for use permanently. So, all-metal or PFM crowns are the cheapest permanent crowns available.
