Dental crowns are one of the most common dental restorations used by dentists for several reasons. They’re versatility allows you to protect your current teeth from bacteria while still keeping your smile looking proper. It’s important to keep the cost of them in mind however, as they can fluctuate dramatically depending on several factors.
If you find out you need dental crowns in Fort Lauderdale, your dentist wanted to give you a heads up on the functions and relative costs to expect.
All-Porcelain Crowns
When it comes to retaining the overall look of your smile, all-porcelain crowns are the most ideal solution. Not only will they protect your teeth from future decay and bacteria, but they are the most natural-looking option. Porcelain reflects light the most like natural teeth and as a bonus, they don’t stain the same way as natural teeth either. Once properly polished, porcelain is quite stain-resistant.
When accounting for cost, all-porcelain crowns require a higher level of skill to create and place. The average cost of an all-porcelain crown is $1,430 per crown without insurance.
Porcelain Fused to Metal Crowns
Porcelain fused to metal crowns, also known as PFM crowns, are popular among dentists because of their combined aesthetic and functionality. They’re ideal for protecting your periodontal health, looking natural next to other teeth, and letting patients eat the foods they want without worry of damage. To create PFM crowns, a metal framework is combined with a layer of porcelain and ceramic which masks the underlying metal shade underneath.
PFM crowns are typically cheaper than all-porcelain crowns, averaging about $1,093 per crown without insurance. The combination of ceramic, metal, and porcelain means dentist don’t need to spend as much on materials.
All-Metal Crowns
The most obvious difference between the previous crowns and all-metal crowns is the material used to create them. These crowns are more ideal for back teeth, which are not visible in a natural smile. They’re also far less likely to chip or crack compared to ceramic or porcelain. When placed next to natural teeth, they’ll stand out significantly, but your restorative dentist in Fort Lauderdale will let you compare them to the alternatives before placing.
Without insurance, expect to pay around $1,353 per crown. If you care heavily about your appearance, it may be worth the extra money to go for all-porcelain dental crowns.
The Benefits of a New Dental Crown
Regardless of what crown you choose, it’s much better than not covering the damaged tooth at all. Forgoing dental crowns in Fort Lauderdale only put you at risk for oral complications. This includes:
- A broken tooth fracturing worse
- Exposure to bacteria that could lead to an infection
- Spending money on additional treatments (tooth extraction, root canal, dental implants, etc.)
Instead of waiting for the worst-case scenario, it’s worth it to stay proactive. Schedule an appointment to discuss dental crowns in Fort Lauderdale with your dentist today!
About the Author
Dr. Robert L. Smith earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Emory University located in Atlanta. In addition, Dr. Smith has studied full-mouth reconstruction, restorative and prosthetic dentistry, and general dentistry at the Pankey and Dawson Institute. To learn more about dental crowns and his practice, contact him at (954) 564-7121 or visit his website.