Crowns : Types, Prices, Procedures and Patients Reviews

What Are Dental Crowns ?

Dental crowns, or simply crowns, are used in dentistry for dental restoration, enhancement of teeth and smile and improving function. They are worn on an implant or a tooth like a cap, hence, they are also called tooth caps. Dental crowns are useful in preventing further tooth damage, preserving tooth structure, strengthening the tooth and improving tooth aesthetics.

What Does a Dental Crown Look Like?

A dental crown can be fabricated from materials like metal, ceramics or a combination of both materials. It is fabricated to fit a shaved enamel perfectly, restoring the tooth’s function and aesthetics. It typically covers a tooth entirely unlike a veneer. If made from ceramic, such as porcelain or zirconia, it is customised to match the teeth's natural color, shape and size.

Types of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are classified based on whether the type of material they are made from (metal, ceramics or both) and the extent of tooth coverage.

Based on coverage:

1. 3/4 Crown: This type of dental crown covers 3 out of the four walls of the tooth, except for the buccal wall ( the tooth wall facing the mouth). They are usually made from gold.
2. 7/8 Crown: This type of dental crown was formerly commonly used for the first maxillary (upper jaw) tooth. It is typically made of gold.
3. Full Dental Crown: This dental crown fully covers the four walls of the tooth, completely encircling or crowning it.

Based on materials used:

1. Full ceramic Crowns
2. Metal Crowns
3. Metal Fused to Ceramic Crowns

Full Ceramic Crowns

These dental crowns are made from ceramic. Examples include porcelain crowns, zirconia crowns, silica crowns et cetera. Ceramic crowns appear more natural, glassy and shiny, however, they cost more than metal crowns due to these characteristics.

Metal Crowns

These dental crowns are made from metals. Metal crowns can be subdivided into; high-noble, noble and base metal by the American Dental Association. For both noble and high-noble metal crowns, a combination of gold and other metals, such as steel, copper, nickel, zinc, palladium etc, is used. Titanium is commonly used as a base metal for fabricating dental crowns. Metal crowns are known for being durable, and more affordable, although they are not as aesthetically appealing as ceramic crowns.

Metal Fused to Ceramic Crowns

For these types of dental crowns, a fusion of metal and ceramic is used, combining the benefits of ceramics and metals for a durable, strong and aesthetic appeal. Examples include Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM). By fusing metal and ceramic, the crown's strength can be maximized. The durability of metal can be matched with the aesthetic appeal of ceramics giving a more affordable option to full ceramic crowns.

Do I Need A Dental Crown?

Should I get a dental crown? If you have one or more of the tooth conditions below, you should seek out your dentist for further examination and possibly a dental crown.

• Teeth with cavities that have been filled
• After a root canal treatment
• Dental Implant
• Severe tooth discoloration and stains difficult to conceal with veneers
• Cracked, chipped or fractured teeth
• Worn-down tooth
• Damaged or decaying tooth

Benefits of Dental Crown

Dental crowns provide beautification, restorative protective and hygiene benefits, including:

1. Restoring tooth function
2. Enhancing appearance
3. Protecting weakened teeth
4. Improvement of Confidence Level and Self-Esteem
5. Strengthening the teeth
6. Preventing Teeth Damage
7. Improving chewing

Side Effects of Dental Crowns

1. Temporary sensitivity due to the enamel removal associated with the procedure
2. Allergic reaction to nickel or other metal crowns
3. Infection - if not well fitted, they may lead to infection by trapping microorganisms
4. Costly: While costly, Turkey offers affordable options without compromising quality.
5. They are prone to fracture, especially ceramic crowns

Dental Crown Procedure

Dental procedures, including a dental crown procedure, start with a visit to the dentist. The choice of dentist is an extremely important factor in determining the success and durability of your dental crown. Other steps of the procedure include:

• Consultation and Examination by your dentist: Your dentist will review your dental history and oral health. Tooth imperfection and your reason for needing a dental crown will be well established. Your dentist will examine your oral cavity for other teeth, gum and, and mouth conditions.
• Other restorations: In cases where you have a missing tooth or a dental cavity, your dentist will need to take care of those first. You may get a dental filling, root canal treatment or an implant depending on the established tooth condition.
• Alongside your cosmetic dentist's expert guidance, the best type of dental crown for you will be determined.
• Impressions: An impression (like an outline or measurement of what your teeth look like) of your teeth is taken.
• Fabrication: A dental technician crafts your crown using the impression. This fabrication process takes about two to three weeks. Harmonising teeth size, colour and shape are given utmost importance when making the dental crown.
• Tooth Preparation: Part of your enamel is removed to ensure the dental crown can fit perfectly
• Temporary dental crown: A temporary dental crown may be used while the dental crown is being made.
• Fitting and Cementing: Once your dental crown is ready, your dentist uses dental cement to fit it firmly into your enamel or implant.
• Aftercare: Your dentist will give you clear instructions on after-procedure dos and don'ts.

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last For?

How well your dental crown lasts is determined by the type of dental crown, the level of skill of your cosmetic dentist, the equipment in the dental facility used, the country you get your dental crown, and the level of maintenance.

Dental crowns last between five to fifteen (5 - 15). Metal crowns are known to be durable, lasting longer than 15 years, but they are not as aesthetically pleasing. Ceramic dental crowns can also last 10 years and beyond if well maintained.

Cost of Dental Crown in Turkey

The cost of a dental crown depends on the type of dental crown, the dentist's expertise, the dental facility, and the country where the procedure is performed. Dental crowns in Turkey are typically more affordable than those done in other regions of the world. In Turkey, dental crowns cost between $100 to $400 per tooth.

Why Should I Choose Turkey For My Dental Crown?

Turkey is a global hub for safe, quality and affordable cosmetic procedures. Getting a dental crown in Turkey helps you maximize your financial resources due to the procedure's affordability in Turkey compared to other cosmetic procedures hot-spots like the United States of America. Aside from affordability, you also get to experience the expertise cosmetic dentists in Turkey are globally acclaimed for. The Turkish Ministry of Health and the Turkish Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry regulate cosmetic procedures quality and safety closely which guarantees you a safe dental crown procedure.

Tips For Caring For My Dental Crown

Now that you have your dental crown, you will need to care for it properly. Here are some tips:

• Maintaining a high level of dental hygiene by brushing twice daily using a toothbrush with soft bristles, and a fluoride-containing toothpaste
• Floss regularly
• Eat healthy meals
• Stay hydrated by drinking a sufficient amount of water
• Avoid chewing gum, caramel, and other sticky foods that can pull dental crowns
• Reduce or stop tobacco use, alcohol and smoking
• Avoid biting on hard food or substance
• Avoid bruxism or teeth-grinding
• Use night guards if you are prone to teeth-grinding
• Avoid substances such as coffee, and tea that can stain your crown
• Regular dental visits

Conclusion

Dental crowns find great usefulness in tooth restoration, protection and aesthetics. They can be made from ceramics, metal or a fusion of both ceramics and metal. They correct a range of dental imperfections. Getting a dental crown in suitable candidates is essential for optimal dental well-being. Dental crowns can be gotten in Turkey for three to five times the cost in the United States of America or other countries, at the same level of quality and safety. Maintaining the highest level of dental hygiene is crucial to preserving your dental crown's durability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)