Discover Which Types Of Dental Crowns And Cost Suit You
Thinking about getting a dental crown but not sure where to start? You’re not alone. With so many types of dental crowns and cost ranges to consider, it helps to know what each option offers and why one may be recommended over another. Crowns can be made from several materials and are priced differently depending on your goals, the tooth involved, and the design chosen. Choosing the right one could affect how your bite feels, how natural it looks, and how long it lasts. We’re here to help you understand your options clearly and feel supported as you move forward.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are custom-made covers designed to fit over a damaged or decayed tooth, restoring structure and comfort. They help protect weakened areas caused by tooth decay while allowing the tooth to function as part of your bite. Crowns are often used to rebuild areas affected by missing teeth and are shaped to match the natural appearance of your smile. Each one is crafted to blend in seamlessly with your existing teeth.
What Different Types of Dental Crowns Are Available and What Are Their Prices in Australia?
Exploring the different materials employed in dental crowns can help you make informed decisions about your treatment and budget. Understanding how each option works with your natural teeth can also lead to better long term outcomes and satisfaction with your dental restoration.
Porcelain Crowns For A Natural Finish
Porcelain crowns are a wonderful option for those wanting their restoration to match surrounding teeth. They blend well with natural tooth structure and are often used for front teeth restorations. Porcelain or ceramic crowns are valued for their aesthetic appearance and smooth surface. These crowns are ideal when appearance is a priority, though they may be less suitable for areas under heavy pressure. The dental crown cost for porcelain typically starts at around $1,300 in Australia, depending on complexity and clinic location.
Stronger Options Like Zirconia And Metal
Zirconia crowns are known for their strength and durability, making them a practical option for back teeth. They hold up well under bite force and offer a more solid feel than ceramic crowns. Metal crowns, including gold crowns, offer even greater resistance to wear and are often used when appearance is less of a concern. These crowns typically last longer, and rarely chip, but their metallic colour makes them less discreet. The types of dental crowns and cost for zirconia and metal options may start from $1,500, depending on the materials used.
Porcelain Fused To Metal Crowns For Balance
Porcelain fused to metal crowns combine the appearance of ceramic with the strength of metal underneath. These crowns are often chosen when a balance between function and appearance is needed. They are suitable for areas that need both strength and a more natural appearance, such as premolars. However, the metal base can sometimes appear as a dark line near the gum over time. In Australia, this crown type generally starts at $1,400, varying by the dental clinic and the crown’s location.
Stainless Steel And Temporary Crown Uses
Stainless steel crowns are more commonly used as a short-term measure or for younger patients with growing teeth. These are pre-formed and usually placed in one visit, offering a cost effective solution in temporary situations. They are durable but not designed for long term use in adult patients. The cost of dental crowns made of stainless steel is often lower, typically starting at $500.
Composite Resin And Indirect Resin Alternatives
Composite resin crowns are used when a lower cost option is needed, but they may not offer the same strength or lifespan as other types. Indirect resin crowns are created outside the mouth and later placed, offering a better fit than direct resin fillings. Both are generally more affordable but more prone to wear and staining. The tooth crown cost for these materials in Australia usually starts from $900.
Each of the dental crown types offers unique benefits and limitations. Your choice should reflect the location of the decayed tooth, your budget, and how well the material blends with your existing smile.
What Is the Procedure for Getting a Dental Crown?
Getting a crown no longer means waiting weeks for your final restoration. With today’s advanced digital tools, a more efficient experience is now possible. At our practice, we provide ceramic same day crowns using CEREC 3D technology, allowing your restoration to be completed in a single visit.
Initial Consultation And Tooth Preparation
The dental crown procedure begins with a close examination of the treated tooth to determine if a crown is the appropriate solution. Your dentist checks for cracks, decay, or other dental issues that could affect the outcome. If the tooth is suitable for a crown, the surface is reshaped to create space for the final crown to fit securely. This step, known as tooth preparation, is done with care to preserve as much natural enamel as possible while making room for the crown material. CEREC technology allows your dentist to scan the prepared tooth using a small camera instead of traditional moulds.
Digital Scanning And Custom Crown Design
Once your tooth is shaped, a digital scan captures its precise dimensions. This image is then transferred to the CEREC software, which makes a 3D model of the crown. The dentist can make adjustments to ensure the crown blends well with adjacent teeth and supports your bite comfortably. Because this is all done chairside, there is no need for temporary crowns or extra appointments. The digital process eliminates the wait often required by a traditional dental laboratory and allows for immediate fabrication.
Milling And Fitting Your Same Day Crown
After the design is finalised, the crown is milled on-site from a solid block of ceramic. The chosen dental crown material is matched to your natural tooth colour to ensure a good aesthetic appearance. The milling process usually takes under 30 minutes, during which you can relax in the dental chair. Once ready, the custom crown is tested for fit, adjusted if needed, and bonded to the prepared tooth using dental cement. The result is a strong, natural-looking restoration that restores both function and visual appeal.
Benefits Of Same-Day Ceramic Crowns
This modern approach to dental crown treatment is ideal for both front teeth and back teeth. It reduces the time you spend in the dental practice and eliminates the inconvenience of wearing temporary caps. Custom crowns created using CEREC offer an accurate fit and a high level of comfort, even for patients with weak tooth or broken teeth. They are crafted to match the natural look of your smile, ensuring the crown supports dental health and blends seamlessly into your bite. Since no return visit is needed, the process supports faster outcomes and quicker relief for damaged tooth issues.
Your Same-Day Crown Experience
Every dental crown depends on precision, and with CEREC 3D, our experienced dentists can manage the full process under one roof. Whether you need support for a dental restoration or want to protect a tooth weakened by decay, this system offers timely results without compromising quality. The crown material is selected for strength and appearance, giving you a secure fit that supports long-term oral health. Your final crown is ready before you leave the chair, making it a simple and efficient solution for various dental treatments.
How Can Dental Crowns Benefit Your Oral Health and Aesthetic Appearance?
Protecting both the strength and appearance of your teeth plays an important role in everyday comfort and confidence. If you’ve been dealing with damage, wear, or weakened structure, exploring how crowns can help may lead to long term benefits.
Strengthen Weak Or Damaged Teeth
Dental crowns are often recommended to reinforce teeth that have lost structure from decay, cracks, or trauma. They act like a shield, surrounding the tooth to provide protection during chewing and daily use. If you have a weak molar or a worn down tooth, the crown helps restore function without putting pressure on the remaining enamel. For those who have had a root canal treatment, placing a crown afterwards helps prevent the tooth from breaking, which can happen if the remaining structure is too thin. The crown supports stability while allowing you to use the tooth comfortably again.
Improve Comfort When Eating And Speaking
A crown can bring relief when biting or chewing has become uncomfortable due to uneven tooth surfaces. It reshapes the treated area, creating smoother contact with opposing teeth. This makes chewing more efficient and reduces sensitivity that might occur with exposed areas. When placed properly, crowns can also improve speech, especially when front teeth are affected. A balanced bite reduces the strain on neighbouring teeth and can even relieve tension in the jaw caused by uneven pressure points. These functional improvements often come with immediate relief during everyday activities.
Restore Shape And Natural Appearance
Crowns are custom-made to resemble your existing teeth in shape, size, and colour. Whether you’re restoring a front tooth or a molar, your dentist can match the crown closely to your smile. This level of detail supports a natural appearance that blends in without drawing attention. Discoloured or misshaped teeth can also be restored to look more even and polished, boosting the overall harmony of your smile. For many patients, this visual change contributes to improved self image and greater ease in social settings. The subtle change often goes unnoticed by others, yet makes a significant difference to how you feel.
Prevent Further Damage And Dental Wear
Once a tooth is restored with a crown, it’s less likely to suffer additional damage from grinding or accidental trauma. The added layer of protection shields what remains of the natural tooth from exposure to heat, pressure, or potential fractures. Crowns also help distribute bite force more evenly, preventing one side of the mouth from taking more stress. This balance supports the long term health of adjacent teeth and reduces the need for future repairs. For patients prone to clenching or with multiple worn teeth, crowns help interrupt the cycle of wear.
Support Broader Dental Treatment Plans
Crowns often play a key role in larger treatment plans, whether combined with bridges, implants, or cosmetic improvements. They are part of restoring missing teeth or stabilising existing ones. In some cases, they prepare a tooth to support additional work later, allowing for better planning and consistent results. Because they last for many years with proper care, they offer both functional and visual benefits in one step. This dual purpose makes them a valuable option for people wanting a lasting and comfortable solution.
How Should You Look After Your Dental Crown for Optimal Durability?
Caring for your dental crown goes beyond just protecting the treated tooth. How you maintain it each day can affect how long it lasts and how well it supports your oral health over time.
Use Gentle Techniques When Brushing
Brushing your teeth twice a day helps keep the crown clean and free from build-up. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and apply light pressure, focusing on the area around the crown without scrubbing too hard. Pay special attention to the gum line where bacteria can collect, as neglecting this area may lead to inflammation or discomfort. Choose a non abrasive toothpaste that won’t wear down the surface of the crown over time. Gentle care protects both the crown and the gum tissue surrounding it, allowing for better long-term results.
Floss Carefully Around The Crown
Flossing remains essential even with a crown in place. Slide the floss between your teeth without snapping it down, then move it gently along the sides of the crown. This helps remove trapped food particles and plaque that could otherwise lead to gum irritation or decay in adjacent areas. Using floss threaders or interdental brushes can offer more control if the crown sits in a hard to reach position. Keeping the space clean supports both your crown and the neighbouring natural teeth.
Protect It From Excess Pressure
Crowns are durable, but they can still be affected by grinding, clenching, or chewing very hard foods. If you have a habit of grinding at night, wearing a custom fitted night guard can help prevent unnecessary stress on the crown. Avoid chewing ice, biting your fingernails, or using your teeth as tools, which can cause wear or cracks over time. Being mindful of what you bite into helps preserve the shape and strength of the crown, especially when placed on molars or premolars that bear heavy forces.
Maintain Healthy Habits For Long-Term Success
Supporting the health of the crowned tooth also involves your broader oral care habits. Rinsing with water after meals, limiting sugary snacks, and avoiding acidic drinks all contribute to a cleaner mouth and a longer lasting crown. These habits help reduce plaque build up and protect both your crown and your natural enamel. Drinking plenty of water also keeps your mouth hydrated and reduces the impact of acids and bacteria that may compromise the crown’s edge.
Visit Your Dentist For Ongoing Monitoring
Having regular dental check ups is an important step in caring for your crown. Your dentist will examine the crown’s condition, check your bite, and look for any signs of wear or loosening. They can clean around the crown more thoroughly than you can at home and offer guidance if anything needs adjustment. Staying consistent with your visits helps identify small issues before they grow into bigger problems, helping you protect your crown and your overall dental health more effectively.
Let Us Help You Choose Wisely And Comfortably
Understanding the different types of dental crowns and cost involved helps you make a practical and confident decision about your smile. Whether you’re replacing a damaged tooth or restoring shape and function, knowing your options makes the experience less overwhelming. Our team can walk you through the crown materials, guide you based on the location of the tooth, and provide clear pricing based on your specific needs. From front teeth to molars, we aim to offer a balanced blend of durability and appearance. For advice tailored to you, or to book an appointment, please call us on 07 4801 7035. Let’s work together to find the right crown that supports your comfort and long-term dental health.
