Ceramic vs Porcelain Crowns
Dental crowns are one of the more common dental restorations used to restore a tooth that has been compromised due to extensive decay, fracture, or root canal therapy. A dental crown is a restoration that fits over the entire exposed crown of the tooth to ensure integrity and allow patients to keep their natural teeth as long as possible.
When a tooth has extensive decay or becomes fractured, further damage is inevitable without intervention. Additionally, teeth that undergo root canal therapy treatment will become brittle over time because the blood supply to the tooth has been removed during root canal therapy, so the tooth will start to dry out. A dental crown can protect the tooth from damage.
Porcelain and ceramic are the most common materials used to fabricate dental crowns. There are other materials that can be used to make crowns, but porcelain and ceramic have the most natural look. Patients can have crowns made from base metals like gold, but that is typically reserved for posterior teeth that do not show when you smile. Another material type is called a PFM, or porcelain fused to metal. This type of crown combines the durability and strength of metal with the natural appearance of porcelain. A metal crown is fabricated and then coated in natural-looking porcelain.
Ceramic vs Porcelain Crowns
The biggest difference between ceramic and porcelain crowns is the durability, which then of course, affects the overall cost of treatment. While both have great aesthetic benefits, porcelain crowns are a bit more durable than ceramic crowns. This causes porcelain crowns to have a higher price tag, but they often also last longer.
Porcelain crowns run between $1000 and $2000 per tooth, depending on where the tooth is in your mouth, the expertise of your dentist, as well as the location of their office. Patients who live in more rural areas can expect to pay less than those living in more metropolitan areas. Ceramic crowns cost between $500 and $900 per tooth, and while they are not quite as terrible, they are still strong and can last for years. Ceramic crowns are a great option for patients on a budget and for those who do not have great dental benefits.
One thing to take into consideration is the fabrication of the crown. Ceramic crowns almost always need to be fabricated in a dental lab, whereas porcelain crowns can sometimes be made in your dentist’s office. If your dentist has the technology, impressions, fabrication, and seating of the crown can all take place within about a two-hour appointment. When the impressions are sent to a dental lab for a ceramic crown, there is a turnaround time of about two weeks, during which you will have a temporary crown, but you still have to wait two weeks and come back to your dental office for another appointment to have the crown placed.
Both ceramic and porcelain crowns are fantastic options to restore a compromised tooth. Choosing between the two really comes down to your preferences, dental needs, and finances. Your dentist can help you decide what treatment path will best serve your individual needs.