Dental crowns are a popular and effective solution for various dental issues, offering restorative and cosmetic benefits. Whether you’re dealing with broken teeth or decay or want to enhance your smile, understanding the costs and types of dental crowns is essential. This guide will take you through everything you need to know about dental crown treatments, costs, and options available in Australia.
What Exactly is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a tailor-made cap designed to fit over a damaged or decayed tooth, restoring its size, shape, and functionality. Crowns are also used to protect natural teeth after treatments like root canal therapy or to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your smile. They provide a durable, long-lasting solution for dental issues while maintaining a natural-looking appearance.
Types of Dental Crowns: Which One is Right for You?
Dental crowns are available in various materials, each with its own distinct advantages. Here’s an overview:
Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) Crowns
These crowns combine the strength of metal alloys with the natural-looking appearance of porcelain. PFM crowns are cost-effective and suitable for both front and back teeth.
Ceramic Crowns
Ceramic crowns are a high-quality option that offers excellent durability and a natural-looking smile. Due to their aesthetic appeal, they are often used for cosmetic enhancement.
Zirconia Crowns
Known for their strength and aesthetic value, zirconia crowns are ideal for back teeth where durability is essential. They resist chipping and provide a long-lasting solution.
Metal Crowns
Made from metal alloys, these crowns are incredibly strong and durable. While they don’t offer the same natural appearance as other types, they are a cost-effective solution for back teeth.
Resin Crowns
Resin crowns are affordable but may not last as long as ceramic or porcelain crowns. They are often used as temporary crowns during the dental crown procedure.
The Dental Crown Procedure: What to Expect
A dental crown treatment typically involves several steps:
Initial Consultation: During your visit to a local dentist, they will assess your dental issues and discuss the suitable crown type for your needs.
Tooth Preparation: The decayed or damaged tooth is reshaped to accommodate the crown. If the tooth is badly damaged, a root canal treatment may be required to stabilise the tooth structure.
Impression: Impressions of your existing tooth are taken and sent to a dental lab to create your custom-made crown.
Temporary Crown: A temporary crown is fitted to protect the tooth while your final crown is being crafted.
Final Crown Placement: When your new crown is ready, your dentist will bond it to the prepared tooth, ensuring it fits securely and looks natural.
How Much Does a Dental Crown Cost in Australia?
The cost of dental crowns in Australia starts at varying prices depending on the type of crown, the dental clinic, and whether additional treatments like root canal therapy or tooth removal are needed. Here’s an overview of starting prices:
- Porcelain Crowns: Starts at 1,200 AUD per tooth
- Ceramic Crowns: Starts at 1,500 AUD
- Zirconia Crowns: Starts at 1,500 AUD
- Metal Crowns: Starts at 1,000 AUD
- Porcelain Fused to Metal Crowns: Starts at 1,200 AUD
- Resin Crowns: Starts at 500 AUD (typically temporary)
These figures are starting prices and can vary significantly based on the procedure’s complexity and the materials’ quality.
Factors Influencing Dental Crown Costs
- Type of Crown: Premium crowns like zirconia or ceramic are more expensive than resin or metal options because of their superior durability and aesthetic qualities.
- Dental Clinic Fees: Dental costs can vary greatly based on the clinic’s location and reputation.
- Additional treatment procedures, such as root canal therapy, tooth removal, or crown repair, can increase the overall cost.
- Health Insurance Cover: Some health funds may cover part of the crown cost, especially if it’s deemed medically necessary.
Flexible Payment Options for Dental Crowns
Investing in dental crowns is a significant step toward restoring oral health and achieving a radiant smile. To make dental treatments more accessible, many dental clinics offer flexible payment plans tailored to suit a variety of financial needs. Below are some general payment options commonly available:
HICAPS for On-the-Spot Claims
HICAPS enables seamless processing of health insurance claims directly at the clinic. This system allows patients to claim rebates for eligible treatments on the spot, reducing out-of-pocket expenses.
EFTPOS Payments
Clinics widely accept EFTPOS payments, providing a straightforward and secure way to pay for dental treatments directly from your bank account.
Denticare Payment Plans
Denticare offers interest-free payment plans tailored to dental treatments. This option allows you to spread the cost of your dental crown over manageable instalments, making it easier to afford high-quality care.
Major Credit Cards
Most clinics accept all major credit cards, giving patients the flexibility to pay for their treatments using a credit facility that fits their budget.
Zip Pay
Zip Pay is another popular option. It offers interest-free financing for dental procedures and allows you to pay for your treatment in smaller, more manageable repayments over time.
TLC (Total Lifestyle Credit)
TLC provides flexible financing for dental and other healthcare needs. This option includes competitive interest rates and the ability to customise repayment terms.
NDP (National Dental Plan)
NDP allows patients to pay the cost of dental treatments in interest-free instalments. It’s designed for those looking for a cost-effective way to manage dental care expenses.
SuperCare Assistance
SuperCare facilitates early access to superannuation funds to cover dental treatments like crowns. It’s a valuable option for those who may not have immediate access to cash but require urgent or extensive dental care.
Making Dental Care Affordable
These payment options help ensure that necessary dental treatments, like crowns, are accessible to everyone. Before committing to a treatment plan, discuss the available options with your dentist to choose a solution that best fits your financial situation.
When is a Dental Crown Needed?
Crowns are versatile and can fix various dental issues, including:
- Broken Teeth: Restore function and appearance.
- Tooth Decay: Protect decayed teeth from further damage.
- Cosmetic Enhancement: Achieve a natural-looking smile.
- Root Canal Therapy: Strengthen the tooth after treatment.
- Dental Bridge: Support a bridge for missing teeth.
Caring for Your Dental Crown
To ensure your crown lasts as long as possible, maintain good oral health by:
- Brushing and flossing regularly.
- Avoiding hard or sticky foods.
- Visiting your dentist for regular check-ups.
The Benefits of Dental Crowns: Combining Functionality and Aesthetics
Dental crowns provide a flexible and reliable solution for addressing various dental concerns, offering both functional and cosmetic benefits. Whether you’re dealing with a damaged tooth, seeking a cosmetic enhancement, or protecting a tooth after treatment, dental crowns provide numerous advantages. Here’s why dental crowns are an excellent choice for your oral health:
Restores Tooth Function
A dental crown reestablishes the full function of a damaged or weakened tooth, allowing you to chew and speak comfortably. Whether it’s a back molar under heavy pressure or a front tooth essential for your bite, crowns are designed to handle the job.
Enhances Aesthetic Appeal
Crowns are customised to integrate seamlessly with your natural teeth, offering a natural-looking smile. This makes them an excellent option for cosmetic enhancements, especially for front teeth, where appearance is crucial.
Protects Weakened or Damaged Teeth
Crowns serve as a protective barrier for teeth weakened by decay, cracks, or large fillings, helping to prevent additional damage and prolong the tooth’s lifespan.
Supports Post-Treatment Recovery
After treatments like root canal therapy or tooth removal, dental crowns protect the tooth structure, ensuring long-term stability. They also strengthen teeth that might otherwise be too weak to function on their own.
Durable and Long-Lasting
Dental crowns, especially high-quality options like ceramic or zirconia crowns, are incredibly durable. With proper care, they can endure for decades, making them a valuable and budget-friendly investment in your dental health.
Versatile Applications
Crowns are suitable for multiple dental issues, including:
- Restoring broken or chipped teeth
- Covering discoloured or misshapen teeth
- Supporting dental bridges
- Protecting teeth with large fillings
- Replacing missing teeth when combined with a dental implant
Boosts Confidence
A well-crafted dental crown can transform your smile, enhancing your confidence and self-esteem. Whether you’re repairing a damaged tooth or achieving a brighter, more natural-looking smile, crowns offer a significant cosmetic advantage.
Improves Oral Health
By covering decayed or damaged teeth, crowns help maintain overall oral health. They prevent further decay and protect against infections, supporting a healthy mouth.
Custom-made for Precision and Comfort
Every dental crown is custom-made to fit your unique tooth structure. This ensures a precise fit, comfortable bite alignment, and a natural appearance.
Minimally Invasive Compared to Alternatives
Unlike tooth extractions, which completely remove the tooth, dental crowns retain as much of the natural tooth structure as possible, making them a more conservative treatment choice.
Works Well with Other Treatments
Crowns integrate seamlessly with other dental procedures like dental bridges and implants, creating a comprehensive solution for complex dental needs.
Invest in Long-Term Oral Health
Dental crowns are more than just a treatment—they’re an investment in your smile’s longevity, health, and beauty. If you’re dealing with a damaged tooth or decayed teeth or need post-treatment support, dental crowns are a reliable, cost-effective solution to restore your radiant smile.
Talk to your local dentist today about how dental crowns can benefit your oral health and enhance your smile!
Final Thoughts: Invest in Your Smile
Dental crowns are a cost-effective solution for improving oral health and achieving a natural-looking smile. While the cost of dental crowns may vary widely, the investment in high-quality treatment is worth it for long-term benefits. Consult with a trusted local dentist to explore your options and find the best solution for your needs.
For high-quality crowns and a healthy smile, book an appointment at Available Dental Care today at (02) 4601 3828.
References:
WebMD. (n.d.). Dental crowns. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/dental-crowns
Healthline. (n.d.). Tooth extraction. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/tooth-extraction
Colgate. (n.d.). Dental impressions: What to expect. Retrieved from https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/bridges-and-crowns/dental-impressions-what-to-expect
Medical News Today. (n.d.). What to know about root canals. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/142780
