If you’re thinking about getting a dental crown to enhance your smile or boost your oral health, you may be curious about the cost involved. From porcelain tooth crowns to metal crowns, the options can seem endless, and the pricing can vary significantly depending on several factors. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about the cost of dental crowns, the procedures involved, and how to choose the right option for your needs.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown, often referred to as a tooth crown, is a customised cap that covers an existing tooth. It serves to restore the shape, size, strength, and functionality of a damaged tooth while providing a natural appearance. Crowns are a fundamental part of dental restorations for issues like decayed teeth, discoloured teeth, and broken teeth.
There are multiple types of dental crowns, including:
Porcelain crowns: These are a favoured choice for front teeth because they closely resemble the look of natural teeth and offer an excellent aesthetic appeal.- Metal crowns: Known for their durability, these crowns are best suited for back teeth where strength is essential.
- Zirconia crowns: Combining strength and a natural appearance, zirconia crowns are versatile and suitable for both front teeth and back teeth.
- Ceramic crowns: These crowns provide a natural tooth-like appearance and are often widely chosen for their aesthetic appeal.
- Resin crowns: While they are more affordable, resin crowns are less durable and often used as a temporary solution.
- Porcelain fused to metal crowns: These crowns provide a balance of strength and appearance.
Why Might You Need a Dental Crown?
A dental crown treatment can be recommended for various reasons, including:
- Repairing a broken tooth or weak teeth.
- Protecting a tooth structure after root canal therapy or root canal treatment.
- Restoring decayed teeth or misshapen teeth.
- Replacement of a temporary crown with a permanent crown.
- Supporting a dental implant for missing teeth.
- Enhancing the appearance of discoloured teeth for a more attractive smile.
What Is the Dental Crown Procedure?
A dental crown procedure typically involves two dental visits:
Initial Consultation and Preparation
- During the initial consultation, your dentist will evaluate the condition of your tooth.
- The existing tooth is prepared by reshaping it to accommodate the crown.
- Impressions of the prepared tooth are sent to a dental laboratory for fabrication.
- A temporary crown is fitted to shield the tooth.
Placement of the Final Crown
- Once the dental lab creates the custom-made crown, it is securely attached to the tooth using dental cement.
- The result is a durable and natural-looking restoration.
How Much Does a Dental Crown Cost in Australia?
The tooth crown cost in Australia can vary significantly depending on several factors, such as the material used, the complexity of the case, and the location of the dental clinic.
Here are the starting prices for some of the most common crown types:
- Porcelain crowns: 1,300 AUD
- Metal crowns: 1,000 AUD
- Zirconia crowns: 1,500 AUD
- Ceramic crowns: 1,300 AUD
- Resin crowns: 800 AUD
- Porcelain fused to metal crowns: 1,200 AUD
Factors Influencing Dental Crown Costs
The cost of dental crowns is influenced by several factors, such as:
Material: Premium options like zirconia crowns are more expensive than resin or metal alternatives.
Location: Dental fees can vary depending on whether the clinic is in a metropolitan area or a regional town.
Dental laboratory: The quality of the dental lab used for fabricating your crown affects the pricing.
Additional treatments: Procedures like root canals, dental implant placement, or repairs to the tooth structure can increase costs.
Financing Options for Dental Crowns: Smart Ways to Afford Your Dental Crowns
Planning for the costs of dental crowns is essential for effective financial management. Here are the payment and financing options available to make your treatment more affordable:
Private Dental Health Insurance
If you have private health insurance, rebates can be processed instantly using HICAPS, reducing your final bill on the spot. Any remaining gap payments must be settled on the day of treatment unless prior arrangements have been made. Most dental clinics work with a variety of private health insurance providers to assist in covering the cost of dental crowns. These include:
- CBHS
- Defence Health
- HCF
- Medibank
- NIB
- Westfund
- AHM
- BUPA
Flexible Payment Methods
To simplify payments, dental clinics accept a range of options, including:
- Cash
- Credit or debit cards
Interest-Free Payment Plans
For those wishing to spread the cost of their procedure, many clinics offer interest-free payment plans. These plans allow you to manage expenses over time without the burden of upfront costs, providing financial flexibility.
DentiCare Payment Plans
DentiCare is an excellent option for patients seeking a simple and flexible way to pay for their treatment:
- Payments can be spread across up to 12 months.
- Payments can be debited directly from your bank account or credit card.
- There are no credit checks or approval processes—just a quick and easy one-page direct debit form, allowing you to begin your treatment immediately.
DentiCare can be used for a variety of dental services, including:
- Teeth whitening
- Dental implants
- Crowns
- Veneers
Benefits of Dental Crowns: Why They’re Worth the Investment
Dental crowns provide a flexible and effective solution for repairing damaged teeth, enhancing oral health, and achieving a natural appearance. Here’s a detailed look at the key benefits of dental crowns:
Restores the Functionality of Your Teeth
Dental crowns are designed to restore the biting and chewing function of your teeth, making it easier to eat and speak comfortably. They provide essential support to weakened teeth, allowing you to eat your favourite foods without the worry of further damage or discomfort.
Protects Weak or Damaged Teeth
A crown acts as a protective barrier for weakened teeth, preventing cracks or fractures from worsening. They are especially useful for teeth that have undergone root canal therapy, offering an extra layer of security to preserve the remaining tooth structure and prevent further complications.
Enhances Aesthetic Appeal
Crowns are designed to mimic the appearance of natural teeth, creating a seamless match with your existing smile. They improve the look of discoloured teeth, misshapen teeth, or teeth with visible damage, helping you achieve a polished, attractive smile with confidence.
Durable and Long-lasting Solution
Made from strong materials like porcelain and zirconia, dental crowns are built to last, often providing 10-15 years or more of reliable performance with proper care. This durability makes them suitable for both front teeth and back teeth, even under the daily wear and tear of biting and chewing.
Versatile Treatment Option
Dental crowns are incredibly versatile, addressing a wide range of dental issues. They can repair broken teeth, protect decayed teeth, replace a temporary crown with a permanent solution, support dental implants, and enhance the cosmetic appearance of discoloured teeth or misshapen teeth, making them a multifunctional option for many patients.
Customised for Your Needs
Every dental crown is custom-made to fit your specific tooth, ensuring a perfect match in terms of colour, size, and shape. This customisation, performed in a dental laboratory, ensures a snug fit over the prepared tooth for optimal comfort and functionality while delivering a natural-looking result.
Improves Oral Health
Dental crowns not only restore damaged teeth but also protect them from further issues, such as tooth decay or infections. By sealing the tooth structure, especially after treatments like root canals, crowns help maintain overall oral health and prevent future dental problems.
Supports Adjacent Teeth
By restoring the alignment of your bite, dental crowns reduce stress on neighbouring teeth, helping to prevent additional damage or wear. They also maintain proper spacing and alignment, avoiding the potential shifting of teeth caused by gaps or missing teeth, which can lead to more serious dental complications.
Boosts Self-Confidence
A dental crown can dramatically enhance the appearance of your smile, giving you the confidence to interact socially and professionally without self-consciousness. This is especially valuable for individuals with broken teeth, discoloured teeth, or misshapen teeth that affect their smile.
Minimal Maintenance
Dental crowns need no extra maintenance beyond standard oral hygiene habits like brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits. They are stain-resistant, which helps maintain their natural appearance over time, making them a low-maintenance yet highly effective dental restoration option.
Suitable for Different Materials and Budgets
Dental crowns are available in multiple materials, including ceramic, metal, porcelain fused to metal, and resin, allowing patients to choose according to their specific needs and budget. Affordable options like resin crowns are great for temporary use, while premium materials like zirconia offer unmatched durability and aesthetics for long-term solutions.
Reduces Pain and Sensitivity
Dental crowns effectively cover and protect damaged teeth, significantly reducing sensitivity caused by exposed nerves or worn enamel. They provide immediate relief from discomfort associated with tooth decay, fractures, or broken teeth, ensuring a healthy smile and improved quality of life.
Prepares for Future Dental Treatments
Crowns often play a critical role in more extensive dental procedures, such as supporting dental bridges, serving as the final step in dental implant placement, or stabilising teeth after root canal therapy. They ensure that your dental work remains secure and effective over time.
Addresses a Wide Range of Dental Issues
From cosmetic concerns like discoloured teeth to structural issues like damaged tooth structures, crowns address a wide spectrum of dental problems. They are a reliable solution for restoring functionality, improving aesthetics, and maintaining overall dental health, making them a go-to option for dentists worldwide.
What to Expect After Getting a Dental Crown
After the dental crown procedure, you might experience some sensitivity in the treated area. Proper care is crucial to guarantee the longevity of your crown. This includes:
- Avoiding sticky or hard foods initially.
- Maintaining excellent oral hygiene to prevent issues with the tooth structure beneath the crown.
- Regular dental visits for check-ups and professional cleaning.
Why Choose Australia for Dental Crown Treatment?
Australia is known for its high-quality treatment, experienced dentists, and advanced dental laboratories. While the crown cost in Australia may be higher than in some countries, the superior dental services, emphasis on oral health, and availability of payment plans make it a worthwhile investment.
Ready to Transform Your Smile?
A dental crown is more than just a restoration; it’s a step towards better oral health and an attractive smile. If you’re ready to explore your options, schedule a consultation with Advanced Dental Care at (02) 6188 7103 to discuss potential solutions.
References:
DentiCare Payment Plans. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://denticarepaymentplans.com.au/
Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Tooth Discoloration. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/10958-tooth-discoloration
WebMD. (n.d.). Dental Crowns. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/dental-crowns
Colgate. (n.d.). What Is Good Oral Hygiene? Retrieved from https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/adult-oral-care/what-is-good-oral-hygiene
