Services > Dental Crowns
Dental Crowns in North Andover
When teeth lose most of their structure through chip and decay, a full coverage cap called crown is necessary in order to preserve the remaining tooth structure and help it last in your mouth for a long time. We take pride in keeping up with the state-of-art technology to provide our patients with dental crowns that appear and function like natural teeth. Dr. Lee and the entire staff are dedicated to restoring the function of your teeth and providing you with natural smile. We are happy to answer any questions regarding crowns.
How much do dental crowns cost?
Crowns cost between $1400-$2000 depending on the material of the crown or the need to rebuild missing part of tooth. Your dental insurance may cover typically 50-80% of the cost of the crown. Our office offers convenient in house financing options to make your treatment more affordable. No dental insurance? Don’t worry! Our in-house dental membership plan and in-house payment plan allow many of our patients to fit their treatment in their budget. Our goal is to help you get the treatment you need without breaking the bank!
How do I know whether I need crowns or not?
There are many reasons why you may need crowns on your teeth.
- There is a large filling with a cavity in a tooth, and there is less than 50% of the sound tooth structure to hold an even bigger filling.
- Tooth has multiple crack lines that predispose the tooth to high risks of tooth fracture.
- A chipped tooth at the area where it takes on direct biting force (ex. cusp of tooth) exists, and it is missing more than 50% of the whole structure.
- You have had a root canal therapy on a tooth with less than 50% of the tooth structure.
- You have had a dental implant placed.
What are the different types of dental crowns?
There are several different types of crowns such as porcelain and ceramic, full gold and zirconia crowns. Each type of crowns has its purpose, both functionally and aesthetically.
- Porcelain and ceramic crowns are appropriate for the teeth that are most visible when you smile. The ability to put intricate variations in color allows porcelain and ceramic crowns make them the crowns of choice when patients prefer the aesthetically pleasing crowns that blend in with the rest of your teeth.
- Full gold crowns are great for the back teeth that withstand most biting force because gold crowns are softer than enamel, therefore more gentle on the opposing natural teeth, without any risk of tooth wear from clenching or grinding.
- Zirconia crowns are extremely strong, tooth colored crowns, which are resistant to fracture from heavy biting or grinding forces. For these reasons, full gold and zirconia crowns are desirable for patients who have severely worn teeth or for those who grind or clench teeth.
How long do dental crowns last?
The lifespan of crowns largely depends on the condition of your mouth. They can last 5 years or even as long as 15-20 years. Factors that negatively affect the lifespan of crowns are poor oral hygiene, health conditions or medications that cause dry mouth and habits that make your teeth work unnaturally in the following ways: clenching or grinding, nail biting, cracking shells like pistachios and tearing open packaging.