Discover the types, costs, and benefits of dental crowns in Chennai. Explore options like porcelain, metal, zirconia and composite for lasting tooth restoration
A dental crown is a common solution for fixing damaged teeth or enhancing the look of discoloured or misshapen teeth. It protects the tooth from further damage and makes chewing easier.
This guide offers a clear overview of this popular dental procedure, helping you understand its Purpose, types, and costs in Chennai, India.
A dental crown, or tooth cap, is a fixed, tooth-shaped covering that fully encases a damaged tooth. It is used to restore the function and appearance of teeth that are broken, chipped, worn, discoloured, misshapen, shortened, or have undergone a root canal (especially back teeth). Dental crowns help the tooth regain its natural strength, durability, shape, size, and colour, ensuring an ideal look and smile.
Porcelain or ceramic crowns are ideal for front teeth as they closely match the size, shape, and colour of natural teeth, making them look completely natural when fitted.
These crowns are easy to clean because they contain no metal that could trap debris. They are also non-toxic and metal-free, making them suitable for individuals with metal allergies. Porcelain crowns are highly durable and resistant to cracking, offering a long-lasting and affordable option for tooth restoration.
Metal crowns are among the most durable options for long-term tooth protection. They can withstand heavy biting and chewing forces, rarely chip, and are easy to remove when necessary.
Gold crowns gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s. Despite the name, these crowns are made from a gold alloy mixed with other metals. Gold or silver crowns are ideal for adults as they are gentle on neighbouring teeth and preserve more of the tooth's natural structure. They wear down gradually alongside the natural tooth, making them a reliable long-term option. While suitable for molars that are not visible, they are less favoured for front teeth due to aesthetic preferences.
For children, Pediatric dentists often recommend full metal stainless steel crowns. These prefabricated crowns are easy to fit, reducing the need for general anaesthesia. They are a practical and effective solution for young patients.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns combine durability with aesthetics, making them a great alternative to gold crowns. They offer the strength of metal and the natural appearance of porcelain, providing a long-lasting and visually appealing option.
PFM crowns, especially porcelain-fused-to-gold crowns, can be fitted using glass ionomer cement, which is more stable and less invasive than other cementing materials.
These crowns have a metal alloy base bonded directly to the tooth, ensuring protection. Even if the porcelain layer cracks, the metal base prevents damage to the tooth structure, making it a reliable choice for dental restoration.
Zirconia is a ceramic material derived from the metal zirconium, forming a white crystalline oxide. It is widely used for dental restorations due to its ideal balance of hardness and flexibility.
Zirconia crowns are highly durable, less prone to breakage than porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns, and offer an attractive, natural appearance. They require fewer dental visits, as the crowns can be shaped, cut, and cemented directly by the dentist without needing to be sent to a dental lab.
Zirconia crowns are also more affordable than metal crowns and provide exceptional precision, as they are designed using computer scans. Porcelain-fused-to-zirconia crowns offer additional strength and aesthetic appeal, combining the benefits of both materials.
Composite resin is a material used to cover teeth with crowns or fill gaps between teeth. Its flexibility and resistance to decay make it a good alternative to natural tooth characteristics, even though it is synthetic.
While composite crowns are the most affordable option, they may not be as strong or durable as other types. As a result, they may need to be replaced more frequently, requiring regular dental visits. Composite crowns are a great choice for patients needing restorations for both front and back teeth but who cannot opt for porcelain or metal crowns.
Lithium disilicate is an all-ceramic material that represents the latest innovation in dental crown technology. These crowns are lightweight and thin, allowing dentists to customize them to match each patient's natural teeth easily.
In addition to their excellent strength, lithium disilicate crowns offer a highly aesthetic appearance. However, they tend to be more expensive than traditional crowns. Some dentists have noted issues with using lithium disilicate crowns for multiple back tooth restorations, as they may experience failure under certain conditions.
In Chennai, India, the Cost of a dental crown typically ranges from INR 5,000 to INR 30,000, depending on the type and other factors. Here's a general breakdown:
Keep in mind that these prices are estimates and can vary based on the dental clinic and location. For a more accurate cost, it's best to consult with a dentist and get a personalized treatment plan.
Getting a dental crown typically requires one or two visits to your dentist or prosthodontist. Here's what to expect:
Your dentist will numb the area with a local anaesthetic to ensure you're comfortable.
They will reshape the tooth by removing a thin layer from its outer surface.
A replica of your tooth will then be created using either a digital scanner or an impression mold.
This replica is sent to a lab, where a technician designs a crown that fits your tooth and matches the colour of your natural teeth.
If the crown is lab-made, a temporary crown will be placed over your tooth to protect it while you wait, which usually takes 2–3 weeks.
Some dentists use a CEREC machine to design and create the crown on the same day, eliminating the need for a second visit.
Once the permanent crown is ready, your dentist will securely bond it to your tooth using dental cement or adhesive.
Dental crowns are typically used when a filling is not sufficient to restore a fractured, damaged, or decayed tooth, offering long-lasting protection and function.
Dental crowns offer several benefits, making them an excellent option for many dental issues:
Crowns cover the entire visible surface of the tooth, protecting it from further harm.
They provide added strength to weak or fractured teeth, reducing the risk of chipping or breaking.
Since most cavities occur on the chewing surface, crowns shield this area, preventing decay and preserving the tooth.
If you feel self-conscious about the look of one or more teeth, a crown can improve your smile and boost confidence.
Unlike traditional fillings that may wear out in a few years, dental crowns can last for decades with proper oral hygiene, offering durability similar to natural teeth.
While dental crowns offer many benefits, there are some potential drawbacks to consider:
Understanding why a dental crown may be necessary can help you make informed decisions about your oral health. Dental crowns are often recommended for the following reasons:
When a tooth has significant decay, a crown can restore its strength and structure.
A crown provides protection and support for teeth that are cracked or broken.
Following a root canal procedure, a crown is commonly placed to protect the restored tooth.
Crowns can enhance the appearance of discoloured or misshapen teeth, improving your smile.
The Cost of a tooth cap depends on the material used and the location of the dental clinic. Here's a general price range for different types of crowns:
Prices may vary based on the clinic and region, so it's best to consult with your dentist for an accurate estimate.
A tooth cap protects damaged teeth, restores their shape, and enhances their appearance.
No, a crown is not a fake tooth. It is a cap placed over an existing tooth to provide protection or restoration.
Porcelain crowns are ideal for aesthetics, while metal and zirconia crowns provide exceptional strength and durability.
With proper care, dental crowns can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years or longer.
The Lifespan of a tooth cap generally ranges from 5 to 15 years, depending on the material used and your oral hygiene practices.
The procedure is usually pain-free, as dentists use anaesthesia during the process.
Yes, tooth caps can be applied to front teeth for protection or cosmetic reasons.
You can eat after 30 minutes if the crown is temporary and a few hours for permanent crowns.
Porcelain crowns are ideal for aesthetics, while metal and zirconia crowns provide exceptional strength and durability.
With proper care, dental crowns can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years or longer.
The Lifespan of a tooth cap generally ranges from 5 to 15 years, depending on the material used and your oral hygiene practices.
Fillings are suitable for minor tooth damage, but caps offer superior protection for teeth that are severely damaged.
There is no difference; a cap and a crown are the same type of dental restoration.