Low-Cost Dental Crowns Abroad
A dental crown is a cover or cap. It is put on top of your damaged teeth. The crown restores the tooth to its normal shape, size, and function.
Most commonly, you may need crowns if you have a cavity that is too large for a filling, after a root canal treatment or if you have a cracked or worn down tooth.
Dental Crown Procedure:
- Tooth Preparation: The original tooth is trimmed down and prepared. It has to fit inside the new covering.
- Impressions: Impressions of the tooth are taken. These are sent to the lab for making the permanent crown.
- Crown Preparation: CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design/Manufacturing) technology is used to give a precise fit. and unmatched look to every crown.
- Cementation: The dentist permanently cements the artificial crown to the tooth.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Dental Crowns
- The biggest advantage of crowns is the natural looking results. Recent advances make it possible to completely match the color of natural teeth and crowns. So, until and unless you tell someone yourself, the crown won’t be noticeable.
- Crowns provide protection and support for your damaged teeth.
- Since crowns are custom fit, they feel natural inside your mouth. Initially, the crown may feel a little foreign. However, this will only last for a few days.
- The main disadvantage of crowns is that they can chip.
- Just like natural teeth, crowns are susceptible to fractures and gum disease.
- Also, with time, the cement dissolves and crowns may become loose. The same crowns can be easily recemented back.
Types of Dental Crowns
Crowns are made from several types of materials. To decide which material to use for your crown, your dentist will consider many factors, such as:
- The tooth’s location and function.
- Your preference.
- The amount of tooth that shows when you smile.
The three types of crowns are all porcelain, all metal, and porcelain fused to metal (PFM).
Comparing Different Types of Crowns
All Ceramic/Porcelain
- Made completely out of ceramic material.
- Advantage: Most aesthetic looking as they imitate the natural tooth enamel color.
- Great for those who are allergic to metal crowns.
- Disadvantage: Cautious placement in back teeth. these should be avoided in bruxists.
- Placement: Because of their aesthetics, all-ceramic crowns are a popular choice.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal
- Consist of a metal tooth crown topped with a thin layer of porcelain.
- Advantage: Require less tooth structure to be removed. These can be used in bruxists.
- Disadvantage: If the gums recede over the years, the metal lining becomes visible.
- The porcelain layer may crack or chip off, with extremely high forces.
- Placement: Sparingly, used for front teeth. These are used mostly for side teeth ( premolars).
All Metal
- Two varieties: gold alloys and base metal alloys.
- Advantage: Don’t fracture, rarely chip and last for a long time.
- Require the removal of the least amount of healthy tooth structure before fitting.
- Disadvantage: Least aesthetic of all types.
- Placement: Suitable for the back teeth that are out of sight.
Usually, for your premolars and molars, your dentist will recommend porcelain fused to metal crown. While, for front teeth, natural-colored ceramic crowns are advised.
Dental Crowns Cost Abroad
In the United States, a crown costs $800-3,000 depending on the material. In dental tourism destinations like Costa Rica, Thailand, and Mexico dental crowns, it is cheap approximately between $300-650.
| Dental Crown | Mexico | Costa Rica | Canada | U.S.A. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Porcelain | $300-650 | $370 | $3,000 | $800-3,000 |
| Porcelain Fused to Metal | $295-450 | $400 | $1,500 | $875-1,400 |
If you head to Thailand, you can get dental crowns at $284-535, half the price of what you would have to pay in U.K, Australia or New Zealand.
| Dental Crown | Thailand | U.K. | New Zealand | Australia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Porcelain | $472-535 | $900-965 | $1,340-1,540 | $900-975 |
| Porcelain Fused to Metal | $284-535 | $540 | $1,240-1,540 | $950 |
A zirconium crown will cost around $1000 in the U.S. and $800 in Canada without dental insurance.
It will cost you $400-567 in Costa Rica and around $450 in Mexico, which is half of the price in the U.S. and Canada.
These destinations provide affordable dental treatments. Also, there is an added advantage of an overseas vacation. It is time to make use of holidays for dental treatment.
Top Destinations For Dental Crowns Abroad
Dental Crowns FAQ
1. How long does a dental crown last?
The longevity of a dental crown depends on the material used. It also depends on oral hygiene.
Average lifespan for well-maintained crowns is 5-15 years. Metal crowns may last longer.
2. Do crowns stain over the years?
Yes, like natural teeth, crowns can discolor with time. However, their level of staining is usually minimal.
3. How do I care for my crowns?
Some of the most common dental crown problems are chipping, and fractures. To maintain your crowns:
- Brush your crowns, like your teeth, gently twice a day.
- Moderate the consumption of teeth-staining substances like coffee, tobacco, and red wine.
- Wear a mouth guard if you bite or clench your teeth often.
- Avoid sticky and hard foods, as they can stick to your crowns and pull them free.
4. How long does the treatment take?
The treatment requires two trips to the dental clinic. During the first visit, your dental team will prepare the tooth, take the impressions, note the shade of your tooth, and fit the temporary crown.
In the second visit, your dentist will fit the permanent crown. There is usually about 3-4 days (at max) between appointments.
5. Does it hurt to have a tooth prepared for a crown?
No. You will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area for the procedure.
6. How will I eat between dental visits?
A temporary crown will be given to you so that you can use the tooth while you wait for the permanent crown to be made.
7. What is the replacement cost for crowns?
Typically, the cost of replacing a crown is the same as a new one. This is because your dentist’s expenses will be about the same and the time taken as well.
8. Should I visit a general dentist or a prosthodontist?
Your crowns can be put by both a general dentist or prosthodontists. However, please note that prosthodontists are the only dental professional recognized as tooth replacement specialists.
9. Is a root canal needed for a crown?
Most teeth that have root canals should have crowns, but root canal is not a prerequisite for getting crowns.
10. Does a crown protect the underlying tooth from decay and gum disease?
No, it does not. Hence, it is essential to clean and brush the crowned tooth just as you would any normal tooth.
Some other FAQ on dental crowns can be found here.
Contact us for more information on low-cost dental crowns abroad.
