Dental Crowns (cont.)
What Are "Onlays" and "3/4 Crowns"?
These are variations on the technique of dental crowns. The difference
between these crowns and the crowns discussed previously is their coverage of
the underlying tooth. The "traditional" crown covers the entire tooth; onlays and 3/4 crowns cover the underlying tooth to a lesser extent.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
On average, dental crowns last between 5 and 15 years. The life span of a
crown depends on the amount of "wear and tear" the crown is exposed to,
how well you follow good oral hygiene practices, and your personal
mouth-related habits (you should avoid such habits as grinding or clenching
your teeth, chewing ice, biting your fingernails and using your teeth to open
packaging).
Does a Crowned Tooth Require Any Special Care?
While a crowned tooth does not require any special care, remember that
simply because a tooth is crowned does not mean the underlying tooth is
protected from decay or gum disease. Therefore, continue to follow good oral
hygiene practices, including brushing your teeth at least twice a day and
flossing once a day-especially around the crown area where the gum meets the
tooth.
How Much Do Crowns Cost?
Costs vary depending on what part of the country you live in and on the type
of crown selected (for example, porcelain crowns are typically more expensive
than gold crowns, which are typically more expensive than
porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns). Generally, crowns can range in cost from $500
to $900 or more per crown. A portion of the cost of crowns is generally covered
by insurance. To be certain, check with your dental insurance company.
Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Department of
Dentistry.
Reviewed by Jay H. Rosoff, DDS, on March 1, 2007
Edited by Charlotte E. Grayson Mathis, MD,
on May 1, 2005
Portions of this page © The Cleveland Clinic
2000-2005
Last Editorial Review: 12/26/2007
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