Dental crowns in Ukraine

Dental crowns

Dental crowns have been saving hundreds of thousands of people from dental problems for over 300 years, while helping to maintain a flawless smile. Their history has gone a long way from pure gold and porcelain to the most advanced technology using titanium and ceramics. The installation of a dental crown, although it takes a few sessions, can easily guarantee you from 2 to 20 years of faithful service. The ability to match the crown perfectly, their discreetness, unpretentiousness and long life have ensured their widespread popularity in all parts of the world.

Prices for dental crowns

*Information is current as of January 2024. For up-to-date information please contact our manager.

WHAT IS A DENTAL CROWN?

A dental crown is a non-removable cover that covers the damaged area and imitates a real tooth. A crown resembles a hollow "cap" that is made by a dental technician in the lab and placed on the damaged tooth, where it is attached to the root, implant or neighboring tooth.

Crowns can vary in the coverage area of the damaged tooth:

• Full - covers the entire area of the damaged tooth.
• Equator crowns - cover only half of the tooth.
• Half-crowns - are placed on one side of the damaged tooth.
• Dental inlays - often used to replace anterior teeth, are placed by inserting an inlay and covering the top with a crown.

WHEN IS A CROWN PUT IN?  

A dental crown is placed when the tooth is more than 70% decayed and a restoration with a filling or micro-insert is not possible. If the damage is so extensive, the filling or microprosthesis will not be able to handle the chewing load on the tooth and will most likely lead to further tooth decay.

If you are not sure which treatment option is right for you, don't worry, when you visit your doctor and get to know your situation, he or she will be able to make clear recommendations - whether you need a simple filling, a crown or an implant is the most successful option.

Crowns are placed primarily for the purpose of:

• Restore a tooth defect in cases where a filling can no longer help.
• To modify the damaged tooth (shape, color or position).
• To protect the damaged tooth from exposure and further damage.

TYPES OF DENTAL CROWNS

Depending on the materials used, dental crowns are divided into:

• Metal;
• Metal-ceramic;
• Metal-ceramic; Non-metal ceramic;
• Plastic-metal;
• Forged crowns.

Metal crowns

The most durable and long-lasting type of dental crowns. They are comfortable, are not susceptible to cavities, and do not harm neighboring teeth. The only contraindication to the installation of such crowns is an allergic reaction to metal. Despite its obvious advantages, it is rarely used in modern dentistry. The reason for this is their distinctive difference from natural teeth.

Metal dentures can be of the following types:

• steel;
• titanium;
• chromium;
• cobalt;
• silver-palladium;
• gold alloys.

Most often metal crowns are placed on chewing teeth, where there is a heavy load, but the tooth is not visible when smiling.

Metal-ceramic crowns

Metal-ceramic crowns are one of the more modern and popular solutions. They combine the durability of metal crowns and the esthetic appeal of ceramic crowns, but are much cheaper than the latter.

The crown is an imitation of a metal substrate and a ceramic coating. Just like with metal crowns, the framework can be made of different metals like gold, paladium, steel or nickel, but it is preferable to choose the gold, paladium or platinum base because it looks more natural.

The disadvantage of these crowns is that over the years, the metal exposure can make the gum change its color and turn it grayish, which can be noticeable.

Metal-ceramic crowns have a lifespan of 8 to 15 years.

Metal-Free Ceramic Crowns

The most popular and expensive option for dental crowns. Their main advantage is their absolute naturalness. That is, if you go to a specialist, you will be able to choose the color of the crown to perfectly match the color of your teeth.

It is recommended to place metal-free crowns on the front teeth, but on the chewing teeth - with caution. If you chew too hard food, the crown may get damaged because there is no metal underneath.

These crowns are made from materials such as:

• Ceramics. They don't cause allergic reactions when worn, and have external advantages. It is better to put ceramics on the front teeth, as the back teeth are exposed to heavy loads. The service life of such crowns is about 5 years.
• Zirconia. The most expensive and durable variant of metal-free crowns. It is also non-allergenic and can be placed on the front and back teeth. The application lifespan reaches 20 years.
• Aluminum oxide. It is mostly placed on the front teeth, as the alloy is not as strong as zirconium dioxide. It's a little cheaper and lasts about five years.

Metal and plastic crowns

One of the cheapest crown options and is mostly installed as a temporary crown. This crown is made by casting a framework of metal on which a plastic facet is placed. Such crown looks unnatural and is quickly worn out. Another disadvantage of metal-on-metal crowns is staining from food, alcohol, cigarettes and coffee.

Stamped crowns

This type of crown is an endangered and seldom used prosthetic device. This type of crown resembles a cap and is made of metal, but has very fragile walls. The only advantage is the low cost. But there are a lot of disadvantages:

• Such a crown cannot be attached to a completely fractured tooth.
• The crown does not fit tightly to the gum, which creates gaps. Pieces of food fall into them, leading to tooth decay and various diseases.
• The crown wears out very quickly.
• Stamped crowns are quite brittle and cannot completely replace a healthy tooth.

LET'S COMPARE THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF DENTAL CROWNS 

WHAT CROWNS ARE BEST FOR MY FRONT TEETH?

The main criterion for choosing a crown for the front teeth is aesthetic appeal. That is why most often the choice is made on:

• Ceramics E.max.
• Zirconium
• Aluminum oxide.
• Metal-ceramic

WHAT ARE THE BEST CROWNS FOR CHEWING TEETH?

Molars (molars, premolars, dentures) take the brunt of the load and are not visible when smiling. The main criteria - strength, functionality, and after - aesthetics, the impact of the material on the soft tissue of the gum.

• Metal. Suitable only for the chewing group. Not prone to chipping, reliable, require minimal tooth preparation.
• Metal-ceramics. The optimal solution for molar dentures. Prosthetics have a sufficient margin of safety, an affordable price. However, classic metal-ceramic has a negative effect on the gum tissue, and under excessive chewing pressure, the upper edge can chipping.
• Ceramics. It is important to choose the right type of ceramic. For example, chipping can occur on classic dentures or zirconia framed ceramics. Therefore, the more durable E.max glass-ceramic is appropriate for chewing sections. The material has high strength, repeats the anatomic structure, and does not cause allergies. However, it is the most expensive option.
• Zirconia. Monolithic zirconia is the strongest, most wear-resistant single-colored material in white. It is comparable in price to the more aesthetic Emax ceramic.

HOW IS A CROWN MADE?

The process of dental crown application takes some time and is divided into several steps:

• Visiting the doctor and determining if a crown is needed and what kind of crown.
• An x-ray of the tooth to identify any defects.
• Treatment of decay and other diseases, if necessary.
• Insertion of a post, if the tooth has been completely destroyed.
• Turning around the tooth, so that the crown sits firmly and has no gaps.
• Making an impression of the future crown.
• Casting the crown involves choosing the shade of the future "replacement" tooth.
• Fitting and temporary placement of the dental crown.
• If the temporary fit does not cause any discomfort, the dentist can permanently fix the restoration with medical cement.

DOES IT HURT TO WEAR A DENTAL CROWN?

The very process of installation is painless, as the dental attachment is simply placed on the cleaned tooth with the help of cement. However, the process of preparing the tooth, especially if a post is to be placed, can be very sensitive. This is why all preparations are done under anesthesia.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF CROWNS

Advantages:

• Even a tooth that is more than half-ruined can be restored
• a well-made and fitted crown is practically indistinguishable from natural teeth.
• Not only the appearance but also the chewing function can be restored.
• The crown protects against overloading, premature wear and destruction of the remaining teeth, as the chewing "work" is evenly distributed.
• There are fewer contraindications than implants.

Disadvantages:

• Tooth grinding. Without this unpleasant procedure, dentures cannot be fitted. But here the choice of construction material decides a lot - metal-free installation is more gentle.
• Crown can not be placed if the root of the tooth is missing or destroyed. In this case, a bridge or implant is needed.
• The cost of poor preparation is too high. If the doctor has poorly filled the root canals, untreated decay or his actions have led to pulp burns, inflammation will develop under the prosthesis.

HOW DO I CARE FOR MY CROWN?

How well and regularly you care for your crown determines how long it will last and how comfortable you'll feel while wearing it.

A Few Rules for Crown Care

• Clean the crown after each meal. A regular toothbrush and a special mouthwash will do the trick. Take extra care in the area between the crown and gum, as food debris and harmful bacteria often collect there.
• Avoid smoking, carbonated and colored beverages, coffee, chewing candy and gum.
• Avoid fluctuations in the temperature of the food you eat. A sudden jump from cold to hot or vice versa will cause your denture to crack.
• If you have less durable crowns, chew hard foods very carefully and avoid nuts and raw carrots.

WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL PROBLEMS AFTER I HAVE A CROWN?

•  You may experience discomfort or sensitivity.  
•  An allergic reaction.
•  Denture stomatitis may occur.
•  The crown could break.
•  The crown can become loose.
•  The crown could fall out.

If the crown has been placed correctly and you have followed all the rules for the care of dentures, you can rest easy about your oral health. But if you notice any of the above symptoms, you should see your doctor immediately.

If you have any more questions about dental crowns, their installation and the cost - you can always contact the manager UAmedTOURS.

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER

This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to be a substitute for such advice or treatment by a personal physician. All readers of this material are advised to consult their own physicians or qualified health care professionals. UAmedTOURS is not responsible for the possible health consequences to any person or persons reading or following the information contained in this educational content. All readers of this content, especially those who take prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before making any changes in their diet, lifestyle, taking pills, or other facts that may affect your physical and psychological health.