Dental Implant Crowns: Understanding the Types and Procedure
Learn how dental implant crowns replace missing teeth, the types available, and the key benefits they provide.
Dental implant crowns are customized to match your natural teeth, and they can bring back your smile and confidence. In conjunction with dental implants, they return your ability to bite and chew tough foods. Talk to a ClearChoice dental expert and learn more about dental crowns and implants.
What Are Dental Implant Crowns?
The dental implant crown is the visible part of your dental implant that is designed to look and feel like a natural tooth. Usually made of zirconium or porcelain, a dental crown perfectly blends in with your natural teeth and returns your smile. Your implant process will include a smile design visit, during which your dentist will customize the size, shape, color, and position of the artificial tooth.
Types of Dental Implants Crowns
Depending on your budget and aesthetic needs, dental crowns can be created from different materials. Explore the types of dental implant crowns below.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns combine the strength of a metal base with the natural appearance of porcelain. The metal structure provides durability, while the porcelain coating mimics the color and texture of natural teeth. This makes them a popular choice for both functional and aesthetic purposes.
Ceramic Crowns
Ceramic crowns have a natural appearance that blends well with natural teeth. They are durable and suitable for both front and back teeth. Their strength and resistance to wear make them a versatile option.
Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia crowns are made from zirconium dioxide, a strong and durable material. Zirconia crowns combine aesthetic appeal with exceptional strength, making them suitable for both front and back teeth. These crowns are resistant to cracking, chipping, and wear.
Metal Crowns
Metal crowns can be made from alloys that include gold, platinum, and base metals such as nickel or chromium. They offer high durability and resistance to wear and damage, but they are visibly metallic and won't offer a natural look.
Cement-Retained vs. Screw-Retained Dental Implant Crowns
Cement-retained crowns are cemented in placed over an abutment, while screw retained crowns or screwed-retained crowns attach directly to the dental implant. Your ClearChoice provider will determine the best design for your particular case.
Screw-retained crowns are directly attached to the dental implant using a small screw. They feature a screw access hole, which can be filled with composite material (dental cement) to enhance aesthetics. A screw-retained crown is easily retrievable for maintenance and repairs. This crown type is suitable for posterior teeth or cases where implant positioning requires frequent adjustments. These crowns may be more complex to place than cement-retained crowns.
Why Choose Dental Implant Crowns to Replace Missing Teeth?
Here are a few factors that make implant crowns a popular tooth replacement solution:
Natural appearance: Dental implant crowns are customized to match your natural teeth. They blend in with your teeth seamlessly.
Long-lasting solution: Dental implant crowns can last long with proper care and maintenance.
Prevent bone loss: Dental crown implants can help prevent bone loss from missing teeth.
Comfortable fit: Implants feel and function like natural teeth, eliminating the discomfort often associated with dentures or bridges.
Low maintenance: Dental implant crowns require the same care as natural teeth. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups can keep crowns looking and feeling great for years.
Learn More About Dental Implant Crowns
Dental implant crowns are the visible part of your implant, making speaking, chewing, and biting possible. A high-quality dental crown can give you the confidence to smile and speak without worrying about tooth gaps.
ClearChoice brings you the expertise of dentists and dental care professionals with the promise of high-quality materials. Head to your local center for a free consultation today.
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Dental Implant Crown FAQs
How long does a dental implant crown last?
With proper care and maintenance and depending on wear and tear, an implant crown can last indefinitely.
Does the cost of a dental implant include the crown?
Generally, the dental implant crown cost would be part of the total dental implant treatment bill. You can ask your care provider to discuss the potential costs with you and offer a full price breakdown before you agree to get implants.
Can you get an implant and crown at the same time?
Whether an implant and crown can be placed at the same time depends on several factors, such as primary stability of the implant and the patient’s bite. lf all aspects are favorable, a temporary crown can be placed right away. In other instances, it is recommended to let the implant heal to the bone first and make the restoration after healing is complete.
How long does the dental implant crown process take?
The dental implant crown process can take several months, from the initial consultation to the final smile placement.
Does the cost of a dental implant include the crown?
Generally, the dental implant crown cost would be part of the total dental implant treatment bill. You can ask your care provider to discuss the potential costs with you and offer a full price breakdown before you agree to get implants.
Can you get an implant and crown at the same time?
Whether an implant and crown can be placed at the same time depends on several factors, such as primary stability of the implant and the patient’s bite. lf all aspects are favorable, a temporary crown can be placed right away. In other instances, it is recommended to let the implant heal to the bone first and make the restoration after healing is complete.
How long does the dental implant crown process take?
The dental implant crown process can take several months, from the initial consultation to the final smile placement.