Crowns On Front Tooth: Complete Guide

Last updated on November 13th, 2024

A dental crown has been one of the most prominent treatments lately. It sounds great to think that a tooth-shaped cap is placed over your damaged tooth, and you get a perfect shape and function easily. 

Both back teeth and front teeth might require a dental crown treatment. The motivations to have crowns can be functional restorations or cosmetic concerns. Although both factors might be at play in some cases, cosmetic reasons usually weigh more than functional problems if the problem is in the front teeth.

When it comes to a dental crown on the front tooth, patients are more concerned about the treatment. They tend to have more questions in their mind regarding the materials to be used, the procedure, and the results. Here, you will read about the dental crown on a front tooth by highlighting the key points in this treatment.

What Are Dental Crowns Made of?

Understanding crown materials can help you choose the best option for a front tooth. Common crown materials include:

• Porcelain: Natural-looking and matches your teeth.
• Zirconia: Durable, ceramic material that also mimics natural teeth.
• Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal: Porcelain exterior with a metal core, combining aesthetics and strength, though metal may show if gums recede.
• Gold Metal: Strong and durable, but the gold appearance may not be ideal for front teeth.

Reasons for Front Tooth Crowns

Crowns aren’t only for improving smiles. They may be necessary after an accident, a root canal, or due to decay or damage. Front teeth serve specific functions like cutting food and supporting speech, so crown treatment can help restore these functions as well as appearance.

Choosing the Right Crown for a Front Tooth

While all crown types work well for molars, aesthetics are critical for front teeth. Gold and metal-fused crowns may be less suitable due to visible metal. Patients often choose porcelain or zirconia crowns for a more natural look.

Some patients worry about the strength of non-metal crowns. However, front teeth experience less pressure than molars, making porcelain and zirconia crowns effective options. With proper care, a zirconia crown can last up to 20 years.

Front Tooth Crown Procedure

Here is a step-by-step outline of the procedure:

1. Anesthesia is applied.
2. The dentist files down the tooth’s sides.
3. A mold of the tooth is sent to the dental lab.
4. A temporary crown is placed on the tooth.
5. A few days later, the permanent crown replaces the temporary one.

Some clinics have in-house labs, allowing same-day or next-day crown placement.

Cost of Front Tooth Crowns

Metal crowns are typically less expensive. However, dentists often recommend porcelain or zirconia for front teeth due to their natural appearance. Costs vary depending on the number of crowns and location. Some insurance plans partially or fully cover crown expenses.
Read more: Why Are Dental Crowns So Expensive?

Front Tooth Crowns Before and After Photos

FAQs

In this part, you will get the key takeaways of this article through the following questions and answers.

Can You Crown A Front Tooth?

Yes, it is possible and probably more common than you think.

How Long Do Front Tooth Crowns Last?

Up to 20 years if you give good care.

How Does The Dentist Put A Crown On The Front Tooth?

The process is similar to normal crown treatment for molar teeth.

How Much Does A Front Tooth Crown Cost?

An exact price is only clear when you get your first appointment. Also, your insurance plan is a factor in the payment.

Can Gum Disease Cause Crowns Fall Out?

Receding gum and extensive decay might make your crown lose and even fall out. If you have serious gum disease, see your dentist immediately.

Read more: Gum Receding: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Summary

Getting dental crowns is a simple and effective way to eliminate various problems with teeth. Though crown treatment is more common for back teeth, it still yields outstanding results for the front teeth, as well. Since we normally use front teeth for cutting and tearing, the crown applied there doesn’t have to be strong and durable as in molars. Thus, you can consider more aesthetic types of crowns like zirconium or porcelain. Seeing your dentist and discussing the case, you can make the best decision for you.