Porcelain Crowns are Expensive for Good Reasons
When a patient gets the news from a dentist that they should invest in a porelain crown to correct a tooth problem, the first news is about the cost of the product, which seems hugely expensive. However, after examining all aspects of getting a new porcelain crown, the cost factor becomes more reasonable.
It used to be that crowns had a metal base, and that a porcelain product was placed on top of the metal. Modern crowns, however, are made of pure porcelain. These newer crowns look and perform like real teeth. The appearance is fairly close to actual teeth, as well. This is because crown can now match existing teeth in color and shape.
The old style of crowns also had a tendency to develop a black line on the gumline, which was very unattractive. In contrast, the newer crowns have a seam free bond, and the black lines of older products is gone. The newer product produces a look that is very similar to real teeth, and often, the crowns look much better than the tooth that they replaced. One possible drawback to the newer crowns, made of of all porcelain, is that they are not quite as strong as the older, porcelain-fused-to-metal ones, but for general chewing purposes, they are strong enough to perform quite well.
One drawback to the all porcelain replacement teeth is that they cost more to build, and dental laboratories do pass on the extra cost to the customer. This may seem like a hidden cost, but it is merely a cost that needs to be paid for a better product.
Another aspect of the possible theory of hidden cost are the charges of the dentist for his professional services. A great deal of tooth preparation and time goes into getting the tooth area ready for the replacement crown. In addition, staff members such as dental assistants, are involved in the whole process as well. While the dental service part of the complete price of new porcelain crowns is included in the total price that needs to be paid, the patient does not always realize how much of that cost goes to the dental office. For that reason, it is believed by many that replacement teeth, in for form of crowns, have hidden costs. Actually, when the costs are analyzed and they are compared to the benefits of the newer products, there are good and reasonable reasons for the bottom line on the bill.
