Cost-Effective Solutions for Crowns in Mexico

Dental crowns cover a tooth damaged by decay or trauma, restoring its size, shape, and appearance. Crowns come in ceramic (porcelain), metal, or a combination of materials. To place a crown, the dentist prepares the tooth, takes an impression to fabricate it, and permanently cements it onto the tooth. In summary, crowns protect and restore your tooth with durable, natural-looking results.

What is the Difference Between a Crown and a Cap?

Dental crowns and “caps” are often used interchangeably to refer to the same dental procedure. Both involve a tooth-shaped cover placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Here’s a more detailed look at each.

Crowns:

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cover that completely encases the visible part of a tooth. Its purpose is to treat a cracked or damaged tooth or severe tooth decay, or to cover dental implants.
The primary difference is the amount of tooth structure they cover. A tooth cap covers the biting surface and only one or two sides, while a crown completely encases the tooth. Tooth caps are less invasive and usually less expensive than dental crowns.
Lastly, materials for crowns include gold, silver, porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM), and ceramic.

Caps:

A tooth cap, also known as an onlay or inlay, covers only a portion of the tooth surface instead of the entire structure.
It treats tooth decay, fractures or cracks in molars and premolars, tooth trauma, or tooth sensitivity.
Like crowns, caps are typically made of porcelain and can be custom-made to match your tooth’s color.

Why Are Dental Crowns Necessary?

There can be many reasons a dental crown is necessary:

The tooth is weakened, broken, or worn and needs restoration.
A dental crown covers and protects a tooth with fillings, leaving little of the remaining tooth.
To conceal discolored or otherwise damaged teeth for cosmetic reasons.
To hold a dental bridge in place or to cap a dental implant.
To conceal misshapen or discolored teeth.
Teeth that have had root canal treatments.

The Process of Getting a Dental Crown

Depending on the dental clinic location, the dental crown procedure usually requires one or two visits. In cases of severe damage to the original tooth or its roots, to the point that they can’t support a dental crown, a root canal may be performed first.

Then, the dentist will take either a physical impression or a digital image to determine who will fabricate the replacement dental crown to fit correctly in the space and accommodate your bite. If the impression needs to be sent to an off-site lab, a temporary dental crown covers the prepared tooth until the permanent crown is in place.

You may also hear the terms “on-lays” or “3/4 crowns”. These variations from traditional dental crowns involve covering less of the natural tooth. As expected, these variations cover less of the underlying tooth and are used only in exceptional circumstances.

If you need a temporary crown, there are some precautions we recommend:

Keep sticky or gummy foods away from the side where the temporary crown is
When you can chew more frequently on the other side of your mouth
Alter your flossing techniques. Slide floss through and out the side, rather than lifting the floss between the teeth, which can dislodge the temporary dental crown

What Materials Are Crowns Made From?

If your dentist uses a conventional dental laboratory to make your crown, they’ll fit your tooth with a temporary crown while the final one is being made.

Temporary crowns:

Temporary crowns are typically made from lightweight plastics such as composite resin or acrylic, and sometimes aluminum. They are less durable because temporary crowns are intended to be short-term, lasting only a few days to a couple of weeks before the permanent crown is placed. In short, they are quick to fabricate and not designed for long-term use.

Permanent Crown Material:

Ceramic or porcelain, such as zirconia or lithium disilicate
Metals, such as gold- or silver-based alloys, titanium, or stainless steel
Metal-ceramic or PFM (porcelain fused to a metal framework)
Composite resin, similar to that used in dental fillings

The material your dentist uses will depend on your needs and preferences, as well as its availability. Your dentist may also have a preference for specific materials.

Over time, most dentists have preferred ceramic and zirconia materials over metal, especially for front teeth. The reasons may be because:

Ceramics mimic the natural tooth color
Newer, more durable ceramics continue to be developed
Ceramics can be low-cost compared to certain metals

Of the different kinds of ceramics, zirconia is the strongest and is becoming more popular for back teeth, especially in people who grind their teeth.

High-performance plastics such as PEEK and PEKK have recently been introduced in dentistry and may be promising alternatives to zirconia.

You and your dentist must weigh the pros and cons of these different materials. After evaluating your situation, your dentist can recommend a specific material.

When is a Crown Necessary?

There are various reasons for someone to have a crown placed. For example, your dentist may recommend a crown to:

Restore a broken or otherwise damaged tooth
Cover a tooth with a large filling
Protect a tooth after root canal therapy
Cover the abutment of a dental implant
Generally, a crown is necessary when the tooth in question would otherwise:
Be vulnerable to further damage or infection
Stop pain or discomfort
Not be able to function like a tooth normally would
Affect your bite
Detract from your smile

Benefits and Risks of Crowns:

Crowns are indicated (recommended) for multiple situations. However, they aren’t entirely without risks, especially if they don’t fit well or your oral health is poor.

Benefits:

Dental crowns provide several benefits, including:

Restoring normal tooth shape and function
Improved aesthetics (a better-looking smile)
Protecting the underlying tooth from infection or further damage
Allowing for the natural underlying tooth structure to be kept (as opposed to extracting natural teeth and placing implants)

Risks:

Crowns also have potential complications, especially if they don’t fit properly. These may include:

Heightened sensitivity
Wear or damage to the opposing teeth over time
Chipping or breaking
Loosening or falling out
Allergic reactions (to the nickel in metal crowns, for example)
Tooth decay or gum disease surrounding the crown

If you are concerned about the risks, talk to your dentist. They can determine if a crown is right for you.

What is the Cost of Crowns in Mexico?

The cost of a crown can vary widely by factors such as local competition in your city, where you live in the U.S., and the material used. Prices also vary depending on your insurance. The total cost of a crown may be anywhere from $500.00 to over $2,500.00.

Here are the average costs of crowns in the U.S with insurance:

Ceramic or porcelain: $800.00 – $3,000.00 *per tooth
Metals: $600.00 – $2,500.00 *per tooth
Metal-ceramic or PFM: $500.00 – $1,500.00 *per tooth
Composite resin: $400.00 – $600.00 *per tooth
Certain types of all-ceramic crowns, such as CEREC crowns, are typically more expensive

Insurance may cover up to half the cost of dental crowns. However, if your crown is considered cosmetic, your insurance may cover very little, if anything, of the procedure cost.

How Much Can I Save on Crowns in Mexico?

Prices for crowns in Mexico start at $490.00, a savings of over $1,000.00 per crown in some cases. Our approved dental clinics use the same materials as those in the U.S. Visit our How Much Can I Save page for a more detailed breakdown of cost savings.

One way to get quality, affordable dental crowns in Mexico is to consider following in the footsteps of thousands of other Americans and Canadians — traveling across the border to dental clinics in Mexico, AKA Dental Tourism. Dentists in Mexico offer high-quality crowns, usually made of zirconia, at much lower prices than in the U.S. In 2024, the average cost for a zirconia crown in Mexico is between $450.00 — $550.00. That’s a significant saving.

You may also have questions about the quality of crowns in Mexico due to the price disparity; be sure to visit our What About the Quality? Page.

Getting a Crown: A Step-by-Step Guide

The process may require more than one visit. Your tooth must be prepared (cleaned and shaped) to properly fit a crown. Then the dentist will take an impression so a dental laboratory can create your crown.

In most cases, unless a patient has an active infection, it takes, on average, 1 or 2 days to complete a crown. In the U.S., it can take several days to weeks for your new crown to be returned from the lab. In some cases, they place a temporary crown. When the permanent crown is ready, our doctors will remove the temporary crown and cement the permanent one. You can expect your crown procedure to look something like the following:

Initial Exam:

First, your dentist will take X-rays and examine your mouth to determine if your teeth need crowns.

Your dentist will ensure the ceramic shade matches your surrounding teeth, especially for a front tooth. They may be able to show you samples of the final result. You may even be able to get custom shading done to provide a better match.

Preparing the Tooth:

Your dentist will need to prepare your tooth to receive the crown. Some teeth may have to be filed away to ensure a good fit.

Before preparing the tooth, your dentist will inject local anesthesia. They’ll begin work once the tooth is thoroughly numb. Your dentist may place a build-up or perform a root canal if there is tooth decay or an injury to the tooth’s pulp.

Regardless of the type of work, the dentist will try to preserve as much of the tooth as possible. At the same time, some viable tooth structures may have to be filed down. Otherwise, a weak crown could lead to a greater loss of healthy tissue over time.

Impressions and Fabrication:

Once your tooth has been prepared, the doctor will take an impression of it. Some clinics use a special silicone-based putty, but most of our clinics take impressions digitally with an Itero Element Intraoral 3D scanner.

Temporary Crown:

While you wait for your permanent crown to return from the lab, your dentist will place a temporary crown. This measure will protect your tooth and prevent any tooth shifting that might make it challenging to fit the permanent crown. When the temporary crown is ready, they’ll securely attach it to your tooth with temporary dental cement.

Permanent Crown:

At your next appointment, your dentist will remove your temporary crown and replace it with your new permanent one. The permanent one may still require minor adjustments. The fit of the crown must be perfect to adhere to your tooth and provide a perfect seal.

Once your dentist is sure your new crown fits properly, they’ll attach it to your tooth. They’ll use a solid dental cement meant to last for years.

After securely placing your permanent crown, your dentist will check to ensure your bite remains even. Sometimes, they may slightly file down the opposing tooth that contacts the crowned one.

Aftercare:

After the procedure, your dentist provides instructions on caring for your crown. Some aftercare instructions include:

Avoid using too much pressure when brushing
Floss regularly, but make sure to do it gently
Don’t eat hard and sticky foods like nuts or popcorn
Chew on the other side of the mouth
Use an over-the-counter topical gel or a pain reliever if needed
Visit your dentist every six months for routine cleanings and checkups

How Long Do Crowns Last?

Most crowns can last for fifteen years or more. However, some may not last more than a few years. The material, your diet, your oral health, and the location of the crown are all factors in how long it will last. Metal-ceramic (PFM) crowns may outperform all-ceramic crowns over the long term (8 years or more), and zirconia crowns may last longer than other ceramic materials. Composite resin crowns tend not to last as long as other crowns.

Problems that Can Arise with Crowns

In most cases, dental crowns are well-accepted by the body and cause few problems. While there may be some sensitivity at first, this usually resolves quickly. If you have persistent sensitivity, you could consider one of the many toothpastes designed for sensitivity. If your bite does not feel right, the crown height may need to be adjusted. This procedure is easily adjusted and not uncommon.

A dental crown may become loose or even fall off. Many factors can cause this, including inadequate cement at the time of permanent placement or, in some cases, an improper fit.

Rarely, dental crown materials or cement trigger an allergic reaction. Researchers have developed biocompatible materials, so you are unlikely to experience such a reaction.

In Summary

Dental crowns are a kind of dental restoration. They cover an existing tooth to protect and restore its original shape.

Dentists choose crown materials based on your situation. They prepare your tooth and fabricate the crown, a process that can be complex.

Mexico dental tourism can offer substantial savings on dental crowns when you choose reputable clinics. To maximize safety and value, research dentists, read patient reviews, and travel to cities that cater to dental tourists.