What to Know About Getting an Affordable, Quality Dental Crown in Mexico

According to the American Dental Association’s glossary of dental terms, a dental crown is an artificial replacement that restores missing tooth material by surrounding the remaining tooth structure or is placed on a dental implant. Dental crowns are made of metal, ceramic, or polymer materials or a combination of these materials. Dental crowns are retained by luting cement or mechanical means.

In simple terms, a dental crown is a cap placed over a compromised natural tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and function. Generally, a dental crown can last up to 15 years, depending on your dental habits, chewing patterns, and nighttime grinding. Unfortunately, dental crowns across the U.S. are generally costly, averaging upwards of $1200. Fortunately, with the emergence of dental tourism or traveling across borders to receive affordable dental care, Americans can save a lot of money on their dental crowns. Dental offices in our referral programs are experts in porcelain fused to metal (PFM), all-porcelain, and zirconia crowns.

Why Are Dental Crowns Necessary?

There can be many reasons a dental crown is necessary:

1. The tooth is weakened, broken, or worn and must be restored.
2. A dental crown may be necessary to cover and protect a tooth with fillings, leaving little of the remaining tooth.
3. To conceal discolored or otherwise damaged teeth for cosmetic reasons.
4. To hold a dental bridge in place or to cap a dental implant.
5. To conceal misshapen or discolored teeth.
6. Teeth that have had root canal treatments.

The Process of Getting a Dental Crown

The procedure of getting a dental crown usually requires one or two visits to complete the entire process, depending on the dental office location. This usually involves some tooth filing to ensure the dental crown can fit over the remaining tooth structure. In cases of extreme damage to the original tooth, or if the roots are damaged to the point that they can’t support the dental crown, a root canal may need to be performed first.

Then the dentist will take either a physical impression or a digital image to determine who to fabricate the replacement dental crown so that it fits properly in the space and accommodates your bite properly. If the impression has to be sent to an off-sight lab, a temporary dental crown covers the prepared tooth until the permanent crown is placed.

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

If you’re fitted with a temporary crown, there are some precautions we recommend:

• Avoid sticky or gummy foods such as gum or caramel candy on the side where the temporary is placed.
• 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 up between the teeth, which can dislodge the temporary dental crown

What Types of Dental Crowns Are Available?

 

Metal Dental Crowns: These dental crowns could include gold alloy, base metal alloy (nickel or chromium), or other alloys (palladium). Since the color is less desirable, this option is not the most popular. But they do have excellent longevity. Often they may be an option in the less visible quadrants of the mouth.

 

 

 

 

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Dental Crowns: Porcelain-fused-to-metal dental crowns are often used for the most visible teeth, such as the front teeth. These dental crowns are usually undetectable with the porcelain outer appearance and match your original teeth.

All-Ceramic or All Porcelain Dental Crowns: While not as strong as porcelain-fused-to-metal, all-porcelain dental crowns or all-ceramic dental crowns are the most realistic, especially for the front teeth. Still, many people prefer all-ceramic dental crowns or porcelain dental crowns because they are the most bio-compatible material. In addition, it is unlikely to cause any adverse reactions in the patient.

 

 

 

Zirconia: This makes a good base for porcelain dental crowns because it bonds well and strengthens the dental crown. This material has been used for years in dental restoration. It is still metal, so if someone is acutely reactive to metals, they may want to be tested for reactivity first. However, it creates an excellent cosmetic result.

 

 

How Much Do Crowns Cost, and How Much Can I Save with Beyond Borders Dental?

The cost for a dental crown can vary widely — factors such as local competition in your city or even where you live in the U.S. Crowns usually cost $1000 to $1500 per crown. However, prices start at $425 for a porcelain fused to metal (PFM) — a savings of over $1000 per crown in some cases. And, our approved dental offices use the same materials as are used in the U.S. For a more detailed breakdown of cost savings, visit our “How Much Can I Save?” page.

You may also have questions about the quality of dental care in Mexico due to the price disparity; be sure to visit our “What About the Quality?” page. According to an extensive survey, it explains that 90% of people getting dental work from dentists in Mexico were satisfied finding their treatment either “good” or “excellent.” You will also learn important information about the inconsistencies of dental care in the U.S.

 

Problems that Can Arise with Dental Crowns

In most cases, dental crowns are well accepted by the body and cause few problems. While there may be sensitivity in the beginning, this usually resides quickly. If you have a continuing sensitivity issue, you could consider one of many special kinds of toothpaste developed for tooth sensitivity. If your bite does not feel right, there may need to be some adjustment to the height of the crown. This is easily adjusted and not uncommon.

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

There can be an allergic reaction to the dental crown materials or the cement used in sporadic cases. However, extensive research has been used to develop biocompatible materials, and it is improbable that you will have such a reaction. Our dentists guarantee their work for up to four years, but please contact us later if you encounter any problems.

To find out more about how you can get affordable, high-quality dental care in Mexico, call us today at (505) 738-7770, or click this link to send us your inquiry, and we’ll get back to you.