Larger defects

Today, despite inlay technology, crowns are still sometimes made. Special requirements must, however, be met:

• The tooth being treated has been crowned before and needs to be retreated.
• The tooth is so severely damaged that an inlay or filling is no longer an option.
• The tooth has had root canal treatment: sometimes this can only be dealt with using a crown for reasons of stability.
• A tooth is missing: after an implant is put in place, it is then crowned.

What types of crowns are used?

• All ceramic crowns
  These crowns contain no metal.
  
  Advantages
  - Suitable for everyone with allergies
  - Very high aesthetic quality
  - Particularly suited for the front teeth
  
  Disadvantage
  - Expensive process
  - Not suitable for patients who grind (danger of breakage)
  
  Cost
  - Between 1,800 and 2,200 francs per tooth including technician costs

• Gold ceramic crowns
  These crowns contain a scaffold with a high gold content (at least 75% gold, the remainder is other precious metals).
  
  Advantages
  - High aesthetic quality
  - Suitable for front and side teeth
  - Very stable
  - Also suitable for people with allergies
  
  Disadvantages
  - Not aesthetically suitable for very white teeth.
  
  Cost
  - Between 1,600 and 1,900 francs per tooth including technician costs