For cases of teeth with a large gap, usually over 2mm, and fillings at a relatively low cost cannot be effective, the doctor will prescribe porcelain crowns. Porcelain crowns for teeth with gaps are considered the most optimal solution because they not only solve the problem of teeth with gaps but also bring almost absolute aesthetics.
1. Causes of teeth with gaps
Teeth with gaps can originate from the following common causes:
1.1. Due to misaligned tooth buds
Misaligned tooth buds are considered a congenital cause of tooth spacing. This is a condition in which the position and direction of tooth growth are misaligned right from the root, causing the tooth body to grow straight. For example, if the tooth grows outward or inward, it will also create a gap between the tooth positions.
1.2. Due to oral diseases
Oral diseases such as tooth decay, gingivitis, tooth neck wear, periodontitis, etc., if not treated promptly, can also lead to many complications that contribute to tooth spacing. Serious pathological conditions cause the damaged tooth to become loose and fall out of the socket. At this time, if there is no replacement, the surrounding teeth will tend to move to the position of the missing tooth. In the long run, this leads to the condition of teeth becoming increasingly sparse and further apart.
1.3. Due to bad habits
Living and eating habits can also directly affect the position of the teeth. For example, using toothpicks, breathing through the mouth or using dental floss incorrectly can increase the distance between the teeth, causing teeth to be spaced.
2. Should spaced teeth be filled or covered with porcelain?
To know whether spaced teeth should be filled or covered with porcelain, you need to learn about both methods as follows:
2.1. Filling gaps between teeth
Filling gaps between teeth is a fairly simple and popular technique. When applying this technique, the dentist will use a material with a color similar to the customer’s natural tooth color to fill the gaps between teeth. Then use a specialized light to cure the dental material.
2.1.1. Advantages
– Low cost
– Quick implementation time
2.1.2. Disadvantages
– Limited aesthetics
– Easily peels off after a period of use
– Only suitable if the gap between teeth is less than 2mm
2.2. Porcelain crowns for spaced teeth
Porcelain crowns for spaced teeth are increasingly widely used as a solution to help overcome spaced teeth, making teeth more even and beautiful as well as avoiding the risk of oral diseases.
To perform porcelain crowns for spaced teeth, the doctor will grind the teeth that need to be crowned to support the porcelain crowns that are fixed above. The porcelain crowns will be personalized with the same color, shape and size as the customer’s real teeth to bring the highest aesthetic value. In addition, porcelain crowns also completely restore chewing function caused by misaligned bites.
2.2.1. Advantages
– Brings high aesthetic efficiency
– Long life span
– Ensures good chewing function like real teeth
– Quick technique, not too complicated
2.2.2. Disadvantages
– Must affect real teeth during porcelain coating process
– Although the lifespan is high, it is still within a certain period of time, about 15-20 years
So filling or porcelain coating for spaced teeth will depend on the needs and condition of each customer’s spaced teeth. Because each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, customers can go to a dental facility for examination and more detailed advice on the most suitable solution.
3. How much does it cost to cover a gap between teeth with porcelain crowns?
The cost of covering a gap between teeth with porcelain crowns usually ranges from 1,000,000 – 9,000,000 VND/tooth. The reason for the high fluctuation is because the price depends largely on the type of porcelain crown that the customer chooses and the number of porcelain crowns that need to be covered. Normally, the doctor will take an X-ray to determine the condition of the teeth and advise on all types of costs before proceeding with the porcelain crown.
3.1. Types of porcelain teeth
Currently, there are 2 types of porcelain teeth commonly used, each with its own characteristics and different costs:
3.1.1. Metal porcelain teeth
Metal porcelain teeth have an inner layer made of metal alloy. This type of porcelain teeth has a fairly good ability to withstand biting force, the outer surface is covered with a layer of porcelain so the color matches the natural teeth. However, the metal part inside will gradually oxidize under the influence of the oral environment, causing the gum line to turn black, making it unsightly.
The price of metal ceramic teeth is usually around 1,000,000 – 3,000,000 VND/tooth.
3.1.2. All-ceramic teeth
Also having a 2-part structure like metal ceramic teeth, all-ceramic teeth have both the inner core and the outer body made from pure ceramic. In addition to ensuring maximum chewing function, all-ceramic teeth also bring the highest aesthetic effect among all types of porcelain teeth because the color can be adjusted to match the natural tooth color. In addition, when light shines on it, black streaks inside will not be visible because the composition does not contain metal.
The price of an all-ceramic tooth currently ranges from 3,000,000 – 12,000,000 VND/tooth.
3.2. Number of porcelain teeth to be covered
In addition to the type of porcelain teeth that customers choose, the number of teeth that need to be restored is also a factor that greatly affects the cost of porcelain teeth. To close the gaps between teeth, customers can cover about 4-8 teeth or the entire jaw with porcelain to bring the most comprehensive aesthetic results.
4. How long does a porcelain crown last for spaced teeth?
How long a porcelain crown lasts for spaced teeth depends on each type of porcelain crown:
4.1. Metal porcelain crowns
Metal porcelain crowns have an average lifespan of about 5-10 years, but after only about 2-3 years, the metal frame will oxidize, causing the gum line to turn black. This not only makes the teeth less aesthetically pleasing but also makes the gums susceptible to irritation by the metal component. At this time, to ensure health and aesthetics, the doctor will prescribe a new porcelain crown.
4.2. All-ceramic porcelain teeth
All-ceramic teeth are made from 100% pure porcelain that does not oxidize, so they will overcome the disadvantages of metal-ceramic teeth. This type of porcelain teeth often has a fairly long lifespan, from 10-20 years or even forever if properly cared for.
6. Price list for porcelain crowns at BIK International Dental Clinic
Below is the price list for porcelain crowns at BIK International Dental Clinic:
Porcelain crowns for spaced teeth are considered the most optimal and effective solution for cases where the distance between teeth is greater than 2mm. Porcelain crowns for spaced teeth not only restore chewing function, prevent the risk of other oral diseases but also bring excellent aesthetics.
