Oral health has been a serious issue across the U.S. for the past few decades. Although fewer teeth are lost by adults now than in earlier generations, more than 90% of American adults between the ages of 20 and 64 suffer from tooth decay, and more than 50% have some sort of gum disease.
Untreated dental decay and other oral diseases can result in extreme pain, serious health issues, and lost productivity. If you experience any oral discomfort, it is important for you to get treated immediately. If you are looking for “lost cost dental crowns near me”, then you are in the right place. Read on to find out where to find affordable dental crown services near you.
Everything You Need To Know About Dental Crowns
Dentists often use dental crowns which are prosthetic caps placed over the top of damaged teeth. The crowns’ purpose is to restore and maintain your tooth’s overall health, functions, and appearance. They are also extremely useful for saving teeth that have decayed, chipped, or discolored enamel.
Types Of Dental Crowns
There are different materials used in creating a dental crown, including:
- Metal Alloy: Mixed-metal crowns typically contain gold and other metal compounds, such as platinum, copper, silver, or tin.
- Ceramic and Porcelain: Despite their visual appeal since they resemble the color of natural teeth, these options are not as durable as other crowns.
- Metal fused to Porcelain: Compared to regular porcelain, this material offers a stronger bond. Dentists often use porcelain infused with metal due to their longevity, durability, and aesthetic appeal.
- Resin: An alternative inexpensive option to metal alloy and metal-porcelain fusion is a composite resin crown. Similar to ceramic and porcelain, they strongly resemble the color and texture of natural teeth. However, if not properly taken care of, resin crowns can wear down very quickly.
- Bruxzir: Quality-grade Japanese zirconia is the go-to material for this type of dental crown. It offers patients a remarkable restoration process via improved light transmission. This means that you could enjoy a more realistic and natural shade appearance.
Do You Need To Get A Crown?
People with cracked or fractured teeth are advised to undergo a dental crown procedure. Aside from providing dependable oral protection, they are also able to secure a dental bridge in place. Crowns can also be used to conceal misshapen or discolored teeth.
Having a dental crown placed on your teeth is not a cheap procedure. Hence, if you do not need one, then you’re better off having a dental cleaning. However, if you are experiencing any of the conditions listed below, then you have to get dental crowns immediately.
- Broken teeth
- Loose dental bridge
- Discolored tooth
- Exposed dental implants
- Worn-out dental fillings
- Gapped teeth
- Intense pain after a root canal therapy
Where Can I Find Affordable Dental Crowns?
Paying out of your pocket is certainly the worst choice you can make when having a dental crown. This procedure is costly and not an affordable option for most people. Fortunately, there are institutions that provide affordable and low-cost dental crowns for those in need.
Local Health Departments
A public service of the Health Resources and Services Administration, the Bureau of Primary Health Care supports state-funded community medical centers around the nation that provide free or low-cost health services, including dental care services (implants, dental crowns, cleanings, etc.)
Centers For Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are three significant state-financed programs that are managed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Despite the nuances of each health assistance program, all of them provide health benefits that include dental services to eligible adults and children. However, dental benefits covered under each program may vary depending on the state.
Dental Schools
A dental school managed by the American Dental Association can offer quality, low-cost dental care. These teaching institutions have clinics in which dental students can gain clinical experience while providing oral care to patients at a reduced cost.
United Way
If you are looking for reduced-cost or completely free dental services within your community, then United Way would be able to help you. You can look up the various organization’s chapters that are near your area using their website.
Clinical Trials
In order to participate in scientific studies, commonly known as clinical trials, the National Institutes of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) occasionally recruits volunteers that suffer from particular oral, dental, and craniofacial illnesses. Dental treatment and other oral care services may be provided free or at a reduced cost to research participants as part of the study.
Get Your Dental Crowns At The Best Value
Aside from looking for “low cost dental crowns near me”, you should also consider the quality of oral care the dentists within your area could provide. You may search online or try the options mentioned earlier to seek experienced professionals around your location.
If you require affordable dental implants, visit this article by Gov Relations on dental schools offering cheap or free dental implants.