Believe it or not, the global market of the seemingly commonplace dental crown and bridges was more than USD 6.1 billion in 2019. And in the next five years, it is estimated to touch a whopping USD 8.9 billion.
There has been a steady rise in the demand for dental crowns in the UK. Dental crowns are gaining popularity due to:
Growing awareness about dental health
Improvement in dental technology
A rise in demand for aesthetically superior dental solutions
Government initiatives to promote oral hygiene
A rise in dental problems and ailments including tooth decay
Increase in income levels and affordability of dental products.
Dentists in the UK as well as all around the world are recommending dental crowns to combat different dental problems.
Understanding Dental Crowns
In simple words, a dental crown is a “tooth-shaped” cap. It is strategically fitted over the tooth so that it resembles your existing teeth and looks as natural as possible.
The dental crown is “cemented” into its position and it completely covers the existing damaged tooth above the gum line.
Dental crowns are useful in solving several dental problems:
Dentists recommend the type of dental crown based on a clinical examination. Depending on the type of problem you are experiencing, there are various types of dental crowns that your dentist may recommend to you:
Stainless steel: Stainless steel crowns are usually used as a temporary measure by dentists until a permanent crown is completed. They are also widely recommended for children.
Metals: These crowns are made from alloys having a high content of gold, platinum, titanium, or a combination of base-metal alloys.
All-porcelain or all-ceramic: These blend naturally with your existing teeth and are widely used for front teeth.
PFM (Porcelain with metal): These dental crowns offer the aesthetic benefit of all-porcelain crowns and the strength of metal crowns.
Zirconia: Zirconia crowns are made of bio-compatible material which is incredibly strong yet allows light to pass through it. They come in various colors and blend naturally with your existing teeth.
Resin: These are cheaper than other crowns. But they are more likely to break in comparison to other crowns.
Lithium Disilicate Crown: These crowns are recent additions in the world of dental crowns. They are made of a material called lithium disilicate. They are aesthetically pleasing as well as sturdy and durable.
Cost of Dental Crowns in the UK
The price of dental crown fitting in the UK is different for NHS (National Health Service) and for private dental treatment.
Cost of Dental Crowns in private clinics in the UK
It is a widely known fact that private dental treatment carries higher investments than NHS pricing and has more choices in better quality. The price range for dental crown treatments in the UK approximately falls between £400 and £1,200.
The cost of dental crowns with a private dental clinic in the UK depends upon the following parameters:
Type of dental crowns and the material used in making it: While Zirconia and porcelain crowns are the most expensive dental crowns; resin crowns are less expensive than crowns.
Type of technology used in making the dental crown: Crowns that are made with modern technology or those crowns that are hand-crafted to meet patient requirements may be more expensive than regular dental crowns.
Location of dental clinic: Usually a dental clinic that is located in the heart of the city may be more expensive than the ones that are located in the suburbs.
The number of sittings: By thumb rule, a more complex dental procedure is sure to cost you more than regular treatment. If your dental crown treatment is more complicated than a usual dental crown procedure it may cost you more.
Number of crowns: Private dentists may offer better price deals if you need multiple dental crowns.
Here is an approximate price guide to the different types of dental crown treatments in private clinics in the UK.