Think of a crown as a helmet for a tooth. When too little healthy tooth remains to hold a filling, a crown wraps the whole tooth above the gum line and takes the chewing load instead.
When a tooth needs a crown
- A crack you can feel when you bite down on something hard
- A large old filling that is breaking down or has decay underneath
- After a root canal, to keep the tooth from fracturing
- A tooth that is worn flat from grinding
- To restore a dental implant or anchor a bridge
- A badly shaped or discolored tooth that a veneer cannot fix
Materials we use
| Material | Best for |
|---|---|
| Layered porcelain / lithium disilicate | Front teeth, where matching translucency and shade matters most |
| Zirconia | Molars and grinders; the strongest tooth-colored option |
| Porcelain fused to metal | Long-span bridges where extra strength is needed |
| Gold | Back teeth in patients who want the longest-wearing, gentlest-on-opposing-teeth option |
What to expect
- Prepare and scan
We numb the tooth, remove decay and old filling material, shape the tooth, and take a digital scan. No impression trays. - Temporary crown
You wear a well-fitted temporary for about two weeks while the lab makes the final crown. - Fit and cement
We check the bite, the contacts with the neighbors and the shade, then bond the crown permanently. The visit takes about 30 minutes.
Bridges
A bridge replaces a missing tooth by crowning the teeth on either side of the gap and suspending a false tooth between them. It is a good option when the neighboring teeth already need crowns. When they are healthy, a single implant usually serves you better because it leaves them untouched.
Common questions
How long does a crown last?
Ten to fifteen years is typical, and many go much longer. Brushing at the gum line and nightly flossing are what protect the tooth underneath.
Will the crown look fake?
Not from us. We choose the material by where the tooth is and match the shade to your natural teeth in daylight.
Does it hurt?
The tooth is fully numb for the preparation. Some sensitivity to cold for a week or two afterward is normal.