Ceramic Crowns

While a dental filling is designed to replace a portion of a decayed or damaged tooth, a dental crown offers full coverage to restore the tooth’s entire outer surface. A well-fitting dental crown not only protects and strengthens the underlying tooth structure, but it also restores the tooth’s appearance and function.

The procedure for getting an all-ceramic crown is much like the procedure for getting any other type of crown. In all cases, the tooth needs to be prepared, an impression taken, and a permanent crown cemented into place. A single all-ceramic crown can typically be fabricated over the course of two visits. However, with CAD/CAM technology, a same-day crown can be fabricated from start to finish in a single visit. With the first approach, a temporary crown is typically worn until the second visit, when the permanent restoration is placed. As with every treatment plan, our office will explain your best options in care.

As the name implies, a temporary crown is only worn for a short time until the permanent crown is placed. A temporary crown is typically fabricated from durable tooth-colored dental acrylics. While designed to protect the underlying tooth between appointments, and until your new permanent crown gets placed, a temporary crown is also fabricated to look like a natural tooth and maintain the look of your smile.

While you should feel better having an attractive and functional tooth to restore your smile, your tooth may feel a little sensitive following treatment. This initial sensitivity will subside. We take great care to make sure your new restoration looks great, fits well, and your bite is perfect. However, we’re always happy to make any minor adjustments to ensure your comfort.

With some exceptions, teeth with root canal procedures are typically restored and protected from further damage with a full-coverage crown. Based on what’s best for your smile, our office will recommend the most appropriate restoration to maintain the health and longevity of your tooth following a root canal procedure.

A dental crown is a long-term restoration that, if properly cared for, can serve you well for many years to come. Once your new crown is placed, it requires the same brushing, flossing, and periodic checkups as your natural teeth. Avoid biting your fingernails and chewing on hard or sticky objects such as ice, pencils, or taffy, which can damage or loosen your crown. Remember, clenching and grinding your teeth puts excessive pressure on both natural teeth and dental restorations. Unless treated, this habit can compromise the longevity and integrity of your dental work, including crowns.

Although your new all-ceramic crown restores the tooth's strength, form, and function, you can still develop dental disease in the absence of proper care. To prevent gum disease and tooth decay, it’s essential to brush and floss as instructed and see our office for routine checkups, cleanings, and care.

How long a dental crown lasts depends on various factors, including your level of oral care, diet, and oral habits. While the standard answer is that dental crowns can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years, existing literature confirms that most dental crowns remain in place at 15 to 20 years.

At the office of Towne Dental & Orthodontics, we strive to provide the highest quality of care to address all your dental needs. Once we’ve had the opportunity to examine your smile, we can give you a clear picture of any dental issues that are present, along with a quote for how much treatment will be. The cost of dental crowns can vary a little, depending on the type of crown and its location. Our goals are to provide the highest quality of care and help patients begin treatment without additional financial stress or delay. We’re always happy to answer all your questions on dental insurance coverage, available financing, and payment plans.

Coverage for all-ceramic crowns depends on your dental insurance plan. Today, many dental plans provide some level of coverage for all-ceramic crowns. At the office of Towne Dental & Orthodontics, we work with patients to optimize their dental benefits and get the care they need to maintain healthy and beautiful smiles!

Ceramic crowns are full-coverage restorations made from metal-free dental ceramics engineered to mimic the color and translucency of natural teeth. These restorations restore tooth form and function while eliminating the metal substructure used in older crown systems. Because they are biocompatible and stain-resistant, ceramic crowns are often chosen for patients who prioritize a natural appearance.

Compared with porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, all-ceramic crowns avoid the dark line that can appear at the gumline and generally offer superior optical qualities. Modern ceramics can be selected to balance strength and esthetics depending on the tooth's location and the patient's needs. Advances in ceramic technology have narrowed the performance gap between appearance-focused and strength-focused materials.

A crown is recommended when a tooth has lost significant structure from decay, fracture, or previous large restorations and a filling would not provide adequate strength. Crowns are also commonly advised after root canal therapy to protect and reinforce the remaining tooth structure. In restorative planning, a crown may be the preferred option when a predictable, long-lasting result is the priority.

Crowns are also used for esthetic corrections when a front tooth is badly discolored, misshapen, or proportionally small. They serve as the standard restoration for implant abutments and for anchoring bridge units when teeth adjacent to a gap require stable coverage. Clinical examination and imaging determine whether a crown is the most appropriate solution for a given tooth.

Selecting a ceramic material depends on the tooth's position, the amount of chewing force it must withstand, and the esthetic demands of the case. For highly visible front teeth, materials with greater translucency and color-matching ability are often preferred, while posterior teeth may require ceramics with enhanced fracture resistance. The clinician weighs these functional and esthetic considerations when recommending a material.

Common options include lithium disilicate for a strong, esthetic bond to tooth structure; monolithic zirconia for maximum durability in high-stress areas; and layered or pressable porcelains for exceptional anterior esthetics. Each material has trade-offs in terms of thickness, preparation needs, and optical properties, and your dentist will explain the reasons behind the recommended choice. Shared decision-making ensures the selected material aligns with your goals and clinical requirements.

Treatment typically begins with a thorough clinical exam, diagnostic imaging, and a discussion of goals and options. If needed, preliminary procedures such as root canal therapy or a buildup to replace missing tooth structure are completed before crown preparation. These steps create a stable foundation for the final restoration and help ensure a predictable outcome.

Once the tooth is prepared, the clinician takes digital scans or conventional impressions and selects a shade. Depending on the workflow, a temporary crown may be placed while the final restoration is fabricated, or the crown may be milled and placed the same day when CAD/CAM technology is used. At the appointment for final placement the crown is tried in, adjusted for fit and bite, and permanently cemented with care to achieve proper marginal integrity and comfort.

Yes, many ceramic crowns can be completed in a single visit using CAD/CAM systems that capture digital impressions and mill restorations on site. This same-day workflow eliminates the need for temporary crowns and reduces the number of appointments required for treatment. It is particularly efficient for single-tooth restorations when the case is straightforward and esthetic demands can be met chairside.

Not all cases are suitable for a same-day approach; complex esthetic layering, multiple adjacent crowns, or situations requiring laboratory customization may still benefit from a traditional lab-fabricated route. Your dentist will evaluate clinical factors and discuss whether a same-day crown is appropriate for your specific needs. At Towne Dental & Orthodontics, we use digital imaging and restorative design to determine the most predictable workflow for each patient.

Ceramic crowns are durable restorations that can last many years when properly designed, placed, and maintained. Longevity depends on factors such as the chosen material, the amount of remaining tooth structure, the quality of the cementation, and the forces exerted on the restoration during chewing and grinding. Proper bite management and adequate support from surrounding teeth also influence how well a crown performs over time.

Patient-related factors such as oral hygiene, smoking, diet, and parafunctional habits like bruxism can impact the lifespan of a crown. Regular dental visits allow the team to monitor the crown, surrounding gum tissue, and occlusion so minor concerns can be addressed before they become major problems. With attentive home care and routine professional checkups, ceramic crowns provide a stable and esthetic long-term solution.

Caring for a ceramic crown is very similar to caring for a natural tooth: brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste and clean between teeth daily using floss or interdental cleaners. Gentle, thorough plaque control helps protect the crown margin and the supporting gum tissue from inflammation and decay. Avoiding abrasive powders and hard scrubbing preserves the crown's glazed surface and esthetic finish.

Protective measures such as wearing a night guard if you grind your teeth and avoiding chewing on very hard objects can reduce the risk of chipping or fracture. Report any new sensitivity, looseness, or changes in how the crown feels so your dentist can evaluate the restoration promptly. Routine professional exams and cleanings help maintain both the crown and the health of surrounding teeth and tissues.

Contemporary ceramic materials and advanced shading techniques allow crowns to blend seamlessly with adjacent teeth when matched correctly. Factors such as translucency, surface texture, and subtle color nuances are considered during shade selection and characterization to achieve a natural appearance. Dentists often use digital photography and shade guides to reproduce the surrounding tooth structure accurately.

Layered ceramic techniques and custom staining can further refine a crown's appearance in highly esthetic cases. Communication about your esthetic goals and any reference photos of your natural smile helps the team create a result that looks harmonious. In many cases, ceramic crowns are indistinguishable from natural teeth when designed and fabricated with attention to detail.

Yes, crowns are frequently recommended after root canal therapy because the treated tooth can become more brittle and benefit from full-coverage protection. When a crown follows a root canal, the tooth may first receive a buildup or post-and-core to provide sufficient support for the restoration. The crown then restores form and function while shielding the remaining tooth structure.

Ceramic crowns can also be used as implant-supported restorations, either cemented to an abutment or designed as screw-retained crowns depending on the implant system and clinical situation. Material choice and connection type are considered to optimize strength and esthetics for implant restorations. Your dentist will explain the planning and sequencing required for a successful implant-supported ceramic crown.

Our team emphasizes conservative, evidence-based restorative care and detailed treatment planning to deliver predictable, long-lasting results. We combine digital imaging, restorative design tools, and access to modern ceramic materials to control color, fit, and contour throughout the fabrication process. Clinical experience and attention to occlusion and tissue health help ensure crowns perform well in function and esthetics.

We focus on clear communication so patients understand material choices, the treatment sequence, and what to expect during recovery and long-term maintenance. Follow-up care and regular monitoring allow us to address minor issues early and support the restoration's longevity. If you have questions about ceramic crown options, our Waller team will review your case and recommend a plan that aligns with your goals and clinical needs.