Dental crowns

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap placed over a damaged tooth to restore its strength and appearance. At Aspen Dental, we craft your crown to fit your tooth and its needs so you can get the most out of your smile.

If you have a weakened or cracked tooth, or you’ve recently received treatment that’s made your tooth vulnerable, such as root canal therapy, you may need a dental crown. Dental crowns are a common way to give your teeth additional support so that your smile remains healthy and strong. 

In many cases, dentists will recommend a dental crown after a root canal to provide additional protection to the treated tooth. Speak with your Aspen Dental dentist to see what works best for your smile.

Getting a dental crown is a fairly simple process and usually takes anywhere from two to six weeks to complete treatment. While typically completed in two visits, the process can vary from patient to patient. Typically, two visits to your local Aspen Dental dentist are necessary to get your permanent crown placed. During your first visit, we’ll take an impression, or a digital scan, of your smile and we’ll place the temporary crown. At your second visit, we’ll prepare your tooth and replace the temporary crown with your new permanent one. We’ll then seal your new permanent crown into place.  

Thankfully, placing a dental crown is typically not a painful experience. Your tooth, and the area around your tooth, will be numbed before the procedure to keep you comfortable. If you do experience mild discomfort, you can take pain medication after the procedure. Any irritation should subside within a few days.

With proper care, your dental crown can last an average of 10 to 15 years. There are several factors to keep in mind that may impact the effectiveness of your dental crown. Things like oral hygiene, biting force and dental care all play a role in extending your crown’s lifespan. Ask a dentist near you to learn more.

Caring for your dental crown is similar to caring for your natural teeth. We recommend brushing twice a day, flossing daily and attending regular dental checkups and hygiene appointments. To be safe and preserve your dental crown, it’s also best to refrain from chewing on hard foods like pretzels and seeds.

With proper care, dental crowns can last a long time. However, the main cause of seal deterioration is due to bacteria or acid. If your crown is damaged, loose or worn out, your local Aspen Dental dentist can replace your dental crown so you can get back to eating and smiling comfortably. To do so, they’ll assess the condition of your crown to recommend the best treatment for you.

Depending on the specific dental issue, alternatives to dental crowns can include dental veneers, inlays/onlays or orthodontic treatment. However, if a dental crown has been prescribed, it is the best solution for retaining a tooth. Your local Aspen Dental dentist will evaluate your specific situation to recommend the best option for your smile.

Absolutely. Dental crowns are intentionally designed to resemble your natural teeth, which is why we use high quality materials like porcelain and ceramic to mimic their look and feel. Schedule an appointment at an Aspen Dental near you to learn more.

Dental insurance coverage varies based on your insurance plan. Some insurance plans cover a portion of the cost of a dental crown while others do not. It’s best to check with your insurance provider to determine what you qualify for. We do not accept Medicaid.

If you don’t currently have dental insurance, no worries. We’re happy to connect you with third-party financing to ensure you get the care you deserve, or you can explore our flexible alternative to insurance: Aspen Dental Savings Plan.

Thankfully, a dental crown looks just like the real thing. Dentists encase the visible portion of your damaged tooth with a tooth-shaped cap, called a crown. This enhances it to its original color, size and shape.

Dental crowns are made from a variety of materials to provide you with a durable and aesthetic solution for your smile. Here’s a closer look at some of the materials used for dental crowns:

• Metal alloys: These crowns are known for their strength and durability. They are a great option for posterior teeth crowns

• Porcelain fused to metal: Porcelain fused to metal crowns combine the strength of metal with the aesthetic appeal of porcelain

• Ceramic materials: Crowns made from ceramic are made of strong materials like alumina. They are designed to closely resemble the natural color and texture of teeth, making them a nice option for an anterior tooth crown.

• Zirconia: Zirconia crowns are the ultimate combination of strength and natural aesthetics. That’s why we recommend it as a material of choice for dental crowns 95% of the time here at Aspen Dental.

There are several reasons your dentist may recommend a crown as the treatment of choice. Crowns are used to protect weak teeth, can help correct bite and alignment issues and improve the appearance of your smile. When a tooth has been damaged by decay, trauma or previous restorations—a crown can be placed over it to act like a helmet. For example, if a filling becomes loose and falls out, this tooth will likely need the protection of a crown. Crowns are often utilized to cover a tooth that has undergone a root canal when a previous restoration is deteriorating, and they can be utilized to cover dental implants.

In situations where one or more multiple teeth are missing, a series of crowns, called a dental bridge, can provide a permanently affixed solution.

To ensure you’re as comfortable as possible during the treatment, your dentist will usually begin the process of administering local anesthetic around your tooth. They will then prepare the tooth by removing any decayed tissue and shaping the surface to the proper shape. Afterward, your dentist will take an impression or scan of your teeth so that the lab can craft the crown accordingly. A temporary crown will be placed while the permanent crown is being created. Once the permanent crown is ready, it will be affixed in place with a special dental adhesive over your natural tooth or implant. You’ll be able to get back to living your life to the fullest and enjoying a beautifully refreshed smile.   

If you need a crown for your tooth, it's best to see your local Aspen Dental care team. Your dentist will evaluate your tooth and determine the best course of treatment for your unique situation.