Dental crowns: Tooth caps, types and procedures
Overview
If your tooth is cracked, worn or weakened, a crown can bring back its strength—and help you feel like yourself again. At Aspen Dental, getting started is simple. Walk in, call or schedule online today. We’ll explain your options, your costs and your next steps before any treatment.
Crowns cover and protect cracked, worn or weakened teeth to restore strength and function
Multiple crown options and materials available to help you balance durability, appearance and cost
Procedure typically involves shaping your tooth and placing a custom cap in just a few visits
Insurance, flexible financing and our savings plan can help with out-of-pocket costs—we do not accept Medicaid
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a custom cap that covers the visible part of your tooth. It restores the shape of your tooth, protects weak enamel and refreshes your smile. Your dentist may recommend a crown for deep cracks, heavy wear, large fillings or for reinforcement after a root canal.
How do dental crowns work?
A crown works like a protective shell. It fits over your tooth to seal out bacteria at the edges, bringing your tooth back to its proper shape and making sure your bite lines up again. By hugging the tooth, the crown spreads the force of your chewing across a wider surface, reducing the chance of new fractures or sensitivity.
To keep the crown in place, a strong dental cement bonds is used with materials like ceramic or zirconia for a durable yet natural look.
What are the benefits of a dental crown?
Conceals imperfections
Covers a chipped tooth, cracks, discoloration and small alignment issues. Based on your needs, we’ll see if bonding, veneers or a crown will best fit your goals, smile and budget.
Protects a damaged tooth
Adds strength to a cracked tooth, or a tooth treated with a root canal, which elongates the life of your tooth and makes it easier to bite and chew.
Completes your restoration
If you need a crown after another dental treatment, we’ll restore your tooth with a custom-made crown shaped and shaded to blend in naturally.
Types of dental crown materials for your needs
There are several crown options, varying in materials and durability. We’ll recommend which is right for you based on where your tooth sits, how you want it to look and how you bite.
Ceramic or porcelain
Known for its natural appearance
Best for front teeth and many premolars (teeth between your canines and molars)
Zirconia
Known for its strength and durability
Best for teeth in high-pressure areas
Porcelain fused to metal
Known for balancing strength and appearance
Full metal
Known for high durability
Best for select back teeth outside the smile line
Dental crown procedure: a step-by-step guide
Here’s what your dental crown visit looks like at Aspen Dental:
We remove decay or damage and shape the tooth so the crown fits securely and comfortably.
We capture the shape of your bite with impressions so your crown looks and feels natural.
While the lab makes your permanent crown, you’ll get a temporary crown to protect your tooth.
We check how it fits and feels when you bite before cementing it in place.
Get smiling today with 20% off dental services¹
See us today and save on all your dental care services.
¹Offer available in select offices. Not valid for previous or ongoing work and cannot be combined with other discounts or dental discount programs. Not valid on Basic or Classic dentures or orthodontia. Discount taken off usual and customary fees for general dentistry services and does not apply to services rendered by a specialist. Patients with insurance will receive either the 20% discount or insurance plan pricing, whichever discount is greater. Offer expires 12/31/2026.
Before the procedure
If a dental crown is recommended, here’s what happens next:
Damaged tooth
A crown is recommended when a tooth is discolored, decayed, cracked or worn and needs coverage to stay strong.
Pain or function issues
If you have sensitivity or trouble chewing, we’ll evaluate the cause to see if a crown is the right fix.
Cosmetic concerns
Chips, large fillings or uneven shape can change your smile. A crown restores a natural, consistent look.
Insurance and financing
The tooth is reshaped so the crown fits securely. You’ll receive a temporary crown between visits, along with simple care tips, to protect your tooth while we make your permanent one.
After the procedure
Once your crown is on, here’s what to expect:
Restored appearance
We’ll color match your crown and contour it to blend with neighboring teeth for a cohesive natural look.
Full function
As the area settles, chewing becomes comfortable again. Use the tooth as directed once your dentist gives the go-ahead.
Protection
The crown covers and reinforces the tooth to help prevent future wear, cracks or breaks.
Initial adjustment
A brief “new tooth” feel or mild sensitivity is common and should fade. If it lingers or your bite feels off, we can adjust it.
Long-term care
Brush twice a day, floss around the crown and come in for regular checkups. Good home care will help your crown last long-term.
How much does a tooth crown cost?
Dental crown costs depends on your tooth, the crown material and treatment to restore your smile. Your local Aspen Dental care team will walk you through every cost upfront—insurance coverage, out-of-pocket costs and ways to pay with flexible financing options.
Does insurance cover tooth crowns?
With or without insurance, we help remove financial barriers to help make sure you get the care you need.
Most insurance accepted
We work with most providers to make care accessible as much as possible. We do not accept Medicaid.
Affordable dental crowns without insurance
No insurance? No worries. For only $49/year, we offer our Aspen Dental Savings plan so you can save 15% on dental crowns.²
²The Aspen Dental Savings Plan is NOT insurance. Please see plan terms and conditions for details.
We make dental care easier
Comprehensive care
We offer a full suite of dental services for all of your smile needs.
Same-day appointments
With same-day availability and flexible hours, seeing your provider is easy.
Flexible financing options
99% of patients who apply for 3rd-party financing are approved.
Does insurance cover tooth crowns?
To get the most out of your crown, we recommend including the following steps in your daily care routine.
Brush twice daily with a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste.
Floss gently at the crown edge—slide the floss out instead of pulling up.
Avoid very hard foods like ice or popcorn kernels.
If you clench or grind, ask about a night guard to protect crowned and natural teeth.
Keep regular checkups so we can monitor fit and wear.
Frequently asked questions about dental crowns
Our goal is to keep you comfortable every step. Your Aspen Dental care team uses local anesthesia during the procedure and checks in throughout so you can tell us how you’re feeling. Some pressure or mild sensitivity afterward is common and usually eases with simple home care. If discomfort feels unusual or doesn’t improve, contact your Aspen Dental office and we’ll take a look.
Getting a crown typically involves two visits. At the first, your dentist at Aspen Dental shapes the tooth, takes a scan or impression and places a temporary crown to protect the area. At the second, they’ll fit and cement your custom crown once it’s ready from the lab. Your care team will walk you through each step and make sure you’re comfortable the entire way. For more detail, see our dental crown procedure guide.
Crowns help protect and restore teeth. Your dentist may recommend one to repair a broken tooth, cover a tooth after a root canal, rebuild a worn-down tooth or improve appearance when other options won’t hold up. Your care team will talk through the best solution for your smile.
Crowns are made from a variety of materials depending on your needs. Common crown choices include:
Zirconia for added durability and strength
Porcelain fused to metal for balance of strength and appearance
Full metal for certain back teeth where strength matters most
Your dentist will recommend what works best for your bite, oral health goals and budget.
Start with a provider who explains your options clearly, answers your questions and gives a written estimate before care begins. Ask about experience with cases like yours, and how they handle fit, bite checks, X-rays and follow-up visits. At Aspen Dental, we’re with you every step of the way.
Most people do well with crowns. But like any procedure, there can be minor risks—like temporary sensitivity, bite adjustments or gum irritation. Rarely, you might need further care if symptoms persist. Your Aspen Dental care team helps reduce risk with careful planning and clear instructions. If something doesn’t feel right, contact your local office. We’ll take a look.
With good care, crowns can last many years. Regular dental checkups, daily brushing and flossing, and habits like wearing a night guard (if recommended) can all help extend their lifespan. Avoiding very hard foods and keeping up with your routine preventive cleanings also makes a difference.
Yes. If there’s a small chip or minor wear, your dentist may be able to smooth or repair it. If the crown is cracked, loose or worn down, they may recommend a replacement. Your Aspen Dental care team will check the crown’s fit and condition—and guide you toward the most reliable fix.