When a Crown Makes the Difference
Severe decay or injury can break a tooth down to the point where a filling simply cannot hold it together. A crown - sometimes called a cap - fits over the remaining structure, shielding it from further damage and restoring how it looks and works. We also place crowns to protect teeth that have been weakened by a large filling or a root canal, and to cover a dental implant.
Beyond protecting a tooth, crowns can serve a cosmetic purpose as well. A crown can give a misshapen or discolored tooth a more natural, even appearance - making it a restoration that addresses both health and confidence at the same time.
Four Crown Materials, Each with Its Own Strengths
No single crown material is right for every tooth or every person. We discuss the options with you so the choice fits your bite, your appearance goals, and the location of the tooth being restored.
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Metal Crowns
Made from gold or other alloys, metal crowns are the most durable option available and place the least wear on the teeth they bite against. Because they do not blend with natural tooth color, they are typically best suited to teeth that are less visible when you smile.
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Ceramic Crowns
Crafted from porcelain and color-matched to your existing teeth, ceramic crowns excel at aesthetics and are a popular choice for front teeth. They are the least durable of the crown types, so they are generally not recommended for high-pressure positions such as molars.
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Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns
These crowns pair a porcelain exterior with a metal interior, aiming to balance appearance and strength. One consideration is that the metal edge can become visible at the gum line over time, and the outer porcelain layer shares some of the fragility of all-porcelain crowns.
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Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia is a naturally tooth-colored metal that offers excellent durability. It sits between metal and ceramic in terms of aesthetics, giving patients who want a strong crown without visible metal another solid option to consider.
What the Two-Appointment Process Looks Like
Crown placement at Sendero Dental Studio is completed over two visits. At the first appointment, any decay is removed, fillings or a root canal are performed if needed, and the tooth is gently trimmed so the crown can fit over it - local anesthesia is used throughout to keep you comfortable. We then take an impression of your teeth; that mold travels to a dental lab where your custom crown is crafted to match the color and contour of your surrounding teeth. A temporary crown is placed to protect the prepared tooth while the lab works.
A couple of weeks later, you return for the second appointment. We check the fit and make any needed adjustments before bonding the permanent crown securely into place. From that point on, care is straightforward: brush and floss regularly and keep up with routine checkups, just as you would with any other tooth. The crown itself cannot decay, but the natural tooth underneath it can, so consistent home care matters. With proper attention, a crown can remain in good shape for many years.
Ready to Talk About Your Options?
If you have a tooth that feels compromised - whether from decay, an old filling, or a root canal - a crown may be the right next step. Our team at Sendero Dental Studio is glad to answer your questions and help you understand which type of crown fits your situation. Reach out to us and we will find a time that works for you.