Dental crowns are one of the most versatile dental treatments. They are often used in many cosmetic and restorative dentistry cases. A crown may be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan or as a stand-alone service. The type and number of dental crowns you receive will depend on your unique dental health needs or cosmetic goals. At the Stein Center for Advanced Dentistry, we offer a wide selection of dental crowns, including all-porcelain and zirconia dental crowns. We can also place your new or replacement dental crown in one visit with in-office milling technology.
Our dentists and staff are committed to helping you improve the health, function, and appearance of your smile with personalized, comprehensive treatment plans. Visit our Skokie, IL, dentist office to explore the benefits of restorative dentistry and learn how dental crowns can benefit you.
Types of Dental Crowns: what to consider
There is a range of possible materials for your dental crown. Choosing the right option will depend upon the size and location of the tooth receiving the crown. We typically place zirconia and porcelain dental crowns for the most natural-looking result. Each of these ceramic options offers unique benefits, and we will discuss them with you for your consideration when creating a treatment plan to meet your needs. Our dentists will often recommend a zirconia crown when restoring a dental implant or repairing a tooth with significant damage. Zirconia will provide the most stable and lasting outcome for patients and support lasting dental health.
- Porcelain crowns: a porcelain crown will be color-matched to your existing teeth and provide a natural luster and shine. Porcelain crowns can be highly customized for a stable and comfortable fit. Porcelain is not as durable and strong as zirconia but can offer a beautiful result because of its opaque nature. If the tooth to be treated is in the smile zone, porcelain may be recommended.
- Zirconia crowns: zirconia is made from a biocompatible ceramic material known as Zirconia Dioxide. It is highly durable and strong, able to withstand the biting forces placed on teeth when chewing. This inherent material strength also allows the crown to be relatively thin, which offers superior fit and comfort. A zirconia crown can last for decades with good dental care and oral hygiene.
Metal sensitivity may be a consideration for some patients. Porcelain contains some metal, while zirconia is almost metal-free. A zirconia crown is more biocompatible and may be the better solution for patients with a metal allergy or long-term health concerns. Important factors will be the location of the tooth to be treated and the size of the crown, therefore, the amount of material to be used.
Same Day Crowns: what to expect
The Stein Center can offer same-day placement of your new zirconia or porcelain crown using an in-office milling machine. Our dentists are highly skilled at designing a custom dental crown and, using advanced CAD-CAM technology, can create and place your crown in a single visit. This means no more temporaries and no return visit to place the final restoration. Zirconia is an exceptional material for this process due to its natural properties and durability. Our in-office milling process can create a strong yet thin structure for placing over the tooth as a crown that will fit securely and comfortably.
The same-day process uses digital dental impressions for an easy, painless process that can deliver accurate results.
Traditional Crowns: what to expect
The traditional dental crown process is relatively simple and typically requires at least two visits to our Skokie dentist office. Our goal is to design and place high-quality dental crowns to address your dentistry needs and maintain the integrity of your smile for the long term. During the first phase of your care, our team will examine your teeth, prepare the affected tooth and take impressions as needed. To prepare the designated tooth for a dental crown, we may need to remove a small portion of the out enamel and carefully shape it so that it fits seamlessly under your dental crown. After we prepare the tooth, we will place a temporary crown while your permanent crown is fabricated.
After a master ceramist fabricates your custom dental crown, our team will gently remove your temporary crown and bond your new crown to your natural tooth. To achieve a more natural appearance, we may smooth and shape your permanent crown during your final appointment.
A custom dental crown can be used to address the following dental conditions:
- Restore chipped, cracked, or fractured tooth
- Improve the appearance of a misshapen tooth
- Help support a dental bridge
- Restore a dental implant
- Replace a traditional dental filling
- Stabilize a tooth after a root canal procedure
Inlays and Onlays
At Stein Center for Advanced Dentistry, we offer zirconia and porcelain inlays and onlays to address a wide range of dental needs. Similar to dental crowns, inlays and onlays offer a long-lasting, durable solution for tooth damage. More specifically, inlays and onlays can address lost fillings, fractured cusps, and poorly fitted or damaged restorations. They are most commonly used to replace dental fillings when a patient has a large cavity.
The main difference between inlays, onlays, and dental crowns is that inlays and onlays are designed in a single layer of zirconia or porcelain that is fitted over the area of damage. Onlays, by nature, are typically larger than inlays.
Patients who require inlays or onlays can look forward to these key benefits:
- Help seal out bacteria
- Adds strength and stability to the natural tooth
- Protects weak areas of the tooth
- Custom-designed to suit your needs
- Designed to blend naturally with your existing teeth
Dental Crown FAQs
How long does it take for a dental crown to settle in?
Most patients take anywhere from two to four days to adjust to their new crown. It may feel different or uneven for the first few days, but you will adjust to it over time. We frequently recommend and place zirconia crowns which provide a superior fit and will feel comfortable relatively quickly when compared to other materials.
Is having a crown painful?
Sedation can be used in the procedure for placing a crown, so there is typically no pain involved during the procedure. Afterward, patients may feel some slight discomfort in the treated area, but it will go away once the patient has adjusted to the feeling of the new crown.
How long are dental crowns supposed to last?
Dental crowns typically last around 15 years. With a good oral care routine and diet, they can last up to 25-30 years. Zirconia crowns are considered highly durable and can last for decades. Regular dental checkups can help extend the life of your crown as well.
If you would like to learn more about dental crowns in Skokie, IL, visit Dr. Stein and Dr. Weiss of The Stein Center for Advanced Dentistry. Our team is dedicated to helping our patients look and feel their best. By using innovative solutions and advanced dental technology, we can help restore health and beauty to your natural smile. To schedule an appointment, call 847.750.3125 or request an appointment online.