Dental crowns are one of the most versatile dental treatments at our dental office. Our dentists often use crowns in many cosmetic and restorative dentistry cases. A crown placement can be a part of a comprehensive treatment plan or as a stand-alone service. 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 using our in-office milling technology.
Our dentists and staff commit to helping each and every one of our patients improve the health, function, and appearance of their mouth. That’s how we can create personalized and 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 at The Stein Center
There is a range of possible materials for your new 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. The type and number of dental crowns you receive will depend on your unique dental health needs and cosmetic goals.
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
Porcelain dental crowns are strong, and look like your natural teeth. When our dentist puts them on your teeth, they will help cover up damaged or cracked areas, and also help protect the weakened parts of your tooth. Our dentists can highly customize porcelain crowns to give you the most stable and comfortable fit.
We will color-match your porcelain dental crown to your existing teeth so that it provides a natural luster and shine. However, porcelain is not as durable and strong as zirconia but can offer a beautiful result because of its opaque nature. If your affected tooth is in the smile zone, we may recommend a porcelain crown.
Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia consists of a biocompatible ceramic material known as Zirconia Dioxide. It is a highly durable and strong material. For example, it is able to withstand the biting forces placed on your teeth when you are chewing. This inherent material strength also allows the dental 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.
Same-day Dental Crowns in Skokie, IL
The Stein Center can offer same-day placement of your new zirconia or porcelain crown using an in-office milling machine. Our highly-skilled dentists can design, create, and place a custom dental crown in a single visit using advanced CAD-CAM software. This means that you will not have to deal with temporaries and will not have to return a second time 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 crown structure for placing securely and comfortably over your affected tooth. Furthermore, we use digital dental impressions in our same-day dental crowns process to make it easy and painless for you.
Traditional Dental Crowns
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 dental impressions of your mouth.
To prepare the designated tooth for a dental crown, we may need to remove a small portion of the tooth’s outer enamel. Then, we carefully shape it so that it fits seamlessly under your dental crown. After we prepare the tooth, we will place a temporary crown so that you can still use the tooth while we fabricate your permanent crown.
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 out, shape, and polish your permanent crown during your final appointment.
our dentists can use a custom dental crown to address the following dental conditions:
- Restore a 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
We offer zirconia and porcelain inlays and onlays, or partial crowns, at Stein Center for Advanced Dentistry 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. We most commonly use them to replace dental fillings when a patient has a cavity that is not large enough for a dental crown.
These three types of treatments all serve a similar purpose: to restore the strength, symmetry and integrity of a tooth. However, each provide a different level of coverage and protection. The main difference between our inlays, onlays, and dental crowns is that we design our inlays and onlays in a single layer of zirconia or porcelain.
We will provide an inlay when there is limited damage to the cusp and surface area of your tooth. We will place an onlay when your affected tooth has significant damage to the cusp or large surface area. Both offer superior protection of and support to the tooth against further decay and damage.
In contrast, a dental crown involves the placement of a full-coverage prosthetic material over the entire surface of an affected tooth. Crowns are the best restoration treatment option for when you have significant damage to the entire tooth.
Patients who require inlays or onlays can look forward to the following 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.
Talk to our dentists about what restoration treatment is best for you, and be sure to ask questions so that you get the most appropriate option for your smile. With the right treatment, you’ll be on your way to a smile that you can be proud of!
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 getting a dental crown painful?
No, getting a dental crown is no more painful than getting a dental filling. Our dentist will apply a local anesthetic to numb your mouth, but we can also provide dental sedation to anxious patients. There is typically no pain during the procedure. Afterward, patients may feel some slight discomfort in the treated area, but it will go away once the patient adjusts to the feeling of the new crown.
How long are dental crowns supposed to last?
Dental crowns typically last around 15 years. However, they can last up to 25-30 years with a good oral care routine and diet. Zirconia crowns are highly durable and can last for decades. Regular dental checkups will help extend the life of your crown as well.
If you would like to learn more about dental crowns in Skokie and Park Ridge, IL, visit Dr. Stein and Dr. Weiss at The Stein Center for Advanced Dentistry. Our dental care team helps 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 in no time. To schedule an appointment, call 847.750.3125 or request an appointment online.