Porcelain Crowns

*Actual Patient

What Is a Porcelain Dental Crown?

A porcelain dental crown is a restoration that covers an entire tooth to restore it to its normal shape and size. Its purpose is to strengthen or improve the appearance of a tooth, and give the tooth solid and healthy structural support.

Dental Implants

All-On-4^® Teeth in a Day

Full Mouth Rehabilitation

CEREC^® One-Visit Restorations

Dental Bridges

Dentures

Tooth-Colored Fillings

Inlays and Onlays

What Are the Benefits of Dental Crowns?

Porcelain dental crowns from our cosmetic dentist, Dr. Wayde Fawcett, can be beneficial for patients struggling with substantial tooth decay and damage. Acting as a “cap”, a crown can cover a weakened tooth to not only restore and protect it from further damage, but also improve the tooth’s appearance. Dental crowns are often used during the dental implant procedure, as well, as the crown replaces the actual tooth and the implant acts as the tooth’s root.

Additionally, dental crowns can:

Support a large filling when there isn’t enough tooth remaining
Attach a bridge
Strengthen a tooth after root canal therapy

Cosmetic Dentistry

Smile Gallery

Dental Technology

Advanced Dental Support

Dental Implants

Porcelain Veneers

“Same Day” Crowns With the CEREC^® System

Patients seeking “same day” crowns can benefit from the time saved, as this option eliminates the need for placement of a temporary crown while you wait for your permanent crown to be made. Placement of a permanent “same day” crown is a fixed, custom fit for your tooth and bite right after tooth preparation.

Temporary crowns used in traditional crown procedures are meant to last only a short time and are an approximated fit for your tooth. They do not offer the same durability, security, or protection from sensitivity as the final restoration and must be treated as such. Thus, same day placement of your permanent crown with the CEREC^® system can restore full protection, form, and function to your tooth and bite right away.

Furthermore, the CEREC^® system that creates the “same day” crown fabricates the crown based on extremely accurate, advanced 3D imaging of your tooth. The CEREC^® system delivers a highly customized end result, quickly and easily.

“I pulled a temporary crown while brushing my teeth, called and was taken care in a matter of minutes.”

~ Siemowit Rudnicki

What Are the Different Types of Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns can be fabricated from a wide variety of materials, including resin, gold alloy, metal alloys, a combination of porcelain fused to metal, and all-porcelain (also called ceramic). At our practice, Dr. Fawcett prefers to utilize all-porcelain crowns due to their exceptional strength and aesthetics. Our ceramic crowns can either be crafted in-office with our CEREC^® machine or fabricated in a dental laboratory.

The specific ceramic material Dr. Fawcett recommends for your crown depends upon a variety of factors. If the crown is for a molar, he may recommend a material with more opaque aesthetics and optimal durability, while a front tooth may benefit from a material that offers the most natural-looking luster. Additionally, the degree of preparation the tooth requires and the desired longevity of the crown can also influence the choice of material.

At the time of your consultation, Dr. Fawcett will discuss all of your options in great detail, helping you select the best type of crown for your needs and goals.

What Is a CEREC^® Same Day Dental Crown?

Our practice offers the incredible CEREC^® CAD/CAM technology – an advanced computer-aided system for creating custom-designed ceramic crowns in a single office visit. After an impression of your teeth has been made, the crown will be precisely designed to fit over your tooth. With the CEREC^® milling system, your crown will then be milled right here in our office, artistically tinted and polished to perfectly match the surrounding teeth before it is carefully fitted onto the tooth.

Dr. Fawcett considers many factors such as the color, shape, length, and occlusion (or “bite”) to ensure that the crown restoration will look natural and aesthetically pleasing.

Smiling young man lying down on a green grass with daisies

What Does the Dental Crown Procedure Involve?

To begin the dental crown procedure, Dr. Fawcett numbs the tooth and the surrounding area with a local anesthetic for your comfort. Once the area is desensitized, he can prepare the tooth, which involves removing all damage/decay and shaping the remaining healthy tooth material to properly support a crown. When the tooth is prepared, an impression is taken and the new crown is designed. You may receive a temporary crown to protect your tooth while your permanent crown is made in the lab, or you can choose a same-day crown milled with the CEREC^® machine. When your CEREC^® crown is ready (during the same appointment) or your permanent crown returns from the lab (usually after about a week or two), Dr. Fawcett checks the crown’s fit and appearance to make sure each detail is correct. Finally, the crown is securely fixed to the tooth with a long-lasting bond.

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

High-quality, all-ceramic crowns can last up to 15 years or more—in some cases even decades—with proper care. To extend the life of your crown, it is important to practice good dental hygiene (brushing and flossing twice per day) in addition to attending professional cleanings and dental exams three to four times per year. If you have problems with teeth grinding or clenching during sleep, Dr. Fawcett may recommend a night guard to protect your crown from damage.

How Much Does a Dental Crown Cost?

Every crown is custom-designed and crafted to align with the unique needs and goals of each patient, which means pricing can fluctuate. Factors that can impact the overall cost of your treatment plan may include the following:

Material used to craft the crown

Fabrication technique used to craft the crown

Which tooth is receiving the crown

Degree of tooth preparation required

Any additional treatment required (i.e. a root canal or gum therapy)

Complexity of the procedure

Fees for dental sedation, if requested

If you are interested in finding out how much your dental crown would cost, we encourage you to contact our practice to schedule an appointment with Dr. Fawcett. After a comprehensive exam, a discussion of your dental needs, and an explanation of treatment options, you can receive a price estimate for Dr. Fawcett’s proposed plan. At this time, you can also speak with a friendly member of our office team to learn more about dental insurance coverage and payment methods.

If you are interested in acquiring financing to help make the cost of treatment more budget-friendly, we have partnered with trusted third-party lenders—Wells Fargo Health Advantage^® and CareCredit^®. Approved applicants may be eligible for low-/no-interest loans and flexible monthly payment plans offered by these lenders. If you have any questions about financing, insurance, or pricing, our team is happy to provide the answers you need.

Are There Alternatives to Dental Crowns?

There are a variety of dental procedures that can correct oral imperfections and damage. While dental crowns can be a great option, some patients may be better suited for an alternative. For aesthetic improvements, porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, and cosmetic bonding may be ideal treatments. To address structural and restorative concerns, dental bridges may be preferred. Dr. Fawcett can discuss all options that may be right for your needs during your initial consultation.

Additional FAQs About Same Day CEREC^® Crowns

A: A “same day” crown is a “one visit” dental crown fabricated with the CEREC^® system. Placement of a traditional crown typically involves at least two appointments with Dr. Fawcett. In the first visit, your tooth is prepared, an impression is taken, and a temporary crown is placed over the prepared tooth until the final crown is ready. When the lab has created your crown, you will then have your second visit with Dr. Fawcett to have the crown cemented firmly into place. With a “same day” crown, all the steps of your crown procedure can typically be performed in the span of one appointment with Dr. Fawcett. There is no waiting for your permanent crown to return from the lab since it will be milled at our office using the CEREC^® system while you wait.

A: Generally speaking, “same day” crowns made with the CEREC^® system are comparable to crowns fabricated in the lab. All-ceramic CEREC^® crowns are made of highly durable material that can look almost indistinguishable from a natural tooth. There are some determining factors that Dr. Fawcett can discuss with you that may make one option more preferable to the other depending on the unique circumstances of your case. Every dental crown placement procedure is different and Dr. Fawcett’s dedication to providing his patients with highly customized care can help direct you toward the option best suited to you.

Contact the Fawcett Center for Dentistry, P.A.

If you would like more information on how porcelain dental crowns can restore both the form and function of your teeth, please contact the Fawcett Center for Dentistry. Dr. Fawcett will be happy to meet with you and answer any questions you may have.

Porcelain Dental Crowns in Houston, TX

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