Quality Dental Crowns Preserve and Protect Your Teeth for a Lifetime of a Healthy, Stunning Smile
You may need a dental crown for several cosmetic and non-cosmetic reasons. Dr. Chitra Pradeep can recommend a dental Crown (cap) to beautify your stained or fractured tooth. Restoration-wise, we may recommend a dental crown to strengthen a weakened tooth or to complete a tooth replacement process, such as an implant or bridge.
While crowns are incredible appliances in dentistry, most patients are turned off by the lengthy treatment process, which typically may stretch over several weeks. However, thanks to CAD/CAM technology, dental offices like Aqua Dental can prepare and install dental crowns as you wait! Don’t believe it? There is only one way to confirm. Please book an appointment with Aqua Dental and see for yourself.
iTero Digital scans for Dental Crown Procedure
The initial steps of getting same-day dental crowns aren’t much different from traditional crowns. After examining your tooth, we prepare your tooth by shaving down your enamel—the procedure is done under anesthesia to minimize discomfort. However, instead of gooey impressions, we use an iTero intraoral scanner to capture images of your mouth.
The images are fed into the CAD/CAM unit, which designs and fabricates your crown as you wait. We don’t send dental molds to an off-site dental lab—after Dr. Pradeep approves the crown design, fabrication is done right here in our office using an in-house milling machine.
Once your crown is ready, we make minor changes for a comfortable fit. Then, we use dental cement to bond it permanently on your tooth.
Same day Dental Crowns are Durable and Have Other Benefits
Often, good things are worth waiting for, but this isn’t the case with same day crowns. When we restore your teeth with same-day crowns, they are just as durable and strong as crowns fabricated through the traditional route. So, you aren’t trading quality for speed when you opt for single-visit crowns.
The other benefits include:
- They save time – everything from preparation to installation is done in one appointment
- More accurate – your crown is produced with the exact specifications of the design
- They don’t need temporary crowns, known to loosen or fall out before your next appointment
Dental Crowns FAQs
What is a dental crown, and when is it needed?
A dental crown is a personalized covering placed over a compromised tooth to rebuild its form, reinforce its strength, and enhance its appearance. These are commonly recommended for teeth with large fillings, cracks, extensive decay, root canal treatment, or to support a dental bridge. By covering and protecting the underlying tooth structure, crowns prevent further damage and can improve chewing function and smile aesthetics.
What materials are dental crowns made from?
Dental crowns are crafted from various materials, including porcelain-fused-to-metal, all-ceramic, zirconia, gold alloys, and composite resin. Porcelain and ceramic crowns offer excellent aesthetics, matching the color and translucency of natural teeth. Zirconia provides exceptional strength for back teeth. Gold alloy crowns are highly durable and biocompatible, making them suitable for patients with heavy bite forces. Your dentist will recommend the best material based on location, functional needs, and cosmetic goals.
How long does getting a dental crown usually take?
The typical procedure requires two appointments. In the first visit (about 60–90 minutes), the dentist removes decay, reshapes the tooth, and takes an impression before fitting a temporary crown. The second appointment (around 30–60 minutes) involves removing the temporary restoration, verifying the fit and shade of the permanent crown, and cementing it in place. With same‑day crown technology, the entire process can sometimes be completed in just one visit.
How long do dental crowns last?
With proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, a well-maintained crown can last between 10 and 15 years and sometimes longer. Factors affecting longevity include the material chosen, the location of the crown, bite alignment, oral hygiene habits, and lifestyle factors like grinding or chewing hard objects. Routine brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings are essential to prevent decay at the crown’s margins and preserve both the crown and underlying tooth.
How should I care for my dental crown?
Caring for a dental crown involves the same daily routine as your natural teeth: brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily—using floss threaders to clean around the crown margin—and rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash. Avoid chewing ice, hard candies, or sticky foods that can dislodge or chip the crown. Regular dental exams and cleanings allow your dentist to monitor crown integrity and address any issues early, ensuring lasting performance.
Can a dental crown match the color of my natural teeth?
Yes. Modern crown materials like all-ceramic and porcelain-fused-to-metal can be precisely shade-matched to adjacent teeth. Your dentist will use a shade guide to select the ideal hue and translucency for the crown, resulting in a seamless, natural-looking restoration. Communicate any cosmetic preferences—such as whitening existing teeth before crown placement—to achieve uniform color and improve overall smile aesthetics.
Does insurance cover dental crowns, and what are my payment options?
Many dental insurance plans cover at least part of the cost of crowns when deemed medically necessary. Coverage levels vary based on your policy’s annual maximum and deductible. Our team can help verify your benefits and submit claims on your behalf. For out-of-pocket expenses, financing options and payment plans are often available to spread costs over time. Contact our office to discuss eligibility and affordable payment solutions.
If you have a damaged or decayed tooth or your old filling has fallen out, we are here to help. At Aqua Dental in Austin, Texas, we offer same-day dental crowns to restore your smile in a single appointment. Please dial (512) 643-6571 to book an appointment.