Which Type of Dental Crown is Right for You?

Looking to brighten your smile or restore a damaged tooth? A dental crown might be the solution. Whether you’ve been dealing with decay, a cracked tooth, or need protection after a root canal, dental crowns can strengthen your teeth, enhance your smile, and improve your overall oral health.

At Espire Dental, we offer custom dental crown treatments — including same-day crowns — tailored to your needs, comfort, and smile goals.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown (often called a "cap") is a protective covering that fully encases a damaged tooth. It restores the tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance — while also helping prevent future damage.

Crowns are typically recommended in cases such as:

  • Large cavities that compromise most of the tooth
  • Cracked, chipped, or worn-down teeth
  • Teeth that have had root canal therapy
  • Discolored or misshapen teeth
  • Support for dental bridges or implants

By fitting over your natural tooth, a crown allows you to chew comfortably and smile confidently.

What to Expect During a Dental Crown Procedure

Step 1: Consultation and Tooth Preparation

Your journey begins with a thorough dental exam, including digital X-rays to assess the health of the affected tooth and surrounding structures. If there’s any sign of infection, a root canal may be recommended before crown placement.

Next, your dentist will carefully reshape the tooth to make room for the crown and ensure a secure fit.

Step 2: Digital Scanning or Impressions

At Espire Dental, we use advanced digital scanning technology to capture a 3D image of your teeth — no goopy impressions needed! This allows us to create a precise, custom-fit crown that blends seamlessly with your smile.

Depending on your unique needs, we may offer:

  • Same-day crowns using CAD/CAM technology, created and placed in just one visit
  • Lab-fabricated crowns, which are custom-made and returned to our office in about 2–4 weeks

If a lab-made crown is needed, we’ll place a temporary crown to protect your tooth in the meantime.

Step 3: Final Placement

Once your permanent crown is ready, we’ll ensure it fits comfortably and doesn’t interfere with your bite. After any necessary adjustments, your crown will be cemented into place for a secure, natural-looking result.

With proper care, your crown can last 5 to 15 years or even longer.

Types of Dental Crowns

Choosing the right crown depends on your dental needs, aesthetic preferences, and budget. Here’s a breakdown of the most common materials:

Metal Crowns

  • Best for: Back molars
  • Pros: Extremely strong and durable
  • Cons: Metallic color is noticeable and not ideal for visible teeth

All-Ceramic or All-Porcelain Crowns

  • Best for: Front teeth
  • Pros: Matches natural tooth color, excellent aesthetics
  • Cons: Less durable than metal crowns, more prone to wear

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns

  • Best for: Front or back teeth
  • Pros: Offers strength with a tooth-like appearance
  • Cons: May show a metal line near the gums; porcelain can chip

Zirconia or Lithium Disilicate Crowns (All-Ceramic)

  • Best for: Versatile for front or back teeth
  • Pros: Highly durable, natural appearance, biocompatible
  • Cons: More expensive than other options, but increasingly popular

All-Resin Crowns

  • Best for: Temporary solutions
  • Pros: Cost-effective
  • Cons: Less durable, more prone to wear and fracture

Choosing the Right Crown for You

Don’t let a cracked, decayed, or discolored tooth keep you from feeling your best. At Espire Dental, we’ll help you choose the best type of crown based on your unique needs and lifestyle — and in many cases, we can complete the entire process in just one day.

Ready to restore your smile?
Contact your local Espire Dental office today to schedule your consultation and take the next step toward a healthier, more confident smile.