Crown Restorations
Strong, Beautiful Protection for Your Teeth
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap placed over a damaged, decayed, or weakened tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. When a tooth can no longer be effectively repaired with a filling alone, a crown is the next best option short of extraction — and often the best way to preserve a tooth for many years to come.
At Lifestream Dental & Wellness, Dr. Alex Planes uses the highest quality porcelain and ceramic materials to craft crowns that are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth. Every crown is custom-shaded and shaped to harmonize perfectly with your surrounding teeth.
When Is a Crown Needed?
- A tooth with a large cavity too extensive for a filling to restore
- A cracked, chipped, or fractured tooth that is at risk of breaking
- A tooth that has been weakened by root canal treatment
- A severely worn tooth from bruxism (teeth grinding)
- An anchor tooth for a dental bridge
- A dental implant post requiring a final crown restoration
- A tooth with significant cosmetic imperfections not suitable for veneers
Crown Materials We Use
All-Ceramic / All-Porcelain: The most aesthetic option, ideal for front teeth. These crowns match the color and light-translucency of natural enamel beautifully and contain no metal.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM): A layer of porcelain bonded over a metal substructure. Offers excellent durability for back teeth, with good aesthetics.
Zirconia: Extremely strong and highly aesthetic. Zirconia crowns are an excellent choice for back teeth where maximum strength is needed without sacrificing appearance.
The Crown Process at Lifestream
Visit 1 — Preparation: The tooth is numbed with local anesthetic and reshaped to create space for the crown. Precise digital impressions are taken and sent to our dental laboratory. A temporary crown protects the prepared tooth between visits.
Visit 2 — Placement: Your custom crown is checked for fit, bite, and color. Once you and Dr. Planes are satisfied with the result, the crown is permanently cemented in place. The whole process is comfortable and the result is immediately functional and beautiful.
How to Care for Your Crown
- Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily, including around the margins of the crown
- Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, or using your teeth as tools
- Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth
- Attend regular checkups and cleanings so we can monitor the crown
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do dental crowns last?
With proper care, dental crowns typically last 10 to 15 years or longer. The lifespan depends on the material, your oral hygiene, and habits like teeth grinding. Porcelain-fused-to-zirconia crowns are among the most durable options available today.
Does getting a crown hurt?
The crown preparation is performed under local anesthetic, so you should feel no pain during the procedure. After the anesthetic wears off, some sensitivity around the prepared tooth is normal for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually sufficient. If you experience significant or prolonged pain, contact our office.
Can I get a crown in one visit?
Traditional crown placement requires two visits with a temporary crown in between while your permanent restoration is fabricated by our laboratory. This process ensures the highest quality fit and aesthetics. We will discuss your timeline during your consultation appointment.
Will my crown look natural?
Absolutely. Modern all-ceramic and zirconia crowns are remarkably lifelike. Dr. Planes carefully matches the shade, translucency, and surface texture to your surrounding natural teeth so that your crown is virtually undetectable. Most patients are amazed by how natural their crown looks and feels.
Does insurance cover dental crowns?
Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost of crowns when they are deemed medically necessary. We work with most major PPO plans and will help you understand your coverage before treatment begins. Our team can verify your benefits and provide a detailed cost estimate at your consultation.
