1933 Franciscan Way, West Chicago, IL 60185
At the office of West Chicago Smiles, we combine modern dental technology with a patient-centered approach to restore smiles with confidence. When a tooth’s structure is weakened by decay, injury, or dental procedures, a crown can be the difference between ongoing problems and a long-term, natural-looking solution.
Ceramic crowns have evolved significantly in recent years. Advances in dental ceramics mean patients can now get restorations that are both strong and highly aesthetic, without the need for a metal framework. The result is a crown that blends seamlessly with surrounding teeth while providing reliable protection and function.
Throughout your treatment, our goal is to balance durability, comfort, and appearance. We tailor every restoration to the individual needs of each patient, taking into account the tooth's position, bite dynamics, and cosmetic expectations so the finished crown feels and looks like a natural part of your smile.
A crown is a full-coverage restoration designed to replace the visible portion of a damaged tooth. Dentists typically recommend a crown when a tooth’s remaining structure is not strong enough to support a filling or when the tooth needs protection after significant dental work. Common scenarios include large fractures, extensive decay, or a tooth that has been structurally weakened by repeated restorations.
Teeth that have undergone root canal therapy often benefit from a crown because the procedure can leave the tooth more brittle and prone to fracture. Similarly, teeth that serve as anchors for bridges or that top dental implants usually require a crown to restore proper function and to ensure a stable, long-lasting result.
Other reasons to consider a crown include correcting the shape, size, or color of a tooth when conservative cosmetic options are insufficient, and managing wear from grinding or an uneven bite. During an exam, your dentist will evaluate the tooth with visual inspection and imaging to determine whether a crown is the most appropriate and conservative choice.
All-ceramic crowns are prized for their ability to mimic the optical qualities of natural teeth. Ceramic materials can capture translucency, subtle color gradients, and the way enamel reflects light—traits that are difficult to reproduce with metal-based restorations. For front teeth or any tooth visible when you smile, ceramics offer an esthetic edge.
Beyond looks, ceramics are highly biocompatible. Being metal-free reduces the risk of allergic reactions and eliminates visible dark margins at the gumline that can occur with some metal-ceramic crowns. Many ceramic materials are also resistant to staining, helping your restoration retain a natural appearance over time.
Modern ceramic systems allow dentists to preserve more of the tooth during preparation compared with older techniques. Thinner restorations can be used in many cases, which helps maintain tooth strength and can lead to a more conservative overall treatment plan while still delivering excellent long-term performance.
Not all ceramic crowns are identical; different formulations balance translucency, strength, and polishability. When selecting the right material, clinicians consider the tooth’s location and the mechanical forces it will face. For a central incisor, translucency and lifelike appearance may take priority. For a molar, strength and wear resistance are typically more important.
Lithium disilicate ceramics are commonly chosen for their attractive optical properties and reliable strength, making them a versatile option for front and some back teeth. Pressable ceramics reinforced with leucite offer excellent esthetics for anterior restorations. Zirconia-based ceramics—especially monolithic or high-translucent formulations—provide a robust choice for high-stress areas while newer translucent zirconias bring improved esthetics to posterior restorations.
Your clinician will explain the trade-offs between options and recommend the material that best meets your functional needs and cosmetic goals. Advances in CAD/CAM milling and laboratory techniques also mean that many ceramic crowns can be designed and fabricated with exceptional precision and fit.
Treatment begins with a thorough assessment that includes clinical examination and imaging as needed. We evaluate the tooth’s structural integrity, the surrounding gum tissue, and how the tooth contacts opposing teeth during biting and chewing. This planning phase helps ensure the chosen restoration will be durable and comfortable.
Modern workflows often use digital impressions to capture detailed anatomy without traditional impression materials. Whether using digital scans or conventional impressions, precision is essential for a well-fitting crown. In many cases, a temporary restoration protects the prepared tooth while the final crown is fabricated.
At placement, the dentist verifies fit, shade match, and bite, making any necessary adjustments before permanently cementing the crown. Properly seated and finished, a ceramic crown should restore normal chewing function and integrate visually with the rest of your teeth. Follow-up visits allow us to check the restoration and ensure it is performing as intended.
With appropriate care, ceramic crowns can last many years. Daily brushing and flossing around the crowned tooth help prevent decay at the margins and maintain gum health. Using a non-abrasive toothpaste preserves the crown’s surface, and routine dental exams allow early detection of any issues such as wear, looseness, or problems with the bite.
If you grind or clench your teeth, a custom mouthguard can reduce stress on a crown and on natural teeth. Likewise, addressing bite concerns and maintaining a consistent hygiene routine are practical steps that support the longevity of any restoration.
Should a crown ever need attention—due to wear, a change in the underlying tooth, or a shift in the surrounding dentition—your dentist can evaluate whether repair, replacement, or another approach is most appropriate. Regular professional care is the best safeguard for long-term success.
In summary, ceramic crowns combine contemporary strength and esthetics to restore damaged teeth in a way that respects both function and appearance. If you’d like to learn more about ceramic crowns or discuss whether they’re the right option for you, please contact us for more information.
While a dental filling is designed to replace a portion of a decayed or damaged tooth, a dental crown offers full coverage to restore the tooth’s entire outer surface. A well-fitting dental crown not only protects and strengthens the underlying tooth structure, but it also restores the tooth’s appearance and function.
The procedure for getting an all-ceramic crown is much like the procedure for getting any other type of crown. In all cases, the tooth needs to be prepared, an impression taken, and a permanent crown cemented into place. A single all-ceramic crown can typically be fabricated over the course of two visits. However, with CAD/CAM technology, a same-day crown can be fabricated from start to finish in a single visit. With the first approach, a temporary crown is typically worn until the second visit, when the permanent restoration is placed. As with every treatment plan, our office will explain your best options in care.
As the name implies, a temporary crown is only worn for a short time until the permanent crown is placed. A temporary crown is typically fabricated from durable tooth-colored dental acrylics. While designed to protect the underlying tooth between appointments, and until your new permanent crown gets placed, a temporary crown is also fabricated to look like a natural tooth and maintain the look of your smile.
While you should feel better having an attractive and functional tooth to restore your smile, your tooth may feel a little sensitive following treatment. This initial sensitivity will subside. We take great care to make sure your new restoration looks great, fits well, and your bite is perfect. However, we’re always happy to make any minor adjustments to ensure your comfort.
With some exceptions, teeth with root canal procedures are typically restored and protected from further damage with a full-coverage crown. Based on what’s best for your smile, our office will recommend the most appropriate restoration to maintain the health and longevity of your tooth following a root canal procedure.
A dental crown is a long-term restoration that, if properly cared for, can serve you well for many years to come. Once your new crown is placed, it requires the same brushing, flossing, and periodic checkups as your natural teeth. Avoid biting your fingernails and chewing on hard or sticky objects such as ice, pencils, or taffy, which can damage or loosen your crown. Remember, clenching and grinding your teeth puts excessive pressure on both natural teeth and dental restorations. Unless treated, this habit can compromise the longevity and integrity of your dental work, including crowns.
Although your new all-ceramic crown restores the tooth's strength, form, and function, you can still develop dental disease in the absence of proper care. To prevent gum disease and tooth decay, it’s essential to brush and floss as instructed and see our office for routine checkups, cleanings, and care.
How long a dental crown lasts depends on various factors, including your level of oral care, diet, and oral habits. While the standard answer is that dental crowns can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years, existing literature confirms that most dental crowns remain in place at 15 to 20 years.
At the office of West Chicago Smiles, we strive to provide the highest quality of care to address all your dental needs. Once we’ve had the opportunity to examine your smile, we can give you a clear picture of any dental issues that are present, along with a quote for how much treatment will be. The cost of dental crowns can vary a little, depending on the type of crown and its location. Our goals are to provide the highest quality of care and help patients begin treatment without additional financial stress or delay. We’re always happy to answer all your questions on dental insurance coverage, available financing, and payment plans.
Coverage for all-ceramic crowns depends on your dental insurance plan. Today, many dental plans provide some level of coverage for all-ceramic crowns. At the office of West Chicago Smiles, we work with patients to optimize their dental benefits and get the care they need to maintain healthy and beautiful smiles!
