When a tooth is damaged, cracked, or weakened, restoring it with a dental crown can protect it from further harm while preserving your natural tooth structure.
Thanks to our advanced technology, including digital impressions and in-office milling, you can now receive a beautiful, custom, dental crown in a single appointment, no need for temporary crowns or messy impressions.
Summary: Dental crowns are a proven way to repair and protect teeth affected by decay, fractures, large fillings, or cosmetic issues. CEREC same-day crowns use advanced technology to create custom, natural-looking restorations in a single visit. Made from durable zirconia or glass ceramic, your crown is designed to blend seamlessly with your smile and last for many years with proper care.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over a damaged tooth to restore its function, strength, and appearance. It can be made in-office or in a dental lab. It is often recommended to:
- Protect broken or fractured teeth
- Strengthen teeth weakened by large fillings or decay
- Restore teeth after a root canal
- Complete a dental implant restoration
- Improve the appearance of misshapen or discolored teeth
CEREC Same-Day Crowns vs. Traditional Crowns
Most of the crowns we place are CEREC same-day crowns, which combine convenience, precision, and modern materials. In certain situations, a traditional lab-made crown may be recommended.
CEREC Same-Day Crowns
Same-day crowns are designed, created, and placed in a single visit using advanced CAD/CAM technology. These restorations are made from high-quality zirconia or glass ceramic, offering a precise fit and natural appearance without the need for a temporary crown.
Same-day crowns are ideal if you want:
- A faster solution completed in one appointment
- No temporary crowns or second visit
- Custom staining and glazing
- Metal-free, highly esthetic materials
Our team will help you explore both options and decide which crown best suits your needs.
Traditional Crowns
In some cases, a traditional crown fabricated by a dental lab may be the best option. These crowns typically require two appointments and are used when:
- Unique esthetic requirements are needed
- A specialized material is preferred
- Multiple crowns are placed at once
At your first visit, we prepare the tooth, take digital impressions, and place a temporary crown. After a few weeks, you return to have the final crown bonded in place.
Our team will help you understand your options and recommend the approach that best supports your oral health and goals.
How the Dental Crown Process Works
Whether you choose a traditional crown or a same-day CEREC crown, the process starts with careful planning and advanced digital technology. Here is what you can expect:
- Tooth preparation: We gently prepare the tooth by removing any weakened areas and shaping it to allow the crown to fit precisely. This step helps protect the tooth and ensures a strong, long-lasting bond.
- Digital Impressions: Instead of traditional trays and putty, we use an intraoral scanner to capture detailed digital impressions. This 3D model allows for greater accuracy and comfort.
- Design and Fabrication: CEREC Same-Day Crowns: Your crown is designed using CAD/CAM software and milled right here in our office from a solid ceramic or zirconia block. You can relax while it is crafted, polished, and prepared for placement. Traditional Crowns: Your digital impressions are sent to a trusted dental lab where skilled technicians create your custom crown. A temporary crown is placed to protect your tooth while the final restoration is fabricated, typically taking about two weeks.
- Placement and Final Adjustments: All crowns are checked for fit, esthetics, and function. Only once the patient and the dentist are satisfied, it is permanently cemented. The result is a beautiful lifelike restoration that can last a lifetime.
Caring For Your New Crown
Dental crowns are strong, but just like your natural teeth, they can chip or break. Here are some tips for proper care:
- Brush and floss every day to keep the crown and surrounding teeth clean
- Schedule regular dental check-ups so we can monitor the crown and your bite
- Use a custom night guard if you clench or grind your teeth
- Avoid biting on hard objects like ice or pens
- Let us know right away if you notice any sensitivity, looseness, or discomfort
With the right care, your crown can last for many years, keeping your bite strong and your beautiful smile intact.
Materials Matter: Why We Use Zirconia and Glass Ceramic
We believe that excellent dentistry starts with materials you can trust. For same-day crowns, we choose zirconia and glass ceramic because they combine durability, safety, and a natural look that blends seamlessly with your smile.
Key benefits of these materials:
- Natural appearance: Mimics the color and light-reflecting qualities of real teeth for a beautiful, lifelike result.
- Biocompatibility: Kind to gum tissue, with minimal risk of sensitivity or allergic reaction.
- No dark edges: You will not see gray lines along the gumline, even after years of wear.
- Strength and reliability: Resists chips and cracks, making it a strong choice for both front and back teeth.
- Metal-free option: A great fit for patients who prefer restorations without any metal.
Using advanced, non-metal materials helps us deliver crowns that feel comfortable, last for years, and support your long-term health.
Insurance and Membership Options
We are in-network with Delta Dental Premier, Cigna DPPO Plus, Anthem, and Blue Cross Blue Shield, and we also accept patients with out-of-network benefits. For those without dental insurance, our in-house membership plan offers an affordable option for routine care.
Our office proudly serves Boulder and the surrounding communities of Superior, Louisville, Lafayette, Longmont, and Erie.
To book an appointment at our dental office in Boulder, CO, call (303) 442-6141 or visit us at 777 29th St, Unit 300 Boulder, CO 80303.
FAQs
What are same-day crowns made of?
Same-day crowns are crafted from zirconia or glass ceramic. These materials are metal-free, biocompatible, and designed to match the color and translucency of your natural teeth.
How long do dental crowns last?
While studies will often state a lifespan of a crown is 10-15 years, with proper care, crowns can often last a lifetime! However, their lifespan depends on factors like your oral hygiene, diet, and whether you clench or grind your teeth. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups will help keep your crown in great shape.
Are CEREC crowns as strong as traditional crowns?
CEREC crowns are very strong and comparable in durability to traditional lab-made crowns. They are designed to handle normal chewing forces and daily wear. However, like any dental restoration, their long-term strength depends on good oral hygiene and avoiding habits like grinding or biting hard objects.
Can I eat normally after getting a dental crown?
Your crown is made to work just like a natural tooth, so you can eat and chew as you normally would.
