Protective caps placed over damaged or weakened teeth, the primary purpose of dental crowns is to restore strength and appearance. Our Grand Rapids dentist offers both traditional porcelain crowns and same-day CEREC crowns. Traditional crowns are custom-made in a lab, requiring two visits, while CEREC crowns are designed and placed in a single appointment using advanced digital technology. Regardless of what you choose, both options are built to lend support and natural beauty to your smile.
Learn more about getting a dental crown placed below.
When a Dental Crown is Needed
A dental crown is used to restore strength, function, and appearance when a simple tooth-colored filling won’t suffice. They serve as protective caps that cover the entire visible surface of a tooth, offering durability and a natural look. We may recommend a dental crown if you have:
- A tooth has been significantly weakened by decay or large fillings
- A tooth that is cracked, broken, or severely worn down
- Undergone a root canal and the tooth needs added protection
- A dental implant that needs a restoration placed on top
- A dental bridge that needs anchor support from neighboring teeth
- A tooth that is severely discolored or misshapen and requires cosmetic improvement
Crowns help preserve the natural tooth underneath and restore what’s above the gumline, allowing you to bite and chew with confidence. Our dentist will evaluate your condition to determine if a crown is the best treatment for your needs.
Traditional vs. Same-Day Crowns
Standard dental crowns typically require two appointments. On the first visit to our Grand Rapids, MI, dental office, we’ll reshape the tooth and take physical or digital impressions. A temporary crown will be placed to protect the tooth while your custom porcelain crown is made in an off-site dental lab. During the second visit, usually a couple of weeks later, we’ll remove the temporary and place the permanent crown, ensuring a proper fit and color match.
Same-day crowns streamline the process using advanced computer-assisted technology. After digital impressions are taken, the information is sent to our in-office milling machine. From there, your crown is sculpted from a durable block of ceramic that matches the natural color of your teeth. Within a single appointment, your tooth crown is ready to be placed.
In both cases, our dentist will make sure the crown’s size, shape, and color are accurate before cementing it in place. A quick bite test confirms a proper fit so you can leave our office with a functional, natural-looking smile.
