Dental Crowns Philadelphia | Porcelain Crowns

Dental crowns are a versatile, durable, long-lasting general dentistry solution for damaged, weak teeth.

At Dentistry for Life in Philadelphia dental crowns are used to correct many types of dental problems, improving not only our patients’ smiles, but giving them stable and fully functional teeth.

What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a cap or cover placed over a tooth that has been damaged or is completely missing. Crowns return function to the teeth by restoring a size and shape that fits with the rest of the teeth both aesthetically and functionally. Crowns not only protect teeth, they also improve their appearance.

There are several reasons to get a crown. They can protect and support a tooth that has a filling or weak structure. They can replace missing teeth or attach to a bridge with several missing teeth. They can restore function in a cracked or broken tooth. They can also cover dental implants, discolored teeth, or misshapen teeth. At Dentistry for Life we strive to provide you with the best dental crowns Philadelphia has to offer.

dental crown patient model receiving a checkup and smiling

Benefits of a Dental Crown

Dental crowns offer many benefits. If you have a damaged tooth that’s starting to decay, a crown can support and save it so it doesn’t need to be pulled or get a filling.

The crown will not just reinforce your damaged tooth, it will also allow it to work normally again and keep it from getting any more damage, creating a barrier to protect the tooth from acids, sugar, starches, and bacteria that can further damage or infect your tooth.

Dental crowns also hold teeth together that have been cracked, fractured, or completely broken. They also safeguard your tooth after a root canal therapy or a dental implant, which defends both the gums and root. Crowns also preserve a dead tooth by keeping it from falling apart.

Finally, dental crowns offer a cosmetic solution to the appearance of your teeth. They correct imperfections by covering up crooked, discolored, or cracked teeth and help create a more even smile. They can also cover up small gaps.

Types of Dental Crowns

There are several types of materials used to make a dental crown. Variables like the condition of your tooth, your dentist’s preferred materials, any metal allergies, budget, and smile goals are taken into consideration when settling on dental crown for your problem. Common types of tooth crowns include:

Porcelain dental crowns: Popular for their natural look and durability, porcelain crowns are made of porcelain or engineered dental ceramic and are great for patients with metal allergies.
PFM (porcelain fused to metal) crown: A porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crown has a porcelain exterior and metal interior for a super-strong restoration that still looks like a natural tooth.
Zirconia crown: A metal-free crown, the zirconia crown is incredibly strong, resistant to fractures, and designed to match the color of your teeth.
Metal dental crown: All metal dental crowns, sometimes made of gold, are noticeable. Patients who opt for this restoration usually want their capped tooth to be obvious.

Am I a Candidate for a Dental Crown in Philadelphia?

There are several reasons one would be a good candidate for dental crowns. This includes having severely discolored teeth, cracked or crooked teeth, tooth decay, missing teeth (capping a dental implant), or a root canal. However, a dental crown may not always be the best answer to these issues, so it’s important to come in for a consultation so the dentist can examine your teeth and determine what’s the best option for you.

The Dental Crown Procedure

Once any necessary repairs have been completed on the tooth in question, placing a crown usually takes two visits to your Philadelphia dentist.

During the first appointment, your dentist will prepare your tooth to receive the crown, sanding, and shaping as needed. At Dentistry for Life, we strive to provide you with the best dental crowns Philadelphia has to offer, that's why the dental crowns are custom-designed in size, shape, and color so they blend in with your other teeth and look like they have always been part of your smile. An impression is taken and a crown is created in the dental lab.

In many cases, a temporary crown is placed to protect the area and so you don’t have to be self-conscious about this blight on your smile. When your crown is ready, it will be permanently bonded to the damaged tooth and tested for comfort, look, and fit. Once this restoration is complete, you will have an amazing-looking tooth that is the right shape and size and blends in with the rest of your smile.

dental crown patient model sitting in a dental chair smiling

The Many Uses of Dental Crowns

Whether you’re getting a dental crown to fix a problem tooth or cover up an ugly tooth, the result is the same – a strong, natural-looking dental restoration. Here are just some of the reasons your Philadelphia cosmetic dentist will recommend a dental crown for a damaged or problematic tooth:

A weak tooth needs to be built up, so it doesn’t crack, break, or deteriorate.
You are undergoing a root canal and need to cover the tooth that has been corrected.
A chipped, cracked, or fractured tooth needs to be protected from an invasion of bacteria and food particles.
A misshapen tooth is ruining the appearance of your smile.
You need to cap a dental implant as a solution for a missing tooth.
A stained tooth will not respond to a whitening treatment and needs to be brightened up to match your other teeth.
A large cavity is stronger when corrected with a crown than a tooth-colored filling.

Dental crowns have many uses, and they are a long-lasting, reliable solution that completes smiles, makes it easier to bite and chew, and renews your confidence. Whether repair, restoration, or protection is called for, a crown covers up what’s wrong with your tooth and prevents neighboring teeth from developing their own problems.

Protect a Problem Tooth with a Dental Crown in Philadelphia

If a tooth is unsightly or is causing you pain or discomfort, it’s time to get it fixed. Dental crowns are a viable and reliable option for so many of our Philadelphia dental patients.

Covering up the problem tooth after it’s been treated is the best way to repair your smile and keep it strong and healthy. Contact us at Dentistry for Life in Philadelphia to schedule your appointment to talk about whether a crown is right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do dental crowns last?

Dental crowns last longer than veneers and dental bonding, with an average of five to 15 years, and even more, when appropriately cared for through a regular cleaning routine.

What is a crown made from?

There are several different materials that crowns can be made from. This includes ceramic (zirconia), metal, composite resin, porcelain, or porcelain that’s been fused to a metal composite. The crown is then matched in color to blend in with your teeth.

How much does a dental crown cost?

The cost depends on how many teeth need crowns and what type of crown you choose and the material it’s made from. In addition, there may be extra costs such as bone grafting, gum surgery, dental implants, or even a root canal, which changes the overall price.

Your dental insurance should cover some or all of the total cost. If you do not have insurance or only a fraction of the procedure is covered, you can ask about financing or payment plan options.

Schedule a Consultation

Philadelphia dentist offers saturday and sunday appointments.

Our office is located at 1601 Walnut Street #1217 in Philadelphia. We offer appointments seven days a week to make dental care convenient for you and your schedule:

Dental Crowns

in Philadelphia, PA

What is a Dental Crown?

Benefits of a Dental Crown

Types of Dental Crowns

Am I a Candidate for a Dental Crown in Philadelphia?

The Dental Crown Procedure

The Many Uses of Dental Crowns

Protect a Problem Tooth with a Dental Crown in Philadelphia

Frequently Asked Questions

Before & Afters

Schedule a Consultation

Dental Crowns in Philadelphia, PA

What is a Dental Crown?

Benefits of a Dental Crown

Types of Dental Crowns

Am I a Candidate for a Dental Crown in Philadelphia?

The Dental Crown Procedure

The Many Uses of Dental Crowns

Protect a Problem Tooth with a Dental Crown in Philadelphia

Frequently Asked Questions

Before & Afters

Schedule a Consultation

Dental Crowns

in Philadelphia, PA