At the office of Christopher R. Szydelko, DDS PC, we focus on reliable, long-lasting restorations that look and feel like natural teeth. Advances in ceramic materials and digital dentistry have made it possible to repair damaged or weakened teeth with solutions that are both strong and esthetic. Our approach combines careful clinical assessment with modern fabrication techniques so patients leave with restorations that restore function and confidence.
Ceramic crowns are a cornerstone of contemporary restorative care. They are used when a tooth requires more protection than a filling can provide, when an implant needs a lifelike replacement tooth, or when a cosmetic improvement must withstand everyday use. Below you’ll find practical information about when crowns are recommended, how ceramic options differ, what to expect during treatment, and why modern ceramics are an excellent choice for many smiles.
A crown is recommended whenever a tooth’s remaining structure is insufficient to support a filling or when the tooth needs complete coverage to restore strength and function. This can happen after extensive decay, a large broken filling, or a fracture that weakens the tooth’s walls. Crowns are also used to protect teeth after root canal therapy, since treated teeth can become brittle and are more prone to cracking under biting forces.
Crowns play an important role in restorative dentistry beyond single-tooth repair. They serve as the restorative component of an implant, anchor traditional dental bridges, and provide predictable full-coverage options for teeth that must withstand heavy chewing forces. In many cases, choosing a crown preserves the tooth in the arch and prevents the need for extraction.
Deciding whether a crown is the right option begins with a thorough exam and diagnostic imaging. We assess the extent of tooth damage, the health of the surrounding gum and bone, and how the tooth functions within your bite. From that information, we can recommend a solution that balances durability, aesthetics, and the long-term health of the tooth and surrounding tissues.
Rebuilding teeth with extensive decay or structural damage
Replacing large or broken fillings that no longer provide adequate support
Restoring implant-supported teeth and serving as bridge abutments
Protecting teeth after root canal treatment or when bite forces are high
Improving the appearance of misshapen, discolored, or uneven teeth while maintaining function
All-ceramic crowns are engineered to mimic the optical qualities of natural tooth enamel while offering robust mechanical performance. Unlike older crown designs that relied on a metal substructure, contemporary ceramic materials interact with light in ways that recreate translucency and surface sheen—key elements in producing a seamless match with adjacent teeth.
Beyond aesthetics, many ceramic formulations are now strong enough to withstand routine chewing and grinding. Materials such as lithium disilicate and high-translucency zirconia provide a combination of toughness and polishability that suits both front and back teeth. Because they are metal-free, these crowns are also an excellent option for patients concerned about metal sensitivities or those who want a fully biocompatible restoration.
Another practical advantage of ceramic crowns is their resistance to staining and discoloration over time. With proper oral hygiene and routine dental care, a well-made ceramic crown can maintain its appearance and function for many years. The result is a restoration that restores chewing ability while contributing positively to the overall appearance of the smile.
Natural translucency and lifelike shading
Reduced need for aggressive tooth reduction in many cases
Lightweight, metal-free construction for improved tissue response
High resistance to staining and predictable long-term appearance
A typical crown procedure begins with a comprehensive exam and preparation of the affected tooth. Preparation involves reshaping the tooth to create room for the crown while preserving as much natural structure as possible. If needed, the tooth may be built up with a core material to provide a stable foundation before the final restoration is made.
Impressions or digital scans capture the exact contours of your prepared tooth and bite relationship. Many practices now use CAD/CAM technology to design and mill crowns with exceptional precision; when appropriate, this can reduce the number of appointments and allow for same-day restorations. If a laboratory-fabricated crown is chosen, a temporary crown protects the tooth while the permanent restoration is completed.
The final visit involves checking fit, color, and bite before the crown is permanently cemented. We make adjustments as needed to ensure comfortable function and a natural appearance. After placement, routine care—brushing, flossing, and periodic checkups—helps preserve the crown and the health of surrounding teeth and gums.
Not all ceramic materials are identical, and the ideal choice depends on the tooth’s location, the forces it must withstand, and the esthetic expectations for the restoration. For a front tooth, translucency and shade-matching are often prioritized, while back teeth may require materials with greater flexural strength to resist chewing stresses.
Popular contemporary choices include lithium disilicate, which balances beauty and strength; pressable leucite-reinforced porcelains for excellent esthetics; monolithic zirconia for high strength in posterior restorations; and high-translucency zirconia for cases that demand both durability and improved optical properties. Each material has trade-offs, and our recommendations are driven by clinical needs and long-term predictability.
We take a conservative and individualized approach when selecting materials. After evaluating bite dynamics, opposing dentition, and the visual characteristics of adjacent teeth, we recommend the ceramic option that will deliver the most reliable and natural-looking result for your specific smile.
With multiple ceramic options available, choosing the right material is a key step toward an attractive, functional, and long-lasting restoration. At our practice we combine clinical experience with proven laboratory partnerships to ensure each crown meets both functional demands and aesthetic goals.
Delivering predictable outcomes for crown restorations requires careful planning, precise execution, and attention to detail at every step. Our team focuses on clear communication, thorough diagnostics, and the selection of materials and techniques that support each patient’s long-term oral health. We strive to blend durability with esthetics so crowns perform well and look natural.
Clinical decisions—such as when to preserve remaining tooth structure, when to recommend a full-coverage restoration, and which ceramic material to use—are made with the patient’s best interests in mind. Our treatment plans emphasize longevity, comfort, and an appearance that complements your smile. We use modern tools for impressions, shade selection, and fabrication to achieve consistent results.
When you choose Christopher R. Szydelko, DDS PC for ceramic crowns, you can expect a team that values precision, patient education, and restorative solutions tailored to your lifestyle and oral health needs. Our goal is to restore function, protect natural teeth, and deliver a confident, durable smile.
If you have questions about ceramic crowns or would like to explore whether this restoration is right 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 Christopher R. Szydelko, DDS PC, 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 Christopher R. Szydelko, DDS PC, we work with patients to optimize their dental benefits and get the care they need to maintain healthy and beautiful smiles!
A ceramic crown is a tooth-shaped restoration made entirely from advanced ceramic materials designed to cover and protect a damaged or weakened tooth. Unlike traditional crowns that use a metal substructure with a porcelain veneer, all-ceramic crowns are metal-free and can better mimic the translucency and surface qualities of natural enamel. Modern ceramics also offer high polishability and resistance to staining, making them a long-lasting aesthetic option for many patients.
Ceramic crowns are available in several formulations that vary in strength and optical properties, so clinicians choose the type that best balances durability and appearance for each tooth. In contrast, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns may provide different strength characteristics but can show a dark margin over time and are less ideal for patients with metal sensitivities. The metal-free construction of ceramic crowns often results in improved tissue response and a more lifelike final result.
Dentists typically recommend a crown when a tooth has too little remaining structure to support a filling, when a large fracture compromises strength, or when a tooth has undergone root canal therapy and requires full coverage to prevent cracking. Crowns are also the restorative component used with dental implants and serve as anchors for bridges when adjacent teeth need support. In cosmetic cases, crowns can correct misshapen or discolored teeth while restoring normal function.
Deciding whether a ceramic crown is the right choice begins with a comprehensive exam and imaging to evaluate the tooth, surrounding gum and bone health, and how the tooth functions within your bite. The clinician will weigh factors such as location in the mouth, chewing forces, and aesthetic expectations before recommending a specific ceramic material. This ensures the selected restoration supports both long-term health and the visual goals for the smile.
The crown process begins with a detailed clinical assessment and preparation of the affected tooth, which typically includes reshaping the tooth to create space for the restoration while preserving as much natural structure as possible. At that visit the tooth may be built up with a core material if needed, and digital scans or traditional impressions are taken to capture the precise contours of the prepared tooth and bite relationship. Many practices now use CAD/CAM technology to design and mill crowns in-office, which can reduce the need for multiple appointments in appropriate cases.
If a laboratory-fabricated crown is selected, a temporary restoration protects the tooth while the final crown is made and refined in the dental lab. At the placement appointment the dentist checks fit, shade, and occlusion, makes fine adjustments, and then permanently cements or bonds the crown using techniques chosen for the material. Follow-up care includes routine hygiene, monitoring of the restoration, and periodic checks to ensure the crown continues to perform comfortably and esthetically.
The practice emphasizes clear communication about each step, including material selection and expected outcomes, so patients understand what to expect and can participate in decisions about their care. Proper planning, precise fabrication, and careful cementation are all important factors that contribute to predictable long-term results. If adjustments are needed after placement, most are minor and can be handled during routine visits.
Contemporary ceramic crowns are made from several popular materials, each with unique strengths and optical properties. Lithium disilicate is known for its excellent balance of translucency and strength, making it well suited for anterior teeth and some posterior restorations. High-translucency zirconia and monolithic zirconia offer exceptional flexural strength for posterior teeth while newer high-translucency formulations improve esthetics for cases that demand both durability and a natural appearance.
Other options include pressable leucite-reinforced porcelains that provide superior shading and surface texture for highly visible restorations. The choice of material depends on tooth location, bite forces, opposing dentition, and aesthetic goals, and the dentist will recommend the option that best supports long-term predictability. Collaboration with experienced dental laboratories and use of digital shade-matching tools further improve the final outcome.
Ceramic crowns are versatile and can be used for both anterior and posterior teeth, but the specific material and design are selected based on the function and aesthetic demands of each location. For front teeth, translucency, shade matching, and natural light transmission are prioritized to achieve a seamless appearance with adjacent teeth. Many lithium disilicate and high-quality porcelain systems excel in these situations because they closely reproduce enamel characteristics.
For back teeth that endure higher chewing forces, clinicians often choose stronger ceramic formulations such as monolithic zirconia or reinforced ceramics to resist wear and fracture. Even in posterior regions, advances in ceramic technology allow for conservative preparations and predictable performance when the material selection matches the occlusal environment. The clinical evaluation focuses on achieving the best balance between strength and esthetics for each tooth.
The lifespan of a ceramic crown varies, but with proper care and favorable oral conditions many ceramic restorations last for a decade or longer. Key factors that influence longevity include the quality of the original tooth preparation, the type of ceramic used, the accuracy of the fit, and the patient’s oral hygiene habits. Regular dental checkups allow the dentist to monitor the crown and address potential issues early, which helps extend service life.
Other important considerations include bite forces, parafunctional habits such as bruxism, and the health of the supporting gum and bone. Patients who grind their teeth may benefit from protective measures like nightguards to reduce stress on the crown. Ultimately, predictable outcomes are achieved when clinical planning, material selection, and ongoing maintenance are aligned with the patient’s needs.
Caring for a ceramic crown follows many of the same principles as natural teeth: brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush, floss or clean between teeth daily, and attend regular dental checkups for professional cleaning and evaluation. Avoiding hard or sticky foods and habits such as chewing ice or biting fingernails reduces the risk of chipping or undue stress on the restoration. Good oral hygiene also protects the supporting tooth structure and gum tissue from decay and disease around the crown.
If you have a history of grinding or clenching, discuss a custom nightguard with your dentist to protect the crown and surrounding teeth from excessive forces. Report any new sensitivity, looseness, or changes in bite as soon as they occur so the dental team can assess the restoration and make timely adjustments. Consistent preventive care and prompt attention to concerns are the best ways to preserve both crowns and natural dentition.
Minor chips or surface defects in ceramic crowns can sometimes be smoothed or repaired with composite materials in the dental office, allowing for a conservative solution that restores function and appearance. The feasibility of repair depends on the location and extent of the damage, as well as the material of the crown. In cases of significant structural failure or recurrent problems, replacement of the crown is typically recommended to ensure long-term reliability.
If a crown feels loose, causes new discomfort, or shows visible damage, contact your dentist promptly so the cause can be evaluated and appropriate action taken. Prompt assessment helps prevent further complications such as decay beneath the crown or damage to adjacent teeth. The treatment plan will prioritize preserving natural tooth structure and restoring predictable function.
Ceramic crowns are metal-free and are an excellent option for patients concerned about metal sensitivities or allergic reactions to metallic components. Because ceramics are inert and biocompatible, they typically produce a favorable response from gum tissues and help maintain healthy soft tissue contours when properly fitted and finished. The absence of a metal interface can also eliminate the dark margin that sometimes appears with metal-based restorations.
Proper emergence profile, smooth margins, and accurate fit are important for long-term gum health regardless of the crown material, so clinical technique plays a central role in tissue response. During your evaluation the dentist will assess periodontal health and recommend any necessary treatments before crown placement to support a stable, healthy outcome. Open communication about medical history and sensitivities helps ensure the selected restoration aligns with overall health needs.
Digital dentistry, including digital impressions and CAD/CAM fabrication, has streamlined the crown process by improving precision, fit, and shade communication between the practice and the dental laboratory. Digital scans capture detailed anatomy without traditional impression materials for many patients, and computer-aided design allows technicians to design restorations that closely match the prepared tooth and bite. When same-day milling is appropriate, patients can receive a final ceramic crown in a single visit, reducing the time spent with a temporary restoration.
Even when crowns are fabricated in an external laboratory, digital workflows enhance predictability by transmitting accurate data and digital shade information to achieve a closer match on the first try. These technologies complement skilled clinical technique and experienced laboratory partnerships, resulting in restorations that meet both functional requirements and aesthetic expectations. The practice uses these tools to improve efficiency while maintaining careful attention to individualized treatment planning.
