When a tooth is cracked, worn, or heavily restored, an all-ceramic crown can bring back strength and natural beauty—without metal. At Blue Dental on the Upper East Side, we design crowns that blend seamlessly with your smile and feel comfortable from day one.

Why Choose Us for All-Ceramic Crowns

• Face-guided esthetics: Shade, translucency, and surface texture customized to your complexion and smile line.
• Digital precision: High-accuracy scans and CAD/CAM design for an excellent fit and bite.
• Premium ceramics: Lithium disilicate and modern zirconias selected to match your esthetic and strength needs.
• Comfort & clarity: Gentle anesthesia, clear timelines, and insurance-friendly support.

When a Crown Is Recommended

• Large decay or fractures that a filling/onlay cannot reliably restore
• Replacement of failing or cracked older crowns/fillings
• Root-canal treated teeth needing full-coverage protection
• Severe wear, acid erosion, or compromised enamel
• Cosmetic improvement for misshapen or severely discolored teeth

All-Ceramic vs. Other Crown Types

• All-Ceramic (metal-free): Best esthetics; no gray lines at the gum; strong, biocompatible materials.
• Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM): Durable but may show a dark margin over time; less lifelike translucency.
• Full Metal: Very strong but not tooth-colored; typically used where esthetics aren’t a concern.

Material Choices We Use

• Lithium Disilicate (e.g., e.max-type): Excellent translucency for front teeth and many premolars; strong enough for many molars depending on bite.
• Zirconia (monolithic or layered): Highest strength for heavy bite/grinding; newer translucent zirconias offer improved esthetics, especially in posterior teeth.
• Layered Ceramics: Ceramic core with aesthetic porcelain layering for lifelike detail when you need maximum realism.

How the Procedure Works

1. Exam & design: Photos, bite analysis, and shade mapping to plan color and contours.
2. Tooth preparation: Remove damaged structure conservatively; place a provisional crown for comfort and esthetics.
3. Digital scan: No goopy impressions—precise 3D imaging for the lab.
4. Fabrication: Master technicians craft your crown for fit, color, and strength.
5. Try-in & bonding/cementation: Verify margins, contact points, and bite; then secure the crown and polish.

Most cases are completed in two visits after your consultation.

Longevity & Care

All-ceramic crowns can last many years with excellent home care and routine cleanings. Brush and floss normally (yes—floss around the crown). A night guard is recommended if you clench or grind.

Sensitivity & Comfort

Mild temperature sensitivity can occur for a few days after seating and typically resolves. If biting feels “high,” we’ll adjust the occlusion for immediate relief.

Cost & Insurance

Fees vary by tooth location, material, and case complexity. Most PPO dental plans contribute to crowns when medically necessary. We verify benefits in advance, provide written estimates, and submit claims on your behalf.

FAQs

Will my crown match my other teeth?
Yes. We custom-select shade and translucency, and can add micro-characterizations for a seamless look.

Is zirconia too opaque?
Newer translucent zirconias look very natural—great for back teeth that need strength. For front teeth, lithium disilicate often provides the most lifelike result.

Do I always need a root canal first?
No. Root canals are only needed if the nerve is infected or symptomatic. Many crowns are placed on vital (non-root-canal) teeth.

How long will it last?
With good care, all-ceramic crowns often last a decade or more. Night-guard use increases longevity if you grind.

What if my tooth is borderline—crown or onlay?
We’ll choose the most conservative option that still gives long-term strength. Sometimes an onlay/inlay is ideal; other times full coverage is the safer choice.

Ready for a Strong, Natural-Looking Restoration?

Book an all-ceramic crown consultation at our Upper East Side office. We’ll restore strength, comfort, and confidence—beautifully.