When teeth are cracked, worn, or weakened by decay, a custom crown can restore strength, function, and a natural look. At Blue Dental Clinic on the Upper East Side, we design crowns that blend seamlessly with your smile—so you can chew confidently and smile freely.

Why choose us for crowns

• Specialist-level planning: Precision tooth prep, bite analysis, and shade matching for durable, natural results.
• Modern materials: High-strength ceramics (including zirconia and lithium disilicate/e.max) chosen to fit your bite, esthetics, and habits.
• Comfort & clarity: Gentle techniques, thorough numbing, and clear estimates before treatment.
• Insurance-friendly: We verify benefits, explain coverage, and submit claims for you.

What a dental crown is

A crown is a custom cap that covers and protects a damaged tooth above the gumline. It restores shape, color, and strength—often after a large cavity, fracture, or root canal.

Who might need a crown

• Large or recurrent cavities not suitable for a filling
• Cracked or fractured tooth (including broken cusps)
• Root-canal-treated tooth that needs reinforcement
• Excessive wear/erosion or enamel defects
• To anchor a dental bridge or refine shape/alignment

Crown materials & options

• Zirconia (high-strength ceramic): Excellent durability for molars; tooth-colored.
• Lithium disilicate (e.max): Beautiful translucency for front teeth with strong everyday performance.
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM): Time-tested strength; used selectively when indicated.
• Full gold: Gentle on opposing teeth and very long-lasting (often for select back teeth).
  We’ll recommend the best option based on location, bite forces, esthetics, and your preferences.

The treatment process

1. Exam & planning: Digital records, bite/esthetic assessment, and material selection.
2. Tooth preparation: Conservative shaping to remove decay and create space for the crown.
3. Impressions/scan & temporary: We take precise molds or digital scans and place a comfortable temporary crown.
4. Lab craftsmanship: Your custom crown is fabricated for fit, color, and contour.
5. Try-in & cementation: We check margins, bite, and shade before permanently seating the crown.
6. Maintenance: Hygiene visits and at-home care keep the crown and gums healthy.

Comfort, recovery & longevity

Most patients return to normal activities the same day. Mild sensitivity is common for a few days and typically resolves. With good hygiene and routine checkups, crowns often last 10–15 years or longer.

Cost & insurance

Fees vary by material, tooth position, and any additional care (e.g., core buildup). We’re insurance-friendly—our team verifies benefits in advance, provides transparent estimates, and files your claims.

FAQs

Do crowns look natural?
Yes. We match shade and shape to your surrounding teeth for a seamless result.

Will it hurt?
You’ll be thoroughly numbed for comfort. Minor soreness or temperature sensitivity may occur for a short time.

Can crowns be whitened?
Whitening doesn’t change crown color. If you’re considering whitening, do it before your final shade selection.

Crown vs. veneer vs. inlay/onlay?

• Crown: Full coverage for maximum protection.
• Veneer: Front surface only for esthetic changes.
• Inlay/Onlay: Partial coverage when damage is moderate.
  We’ll recommend the most conservative option that still protects the tooth.

What if my temporary crown comes off?
Call us. Keep the area clean and bring the temporary with you—most can be re-cemented quickly.

Ready to restore your tooth?

Book a crown consultation at our Upper East Side office. We’ll review options, costs, and timelines—then craft a crown that feels natural and looks like you.