Restore damaged, decayed, or weakened teeth with custom dental crowns at Aesthetic Dentistry Centre in Plano, TX. Dr. Mark Sowell (MAGD, AACD Accredited) and prosthodontist Dr. Sara Chen use advanced ceramic materials for your crowns. They work closely with Master Ceramist James Chung in our on-site ceramic laboratory, one of the only full-service dental labs in Texas. Whether you need a same-day crown or a custom lab-fabricated restoration, we deliver natural-looking results that protect your smile.
Same-Day Crowns vs. Traditional Crowns: Which Is Right for You?
Thanks to our in-office ceramic lab and Master Ceramist James Chung, we offer both same-day crowns and traditional lab-fabricated crowns. Here’s how they compare:
| Feature | Same-Day Crown (CEREC) | Traditional Crown |
|---|---|---|
| Number of visits | 1 visit | 2-3 visits |
| Temporary crown | No temporary needed | Temporary crown worn for 2-3 weeks |
| Fabrication location | Milled in our on-site lab | Fabricated in our on-site lab by Master Ceramist Chung |
| Materials | High-quality ceramic blocks | Porcelain, zirconia, metal, or a combination |
| Best for | Single crowns, front teeth, busy schedules | Complex cases, full-mouth reconstruction |
| Time to completion | About 2 hours | 2-3 weeks |
During your consultation, Dr. Sowell or Dr. Chen will recommend the best approach based on your specific tooth, budget, and timeline.
Dental Crowns in Plano, TX: Our In-office Dental Lab
To streamline our processes and provide the best possible care, we work closely with Master Ceramist James Chung. We’re one of the few dental practices in Texas with an in-office, full-service ceramic laboratory. Our team can create beautifully crafted ceramic porcelain crowns and porcelain veneers faster and more personalized than ever before.
Unlike other dentists who outsource crown fabrication to external labs, our practice fabricates dental crowns with less downtime and greater precision. Same-day dentistry improves patient satisfaction and yields long-lasting, natural-looking results.
As full-service dentists in Plano, Dr. Sowell and Dr. Chen work closely with Mr. Chung to create restorations that meet each patient’s cosmetic and restorative needs. We collaborate throughout all phases of the creation process, ensuring we meet your expectations and achieve the best possible results.
Your Trusted Plano Crown Specialists
- Dr. Mark Sowell: One of fewer than 50 dentists nationwide with a Master of the Academy of General Dentistry (MAGD). He is an Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) and Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (FICOI). He has been serving Plano families for over 30 years.
- Dr. Sara Chen: A prosthodontist with advanced training from MIT, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, and a 3-year residency at the University of Illinois, Chicago. She specializes in complex restorative cases and implant dentistry and has been published in peer-reviewed dental journals.
- Master Ceramist James Chung: One of the few in-house ceramic lab specialists in Texas. He crafts your new crowns with precision and artistry.
How Much Do Dental Crowns Cost in Plano, TX?
The cost of a dental crown typically ranges from $900 to $2,500 per tooth, depending on several factors:
| Crown Material | Average Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Porcelain | $1,000 – $1,500 | Front teeth; most natural appearance |
| Zirconia | $1,200 – $2,000 | Any tooth; extremely durable and aesthetic |
| Porcelain-fused-to-metal | $900 – $1,500 | Back teeth; strength with some aesthetics |
| Gold/metal alloy | $800 – $1,400 | Molars: longest-lasting, but noticeable |
Does Insurance Cover Dental Crowns?
Yes, most dental insurance plans cover crowns as a “major restorative” procedure. They typically pay 50% of the cost after your deductible. Our team will verify your benefits and file claims on your behalf to maximize your coverage.
Financing Options:
- CareCredit: Interest-free financing for qualified patients
- In-house Payment Plans: Flexible options to fit your budget
- Major credit cards, cash, and HSA/FSA cards accepted
Ask about our current crown specials when you call!
What Can A Dental Crown Address?
We may recommend a dental crown to address the following dental concerns.
Correcting Cosmetic Flaws
Dental crowns are ideal because they serve both cosmetic and restorative purposes. Discolored teeth are one of the most common issues we see. Typically, professional teeth whitening is the solution to correct tooth discoloration.
However, not all stains respond to traditional whitening methods. Staining brought on by medication and teeth discolored by trauma require another solution.
Misshapen or disfigured teeth are also cosmetic issues in your smile, and these can have functional repercussions as well. Depending on where they are in your mouth, they can affect your ability to speak or chew your food properly.
Dental crowns completely cover the natural tooth to hide cosmetic problems. We custom-make them to match the shape of your other teeth, so they work properly as well.
Strengthening Your Natural Teeth
One of the most common uses for a dental crown is to protect a tooth after a root canal. A root canal procedure cleans out all the infected pulp inside your tooth. We refill it with a biocompatible material and seal it off to prevent further infection.
But the tooth isn’t always stable afterward. We want to ensure that you regain the full function of your tooth. A dental crown provides extra strength and helps seal the tooth, further protecting it from bacteria and infection.
With a traditional dental bridge, your natural teeth anchor it on either side. They take on a lot of stress from supporting the bridge. Anchor teeth wear down faster than normal teeth and are more prone to tooth decay and damage. We recommend using dental crowns to fortify these teeth. The dental crowns will take on all the stress of the bridge, rather than the tooth.
Repairing Decayed or Damaged Teeth
At our office, we practice conservative dentistry to preserve your natural tooth as much as possible. When you lose your tooth root, it has many negative effects on your oral health. For example, the jawbone begins to deteriorate.
A dental crown is one of the best ways to preserve that tooth. Tooth decay eats through large portions of your tooth, but a dental crown can hold it together and keep the tooth root intact.
Breaking off a portion of your tooth is both painful and unsightly. Dental nerves cause pain when air or other substances come into contact with them. Sharp edges from the broken tooth can harm the soft tissues in your mouth.
Dental crowns rebuild teeth and protect the nerves, so biting into food isn’t painful. You regain full function of the tooth and don’t have to worry about further injuring it.
Completing a Dental Implant
Dental crowns finish a dental implant when replacing a single tooth. They look and feel like real teeth. We make each crown separately to match your other teeth in size, shape, and color. One crown is placed on top of one dental implant to make it look like a natural tooth.
Dental crowns are a long-term solution because they fit your natural tooth. Dr. Sowell and Dr. Chen can help you decide if a dental crown is the best option for your smile. A crown can be a strong and natural-looking fix for many dental issues with the right dental care.
Am I a Good Candidate for a Dental Crown?
You may need a dental crown if you experience:
- Large cavities that can’t be fixed with a standard filling
- Cracked, chipped, or broken teeth that need protection
- Recent root canal therapy. Crowns protect the weakened tooth
- Worn-down teeth from grinding (bruxism) or acid erosion
- Misshapen or severely discolored teeth that don’t respond to whitening
- Missing teeth. Crowns complete dental implants or support bridges
Most patients with healthy gums and adequate tooth structure are good candidates. Dr. Sowell and Dr. Chen will perform a thorough examination, including digital X-rays, to determine if a crown is right for you. If a crown isn’t appropriate, we’ll discuss alternatives such as inlays, onlays, or veneers.
What to Expect: Your Crown Journey
For Same-Day Crowns (One Visit)
- Digital Scanning: We use an intraoral scanner to capture a precise 3D image of your tooth. No messy putty impressions!
- Crown Design: Dr. Sowell or Dr. Chen uses CAD software to design your custom crown on-screen
- Milling: Master Ceramist James Chung mills your crown from a high-quality ceramic block in our on-site lab
- Staining & Polishing: Your crown is hand-finished to match the shade of your surrounding teeth
- Bonding: We permanently cement your crown in place
For Traditional Crowns (2-3 Visits)
- Tooth Preparation: We remove decay and reshape your tooth for optimal crown fit
- Impressions: We send digital scans to our in-house lab
- Temporary Crown: You’ll wear a temporary crown for 2-3 weeks
- Final Placement: Your custom crown is bonded in place with adjustments for a perfect fit
Both processes are comfortable, and we offer local anesthesia and sedation options for anxious patients.
Choosing the Right Crown Material
Each crown material offers different advantages. Here’s a quick guide:
| Material | Aesthetics | Durability | Cost | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Porcelain | Excellent (most natural) | Good | $$$ | Front teeth, patients with metal allergies |
| Zirconia | Very good | Excellent | $$$ | Any tooth; the strongest ceramic option |
| Porcelain-fused-to-metal | Good | Very good | $$ | Back teeth need strength |
| Gold Alloy | Poor (visible) | Excellent | $$ | Molars: patients who prioritize longevity |
Dr. Sowell and Dr. Chen recommend all-porcelain or zirconia crowns for the best combination of natural appearance and durability. Metal crowns are rarely used in visible areas of the smile.
Patient Review
Dental Crown FAQs
How long do dental crowns last?
With proper care, oral hygiene, and routine dental visits, dental crowns typically last 10 to 15 years. Porcelain and zirconia crowns can last 15 years or longer with good maintenance. While a crown is impervious to dental decay, the outer edges of a crowned tooth can still develop decay, so regular brushing and flossing are essential.
Is getting a crown painful?
No. The process of placing a dental crown isn’t painful. We’ll alleviate any discomfort during the procedure with local anesthesia. You’ll likely not feel pain afterward and will feel much-needed relief. Your tooth may be a little sensitive for a few days while it adjusts to the new restoration.
Can I eat normally with a crown?
We don’t recommend eating very hard or very chewy foods for a couple of days after getting a crown. This allows your crown to settle and remain in place immediately after the procedure. After a couple of days, you can return to your normal diet without restrictions.
How do I care for my crown?
You can take care of your crown the same way you would your natural teeth. Brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. Use a toothpaste that isn’t too abrasive, as it can damage the surface of your crown.
You can use Waterpiks to clean around a dental crown, but use them gently. Strong Waterpiks can damage the cement over time, so it’s better to stick to traditional floss.
Can a crowned tooth get a cavity?
Yes. Even though the crown can’t get a cavity, the tooth underneath it can. If the crown doesn’t fit correctly, there may be room for food and bacteria to get underneath it.
It’s important to keep up with brushing and flossing at home and see your dentist regularly. We’ll check any previously placed crowns to make sure they fit properly.
What’s the difference between a crown and a veneer?
A crown covers the entire visible portion of a tooth, while a veneer only covers the front surface. Crowns are typically used for teeth with significant damage, large fillings, or after root canals. Veneers are primarily for cosmetic improvements like chips, gaps, or minor discoloration.
Schedule a Dental Exam in Plano, TX
As the leading cosmetic dentists in Plano, TX, Dr. Sowell and Dr. Chen know what it takes to build a healthy smile. They work with patients individually to develop and implement personalized treatment plans.
Visit our Plano dental office to explore all your options and for the gentle dental care you need. Call us today at (972) 382-6855 or request an appointment online.