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 Texas’s only full-service dental labs. 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 a full-service, in-office ceramic laboratory. Our team can create beautifully crafted ceramic porcelain crowns and porcelain veneers faster and with more personalization than ever.
Unlike other dentists who outsource crown fabrication to external labs, our practice fabricates dental crowns in-house, reducing downtime and improving 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 every phase of the process to meet your expectations and deliver 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 Texas’s few in-house ceramic lab specialists. 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. Professional teeth whitening typically corrects 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, and they can have functional repercussions. 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 fit and function properly.
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 removes the infected pulp from inside your tooth. We then fill it with a biocompatible material and seal it to prevent further infection.
But the tooth may not be stable afterward. We want to ensure you regain full function. A dental crown adds strength and seals 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 as they support 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. Dental crowns take on the stress of the bridge, not the tooth.
Repairing Decayed or Damaged Teeth
At our office, we practice conservative dentistry to preserve your natural tooth as much as possible. Losing a tooth root can negatively affect 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 part of your tooth is painful and unsightly. Dental nerves cause pain when air or other substances contact 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 tooth function and don’t have to worry about further injury.
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 the size, shape, and color of your other teeth. We place one crown on each 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. With the right dental care, a crown can be a strong, natural-looking fix for many dental issues.
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 the dental implant process, 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 right for you, 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. Placing a dental crown isn’t painful. We’ll use local anesthesia to keep you comfortable during the procedure. 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 care for your crown the same way you care for 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 your crown’s surface.
You can use WaterPik to clean around a dental crown, but use it gently. Strong WaterPik 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 properly, food and bacteria may get underneath.
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. Dentists typically use crowns for teeth with significant damage, large fillings, or after root canals. Veneers are primarily for cosmetic improvements, such as 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 each patient to develop and implement a personalized treatment plan.
Visit Aesthetic Dentistry Centre to explore all your options and get the gentle dental care you need. Call our Plano dental office at (972) 382-6855 today, or request an appointment online.