So many options with dental crowns:
Rebuild, replace, and revamp your teeth in one treatment (and one visit!)
Are you embarrassed by your smile? We “get” it, empathize, we are a “judgment-free” zone and, most importantly, our team at Integrated Family Dentistry is here to help you! Led by a lifelong learner and dedicated dental authority, Dr. Mercedes Del Valle, our team loves giving patients in Eugene, Oregon, and beyond reason to smile. The dental crown procedure is among the many methods available to help you reclaim a proud and confident smile. We even offer a “twist” on the standard crown process: CEREC “one-visit” dentistry.
Crowns: The great multi-taskers of the dental world
Crowns may be used:
- In bridges, to replace teeth
- To hold together a broken tooth
- To strengthen a tooth that is weakened by wear and tear and other damage
- Following root canal therapy
- To repair a damaged or old filling or a big cavity
- For big cosmetic cases, such as to cover up a very irregularly shaped tooth
- For tooth replacement with an implant
You’ll notice that crowns can be used for many functional and cosmetic purposes. Today’s crowns are as strong and durable as they are beautiful. Numerous materials may be used to make this part of the tooth everyone sees. These materials include gold and base metal alloys such as nickel and chromium. Porcelain-fused-to-metal is another standard option.
But, since this part of the tooth is also so visible, a preferred option may be the “metal-free” crown. Ceramics such as porcelain and zirconia are appropriate for many types of patients, replicate the natural appearance of enamel, and are both highly stain-resistant and durable.
The beauty of CEREC
Traditionally, a crown required two dental visits. The first appointment involves taking an impression of the teeth. This impression or model would then be used to make the dental crown. The tooth or teeth to be crowned would also be prepared. Since an outside lab makes the crown, you must wear a temporary one to protect the prepared site. It usually takes a few weeks before the crown would be ready. In a return appointment, the permanent would be permanently cemented to the prepared tooth.
If the temporary breaks while waiting for the lab to make the crown, you would have to return for an additional visit to replace the temp. Another visit might also be required if the lab has to “re-do” the permanent crown.
Frequently Asked Questions
What dental problems can crowns and bridges actually fix?
Dental crowns and bridges are extremely versatile restorations used to address both functional damage and cosmetic concerns. Crowns can protect weakened teeth, hold cracked teeth together, restore teeth after root canal therapy, and repair large cavities or failing fillings. Bridges use crowns on neighboring teeth to securely replace missing teeth.
How do dental crowns help strengthen damaged or weakened teeth?
When a tooth is compromised by decay, fractures, or extensive wear, it becomes more vulnerable to further damage. A crown fully covers the visible portion of the tooth, reinforcing it from all sides. This protective “cap” redistributes biting forces and prevents cracks from spreading, allowing patients to chew comfortably and confidently while preserving the remaining natural tooth structure beneath the crown.
Are crowns used for cosmetic improvements as well as dental repair?
Yes. While crowns are often associated with structural repair, they are also highly effective for cosmetic enhancement. Crowns can correct irregular shapes, severe discoloration, spacing issues, and uneven tooth size. Because modern crowns are crafted from lifelike ceramic materials, they blend seamlessly with surrounding teeth, making them an excellent option for patients seeking dramatic yet natural-looking smile improvements.
What substances are utilized in the production of modern dental crowns?
Dental crowns can be constructed from various materials, such as metal alloys, porcelain fused to metal, and entirely ceramic choices. Metal-free crowns—such as porcelain or zirconia—are often preferred for visible teeth because they closely mimic natural enamel. These materials are also highly durable and resistant to staining, offering both long-term performance and aesthetic appeal for everyday use.
How does a dental bridge serve as a replacement for lost teeth?
A dental bridge fills the gap left by one or more missing teeth using artificial replacement teeth supported by crowns. The crowns are positioned on the healthy teeth next to the gap, firmly securing the bridge in place. Once cemented, the bridge restores proper spacing, prevents surrounding teeth from shifting, and allows patients to chew and speak normally again.
What makes same-day CEREC crowns different from traditional crowns?
Traditional crowns require multiple appointments and temporary restorations while an outside lab fabricates the final crown. With CEREC technology, crowns are designed, milled, and placed in a single visit. Digital impressions replace traditional molds, and an in-office milling unit creates the crown from a solid ceramic block—eliminating weeks of waiting and the inconvenience of temporary crowns.
Are same-day crowns just as strong as lab-made crowns?
Yes. CEREC crowns are crafted from high-quality dental ceramic designed to withstand everyday chewing forces. These materials are carefully selected for strength, durability, and natural appearance. Because the crown is designed and adjusted chairside, precision and fit are closely controlled, resulting in a restoration that is both strong and comfortable from day one.
What happens if I need a bridge using the same-day crown technology?
If a bridge is required, the supporting crowns and replacement tooth are designed together to ensure a precise fit. The crowns are fused to the replacement tooth and then cemented onto the adjacent natural teeth. This streamlined process allows the entire bridge to be placed efficiently while maintaining stability, function, and natural aesthetics.
Is the crown and bridge procedure uncomfortable?
Most patients find crown and bridge procedures very manageable. The tooth preparation process is performed with comfort in mind, and many patients are surprised by how smooth the experience feels—especially with same-day treatment. Eliminating temporary crowns also reduces post-visit sensitivity and the risk of breakage between appointments.
How long can crowns and bridges last with proper care?
With good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, crowns and bridges can last many years. Brushing, flossing, and routine checkups help protect the supporting teeth and gums. At Integrated Family Dentistry, Dr. Mercedes Del Valle carefully designs restorations to support long-term function, comfort, and smile confidence.
With onsite CEREC software and equipment, Integrated Family Dentistry can make your crown “same day.” A digital impression of your teeth is rendered by Dr. Del Valle. This 3-D model is later transferred to our in-office milling machine, which shapes the crown in just minutes from a high-quality block of dental ceramic. As needed, adjustments are made before cementing the crown. No wait. No temporary. No hassle. Should you need a bridge, the crowns are simply fused to the replacement tooth (or teeth, as required). Then, the bridge is cemented to the neighboring teeth next to your gap. Once cemented, the replacement teeth fill the gap and are anchored by the neighboring crowned teeth. To learn more about the versatility of crowns and options to restore or beautify your smile, call our office in Eugene, OR, today. We can be reached at (541) 204-3939.
