At the office of Briter Dental, we’ve established a reputation for excellence based upon providing skilled and experienced state-of-the-art care. We’re dedicated to keeping pace with the latest technology and advances in treatment to provide our patients with the highest quality of care.
Despite the fact that dental enamel is stronger than bone and the hardest substance in your body, your teeth remain vulnerable to cavities and trauma. While dental fillings can provide an excellent way to repair a decayed or damaged tooth, they don’t always provide the right solution for rebuilding a strong, functional one. When too much tooth structure is compromised by dental decay, trauma, root canals, or habitual clenching and grinding, a filling just won’t do. In these situations, a dental crown provides a better way to restore the involved tooth's integrity, function, and appearance.
Thanks to advances in dental ceramics, dental crowns today don’t have to be fabricated from metal or have a metal substrate. We can now fabricate all-ceramic crowns that offer the benefits of being metal-free, durable, long-lasting, and as beautiful as a natural tooth.
At the office of Briter Dental, patient care, comfort, and satisfaction are our top priorities. We personalize every treatment plan to address our patients’ oral healthcare needs and fulfill their cosmetic expectations of care.
Successful outcomes of care depend on careful treatment planning and paying close attention to a patient’s smile goals and expectations of care. Whether you need a dental crown or one of the many other services we provide, you can count on our office to explain your best options in care and to address all your questions and concerns every step of the way.
A dental crown is a full-coverage restoration that replicates the form and function of a natural tooth. It’s often recommended in the following the situations:
To repair and rebuild a tooth with extensive structural damage due to decay or trauma
To replace a large or broken filling
To restore a dental implant
To provide full coverage for the abutment teeth, serving as the supporting ends of a traditional dental bridge
To strengthen and protect a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy
To improve the look of an undersized, slightly misaligned, darkly stained, or misshapen tooth
To address bite discrepancies
Out of all the available materials for a full-coverage restoration today, metal-free crowns, also known as all-ceramic crowns, offer the most lifelike and biocompatible results. Once commonly referred to as “porcelain jackets,” today’s all-ceramic crowns are fabricated from the most advanced generations of cosmetically appealing, durable, and natural-looking materials. With strength comparable to traditional metal and porcelain fused to metal crowns, all-ceramic crowns provide a highly satisfying and long-lasting option in care.
As the name implies, the term all-ceramic crown means the crown's entire thickness is 100% ceramic. While in the past, porcelain or all-ceramic crowns looked better but did not offer the strength and durability of porcelain fused to metal crowns, it’s no longer the case. Thanks to advances in dental materials, they are stronger and more reliable than ever before.
Here are just some of the reasons we recommend an all-ceramic crown:
All-Ceramic crowns interact with light in much the same way as natural teeth and more closely mimic their translucency and luster
All-Ceramic crowns can be made thinner and require less reduction and preparation of the underlying tooth
All-Ceramic crowns are lighter in weight than dental crowns that incorporate a metal substructure
All-Ceramic crowns are also kinder to the surrounding soft tissues.
All-Ceramic crowns are resistant to stain and discoloration
All-Ceramic crowns are metal-free and safer for individuals with allergies or sensitivities to metal
All-Ceramic crowns resemble a natural tooth in its entirety and do not have a metal margin, which is often visible at the gumline
You can rest assured that your new ceramic crown will look naturally beautiful and blend seamlessly with your smile. Our office never compromises on service or materials; your new crown is milled from the latest generation of durable ceramic materials, for the most aesthetically pleasing and natural-looking results.
With the range of dental ceramics available today, which type gets selected to fabricate your new crown depends upon the tooth's location, the stresses on that tooth, and the case's aesthetic requirements. Certain types of all-ceramic crowns are more suited to provide the strength needed for back teeth, while other types better address a front tooth's aesthetic requirements. Although Feldspathic porcelain has been traditionally used in the fabrication of porcelain crowns, today, newer generations of dental ceramics provide options that work for the front teeth as well as the back teeth.
Some of the most popular and effective choices include the following:
Lithium Disilicate Porcelain Crowns
Leucite Reinforced Pressable Porcelain Crowns
Solid or Monolithic Zirconia
High Translucent Zirconia.
With multiple types of all-ceramic crowns to choose from, selecting the right material for an attractive, durable, and long-lasting restorative outcome is a crucial decision.
At the office Briter Dental, we carefully analyze your smile's functional and aesthetic requirements to formulate a treatment plan that's right for you. You can rely on our office to recommend the type of ceramic restoration that best suits the unique needs of your smile while fulfilling your expectations of care.
When it comes to helping patients achieve a smile, they feel confident sharing with the world; you can depend on the office of Briter Dental for the highest quality of care. We strive to help every patient maintain optimal oral health and enjoy the benefits of a smile that looks great and functions at its best. Our practice maintains a position at the forefront of advances in dentistry to offer patients effective and satisfying solutions for improving the look, feel, and function of their smiles.
We understand the functional and aesthetic requirements of restoring smiles and provide skilled care that successfully combines the art and science of dentistry to achieve outstanding treatment outcomes. At the office of Briter Dental, we offer a comprehensive range of services to address all your family’s oral healthcare needs.
For more information on our office or to schedule an appointment for care, give us a call today.
While a dental filling is designed to replace a portion of a decayed or damaged tooth, a dental crown offers full coverage to restore the tooth’s entire outer surface. A well-fitting dental crown not only protects and strengthens the underlying tooth structure, but it also restores the tooth’s appearance and function.
The procedure for getting an all-ceramic crown is much like the procedure for getting any other type of crown. In all cases, the tooth needs to be prepared, an impression taken, and a permanent crown cemented into place. A single all-ceramic crown can typically be fabricated over the course of two visits. However, with CAD/CAM technology, a same-day crown can be fabricated from start to finish in a single visit. With the first approach, a temporary crown is typically worn until the second visit, when the permanent restoration is placed. As with every treatment plan, our office will explain your best options in care.
As the name implies, a temporary crown is only worn for a short time until the permanent crown is placed. A temporary crown is typically fabricated from durable tooth-colored dental acrylics. While designed to protect the underlying tooth between appointments, and until your new permanent crown gets placed, a temporary crown is also fabricated to look like a natural tooth and maintain the look of your smile.
While you should feel better having an attractive and functional tooth to restore your smile, your tooth may feel a little sensitive following treatment. This initial sensitivity will subside. We take great care to make sure your new restoration looks great, fits well, and your bite is perfect. However, we’re always happy to make any minor adjustments to ensure your comfort.
With some exceptions, teeth with root canal procedures are typically restored and protected from further damage with a full-coverage crown. Based on what’s best for your smile, our office will recommend the most appropriate restoration to maintain the health and longevity of your tooth following a root canal procedure.
A dental crown is a long-term restoration that, if properly cared for, can serve you well for many years to come. Once your new crown is placed, it requires the same brushing, flossing, and periodic checkups as your natural teeth. Avoid biting your fingernails and chewing on hard or sticky objects such as ice, pencils, or taffy, which can damage or loosen your crown. Remember, clenching and grinding your teeth puts excessive pressure on both natural teeth and dental restorations. Unless treated, this habit can compromise the longevity and integrity of your dental work, including crowns.
Although your new all-ceramic crown restores the tooth's strength, form, and function, you can still develop dental disease in the absence of proper care. To prevent gum disease and tooth decay, it’s essential to brush and floss as instructed and see our office for routine checkups, cleanings, and care.
How long a dental crown lasts depends on various factors, including your level of oral care, diet, and oral habits. While the standard answer is that dental crowns can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years, existing literature confirms that most dental crowns remain in place at 15 to 20 years.
At the office of Briter Dental, we strive to provide the highest quality of care to address all your dental needs. Once we’ve had the opportunity to examine your smile, we can give you a clear picture of any dental issues that are present, along with a quote for how much treatment will be. The cost of dental crowns can vary a little, depending on the type of crown and its location. Our goals are to provide the highest quality of care and help patients begin treatment without additional financial stress or delay. We’re always happy to answer all your questions on dental insurance coverage, available financing, and payment plans.
Coverage for all-ceramic crowns depends on your dental insurance plan. Today, many dental plans provide some level of coverage for all-ceramic crowns. At the office of Briter Dental, we work with patients to optimize their dental benefits and get the care they need to maintain healthy and beautiful smiles!
A ceramic crown is a full-coverage dental restoration made entirely from dental ceramics designed to replicate the shape, function, and appearance of a natural tooth. These crowns are fabricated from advanced materials such as lithium disilicate or zirconia that offer a combination of strength and lifelike translucency. Because they are metal-free, ceramic crowns eliminate visible metal margins and provide a highly aesthetic result for front and visible teeth. Modern fabrication techniques allow precise fits and surfaces that mimic natural enamel.
Ceramic crowns are used to restore teeth that are weakened, fractured, or heavily restored where a filling would not provide adequate support. The restoration covers the entire clinical crown of the tooth to protect remaining structure and re-establish proper form and occlusion. Ceramic materials are selected for their biocompatibility and color-matching capabilities to achieve a seamless integration with adjacent teeth. Many ceramic crowns are milled using CAD/CAM technology for consistent quality and fit.
A ceramic crown is recommended when a tooth has lost a substantial portion of its structure due to decay, trauma, or large existing restorations and a filling would not restore adequate strength or longevity. Teeth that have undergone root canal therapy, have fractured cusps, or support large restorations often require full coverage to prevent further damage and to restore normal function. A crown redistributes biting forces across the tooth and surrounding structure, reducing the risk of future fractures. Your dentist will evaluate the remaining tooth structure and function to determine whether a crown is the appropriate option.
In addition to structural needs, crowns are recommended when aesthetics are a priority, such as with discolored, misshapen, or undersized teeth that do not respond to conservative cosmetic treatments. Ceramic crowns offer superior color matching and translucency compared with many other restorative options, making them ideal for highly visible areas. The decision depends on functional demands, aesthetic goals, and the long-term prognosis of the tooth. A comprehensive exam helps determine the balance between conservation of tooth structure and the need for durable restoration.
Common all-ceramic crown types include lithium disilicate, leucite-reinforced porcelain, monolithic zirconia, and high-translucency zirconia, each offering distinct properties. Lithium disilicate is prized for its combination of strength and excellent esthetics, making it suitable for anterior and some posterior restorations. Monolithic and high-translucency zirconia provide superior strength for high-stress posterior teeth while newer translucent formulations improve visual integration for smiles. Leucite-reinforced ceramics provide good esthetics for lower-stress situations where a natural appearance is the primary goal.
The choice of material depends on tooth location, occlusal forces, and aesthetic requirements; stronger ceramics are favored for molars while highly translucent materials are often selected for front teeth. Material selection also influences preparation design, thickness requirements, and bonding protocol. Your dentist will recommend the ceramic that best balances durability and appearance for your specific situation. Advances in ceramic technology have expanded options so clinicians can tailor restorations to both functional and cosmetic needs.
Placement of a ceramic crown typically involves preparing the tooth by removing compromised structure and shaping the tooth to receive a restoration, then taking an impression or digital scan of the prepared tooth and surrounding dentition. A temporary crown is often placed while the final crown is fabricated in a dental laboratory or milled in-office using CAD/CAM systems. At the second visit the temporary is removed, the fit and shade of the final crown are verified, and the crown is permanently cemented or bonded to the prepared tooth. The process emphasizes precision in fit, occlusion, and contact relationships to ensure comfort and long-term success.
Digital workflows, when available, can streamline the process by producing accurate scans and shortened turnaround times for fabrication without compromising quality. Bonding protocols differ by material; some ceramics are adhesively bonded to maximize fracture resistance while others are conventionally cemented depending on clinical factors. Your dentist will explain the chosen workflow, expected timeline, and any postoperative instructions to protect the new restoration. Regular follow-up allows the team to confirm function and address any adjustments early.
Ceramic crowns can last many years when properly designed, fabricated, and maintained, with longevity influenced by material choice, occlusal forces, oral hygiene, and parafunctional habits. Stronger ceramics such as zirconia generally withstand heavier occlusal loads and may be preferable for posterior teeth, while more translucent materials can be ideal for anterior esthetics but may require careful case selection. Patient habits such as bruxism, chewing on hard objects, or poor oral hygiene can increase the risk of chipping, fracture, or underlying decay, which shortens the lifespan of any crown. Regular dental checkups allow early detection of problems and help extend the restoration's functional life.
Maintenance also includes protecting teeth from excessive forces and managing gum health around the crown margin to prevent recurrent decay at the crown-tooth interface. If a crown fails due to fracture, recurrent decay, or loss of retention, your dentist will evaluate whether repair or replacement is indicated based on the damage and surrounding tooth structure. With appropriate care and professional monitoring, many ceramic crowns provide reliable service for a decade or longer depending on individual circumstances.
All-ceramic crowns are metal-free restorations and are an appropriate option for patients with known metal allergies or sensitivities, reducing the risk of adverse tissue reactions associated with metal substructures. Because ceramic materials are biocompatible, they are generally well tolerated by the surrounding gum tissue and help avoid visible dark margins that can occur with metal-based restorations. Ceramic crowns also minimize galvanic interactions that some patients experience when different metals are present in the mouth. Your dental team can review your medical and dental history to confirm suitability and choose the most biocompatible material for your case.
In addition to allergy considerations, ceramic crowns offer aesthetic advantages and are resistant to corrosion, which contributes to their long-term stability in the oral environment. If there is any uncertainty about material compatibility, tests or material selection alternatives can be discussed during treatment planning. The clinical goal is to select a restorative approach that meets both functional and health-related needs without introducing unnecessary risk.
Ceramic crowns differ from porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) and full metal crowns primarily in aesthetics and margin appearance; ceramics mimic natural tooth translucency more closely and eliminate visible metal at the gumline. PFMs combine a metal substructure with a porcelain overlay and can provide strength, but the metal can sometimes show as a dark line at the margin or affect the way light transmits through the restoration. Full metal crowns are extremely durable and require less tooth reduction in some cases but lack the natural look ceramic options provide. Material choice balances the need for strength, conservation of tooth structure, and cosmetic expectations.
Clinical factors such as tooth position, occlusal loading, and the condition of adjacent teeth guide the comparative selection; for highly visible front teeth, all-ceramic restorations are often preferred for their superior aesthetics. For patients with heavy bite forces or limited vertical space, metal or strengthened ceramic options may be considered to ensure longevity. Ultimately, the dentist evaluates each case to recommend the solution that achieves the best combination of function and appearance.
Ceramic crowns are commonly used as implant restorations and can be fabricated to connect to implant abutments using screw-retained or cemented designs depending on the clinical plan. When used on implants, ceramic crowns must be designed to accommodate the implant platform, access channel, and occlusal forces specific to implant-supported teeth. All-ceramic crowns can also serve as the retainer portions of a fixed dental bridge, but bridge design and material selection must account for the span, support teeth, and functional loads. Proper engineering of the restoration by the clinician and laboratory ensures reliable performance whether the crown is tooth-supported or implant-supported.
For implant cases, material selection and connection type influence maintenance and retrievability; screw-retained designs facilitate future access for abutment or crown maintenance. When considering a bridge, the strength of the chosen ceramic must be adequate for the anticipated stresses across the pontic span. Your dentist will evaluate bone support, implant positioning, and occlusion to determine the optimal restorative strategy for implants or bridges using ceramic materials.
If you notice chipping, roughness, or mobility in a ceramic crown, contact your dental office promptly to schedule an evaluation rather than attempting to adjust or remove the crown yourself. Small chips can sometimes be smoothed or repaired with composite materials, while larger fractures or compromised retention may require replacement of the crown. Looseness can signal loss of cement seal or failure of the underlying tooth structure and should be assessed to prevent decay or further damage. Timely professional assessment reduces the risk of infection or more extensive restorative needs.
While awaiting your appointment, avoid chewing on the affected side and refrain from hard or sticky foods that could worsen the condition. Maintain good oral hygiene and, if recommended by your dentist, use a temporary dental adhesive or protective material only as instructed. Your dentist will determine whether repair, recementation, or fabrication of a new crown is the safest and most effective solution based on the extent of the problem.
Caring for a ceramic crown involves the same daily practices recommended for natural teeth: brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and maintain regular professional cleanings and examinations. These habits help prevent recurrent decay at the crown margin and preserve healthy gum tissue around the restoration. Avoid using teeth as tools and limit habits like chewing ice or opening packaging that can place undue stress on restorations. If you have a history of grinding or clenching, your dentist may recommend a custom nightguard to protect crowns and natural teeth from excessive wear.
Regular dental visits allow your clinician to monitor the crown's margins, contacts, and occlusion and to detect early signs of wear or soft tissue changes. Proper maintenance of adjacent teeth and periodontal health is also critical to the long-term stability of crowns. With consistent home care and professional monitoring, ceramic crowns can maintain both function and natural appearance for years.
Briter Dental combines a multispecialty team and modern restorative techniques to provide individualized ceramic crown treatment that addresses both functional needs and aesthetic goals. The practice emphasizes careful diagnosis, material selection, and precise fabrication methods, including digital scanning and collaboration with skilled dental laboratories or in-office CAD/CAM systems when appropriate. This comprehensive approach helps ensure that each crown fits accurately, matches surrounding teeth, and restores proper occlusion. Patient education and clear communication are part of the treatment process so you understand the rationale behind material choice and clinical steps.
During treatment planning, the clinical team evaluates occlusion, tooth health, and smile objectives to recommend the ceramic option best suited to your case and long-term oral health. Follow-up care and preventive monitoring are integrated into the plan to preserve the restoration and surrounding structures over time. If you have questions about ceramic crowns or would like to discuss available options, Briter Dental can provide an assessment and explain the recommended pathway for restoring your smile.