Porcelain and Zirconia Dental Crowns in NYC

Dental crowns restore the shape, appearance, and function of damaged or weakened teeth. Sometimes called “caps,” crowns cover the visible portion of a tooth and may be recommended when a filling or veneer would not provide enough protection.

At Tribeca Advanced Dentistry in downtown Manhattan, we use metal-free ceramic crowns, including zirconia and IPS e.max. Each restoration is planned around your tooth’s condition, your bite, and the appearance of your surrounding teeth.

For complex restorative and aesthetic treatment, Dr. Olga Malkin, our prosthodontist, considers how individual crowns will work together as part of your overall smile.

When Is a Dental Crown Recommended?

A crown may be appropriate for a tooth that is cracked, extensively decayed, heavily restored, or weakened by significant wear. Crowns are also commonly used to protect certain teeth after root canal treatment and to restore dental implants.

Crowns can improve tooth shape, color, and proportions. However, cosmetic concerns alone do not always require a crown. The recommendation depends on how much healthy tooth structure remains and whether a more conservative treatment could address the problem.

See examples of our work in the dental crown smile gallery.

Should I Choose Crowns or Veneers?

Porcelain veneers mainly cover the front surfaces of teeth. They may be suitable when the teeth are structurally healthy and the primary goal is to change their appearance.

Crowns provide more extensive coverage and may be recommended when teeth need additional protection or reconstruction.

For some patients, treatment combines veneers on healthier teeth with crowns on teeth that need greater coverage. Dr. Malkin coordinates their shape and color to create a consistent appearance.

Neither treatment is automatically the right choice for everyone. Your examination helps determine whether a crown, veneer, filling, onlay, or another approach is appropriate.

 

Crowns for Worn Teeth and Smile Rehabilitation

Grinding, clenching, and acid erosion can change the shape and length of teeth. In more extensive cases, this wear may also affect how the teeth meet and how much tooth structure shows when you smile.

Dr. Malkin evaluates the cause and extent of the wear before recommending treatment. A restorative plan may use crowns or other restorations to rebuild damaged teeth and improve smile proportions.

Addressing the underlying cause is also important. Crowns do not stop grinding or eliminate damage from continued acid exposure. Your plan may include a protective nightguard or other measures to help protect both your natural teeth and restorations.

How Much Tooth Structure Is Removed for a Crown?

Preparing a tooth for a crown generally involves removing decay or defective restorative material and reshaping the tooth to create space for the crown. Some healthy tooth structure may also need to be removed.

The amount of preparation depends on the tooth’s condition, the crown material, and the space needed for an appropriate fit and bite.

Digital scanning and computer-assisted design help us plan and fabricate restorations precisely. They do not eliminate the need for preparation. Our aim is to preserve as much sound tooth structure as the treatment allows.

Which Crown Materials Do We Use?

Zirconia Crowns

Zirconia is a strong, tooth-colored ceramic used for dental crowns. It is often considered for back teeth, where chewing forces are greater, and may also be used for front teeth when appropriate.

Different zirconia materials offer different combinations of strength and translucency. The choice depends on the tooth’s position, the available space, your bite, and the desired appearance.

IPS e.max Crowns

IPS e.max lithium disilicate is a ceramic used for crowns, veneers, and other restorations. Its range of shades and translucencies makes it useful when matching the appearance of natural teeth.

It can be used for both front and back teeth when the clinical conditions are suitable. Dr. Malkin considers the restoration’s design, the remaining tooth structure, and the forces it will need to withstand.

How Do Metal-Free Crowns Differ From Metal-Ceramic Crowns?

Zirconia and e.max crowns do not contain the metal substructure found in porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. This avoids a visible metal edge, although the appearance of any crown also depends on its fit, the underlying tooth, and the surrounding gums.

The most appropriate material is selected for the individual tooth and treatment plan.

What Happens During a Dental Crown Procedure?

Examination and Treatment Planning

We begin by examining the tooth, reviewing symptoms, and taking imaging when needed. Your dentist will explain the recommended treatment, alternatives, expected appointments, and fees.

For a straightforward crown, treatment often involves two main appointments. More complex cases may require additional planning and visits.

Tooth Preparation and Records

The tooth is prepared, and an impression or digital scan records its shape and relationship to the surrounding teeth. Local anesthesia is used when appropriate.

A temporary crown may be placed while the final restoration is being made. You will receive instructions about eating and cleaning around the temporary crown.

Laboratory Fabrication

Our on-site dental laboratory supports collaboration between the clinical team and dental technicians.

Digital design and fabrication methods are selected for the restoration and material being used. The team considers the crown’s fit, bite, color, and contours as part of this process.

Trying In and Placing the Final Crown

Before placement, your dentist checks the crown’s fit, appearance, contact with neighboring teeth, and bite. Adjustments are made as needed.

Once the crown is ready, it is secured to the tooth with the appropriate dental cement or bonding system. You will receive care instructions and guidance on any follow-up visits.

Crowns as Part of a Smile Makeover

When several teeth need reconstruction, treatment involves more detailed planning than a single crown.

Dr. Malkin begins by discussing your concerns and the changes you would like to make. Photographs of your earlier smile or examples of smiles you like can help communicate your preferences.

Photographs, scans or impressions, and bite records guide the design. A diagnostic mock-up may be used to preview proposed changes, and temporary crowns can provide an opportunity to assess appearance and comfort before the final restorations are completed.

Your feedback helps guide refinements to tooth shape, length, color, and bite. Our team will review the written treatment plan, fees, and payment schedule with you.

Learn more about our approach to smile makeovers.

Comfort During Treatment

We use local anesthesia when appropriate and discuss additional comfort measures based on your needs.

If you experience dental anxiety or are concerned about a longer appointment, ask about sedation during your consultation. The options depend on your medical history and planned treatment.

Caring for Your Dental Crowns

Crowns require the same attention to daily hygiene as natural teeth. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, clean between your teeth daily, and attend professional cleanings at the interval recommended for your oral health.

The crown itself cannot develop a cavity, but the natural tooth beneath it and around its edges can. Careful cleaning helps protect these areas and the surrounding gums.

Avoid chewing ice, biting hard objects, or using your teeth to open packaging. If a nightguard is recommended, wear it as directed.

How Long Do Crowns Last?

Crowns can serve for many years, but their lifespan varies with the condition of the underlying tooth, the material, bite forces, and daily care.

Over time, a crown may need adjustment, repair, or replacement. Contact our office if it becomes loose, chips, or feels different when you bite.

Some temporary sensitivity can occur after treatment. Let us know if discomfort persists, worsens, or is accompanied by pain when biting so we can assess the cause.

Schedule a Dental Crown Consultation

Whether you need to restore one damaged tooth or are considering more extensive treatment, our team can help you understand your options.

Contact Tribeca Advanced Dentistry to schedule a consultation.

23 Warren Street, Suite 10, New York, NY 10007
Call: 212-355-4510