Dental Crown FAQs From Patients in Greenville

For every patient, we evaluate the best material and design to achieve the desired cosmetic and functional outcome. In cosmetic cases, we review photographs, models, and digital scans to analyze occlusion, skeletal structure, tooth and gum position, wear patterns, and other factors before recommending a treatment approach.

For example, matching a single crown on a front tooth to surrounding natural teeth is one of the most challenging procedures in dentistry. These cases often require advanced characterization, texture, and multiple shades to blend seamlessly with adjacent teeth. Because of these demands, we frequently collaborate with our lab technician, Darin Malcolm, an accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and a Certified Dental Technician. He uses CAD/CAM technology and hand-layered materials to create highly customized restorations.

For cases involving multiple front teeth, we often begin with a diagnostic wax-up to preview the final smile design. Depending on the complexity of the case, crowns may be fabricated in-office or with our laboratory partner. Cases requiring extensive texture and esthetic customization are typically completed by our lab technician, while more straightforward cases may be completed in-office by Dr. Chad Colson.

In our opinion, very few cosmetic cases are ideal candidates for same-day crowns. For cosmetic smile cases, patients wear temporary restorations first to preview the look and function of their smile, allowing modifications before final crowns are fabricated.

Dental crown materials continue to evolve, but not every material is ideal for every patient. While we offer same-day crowns, the material used is not always the best option for patients who clench or grind their teeth.

Because many of our patients experience clenching and bruxism, approximately 98% of the crowns we make are not same-day restorations. Instead, we use cubic zirconia, a highly durable and esthetic material that requires more than seven hours in a sintering furnace to achieve its final strength and appearance.

1. A digital scan of the tooth is completed before treatment to create a template for the permanent crown.
2. The tooth is prepared, and a digital impression of the area is captured.
3. Scanned images are transferred to an EXOCAD design program.
4. Dr. Chad Colson designs and mills the crown from raw zirconia using an Amann Girrbach 5-axis milling machine. A single crown typically mills in 10–15 minutes.
5. The crown is initially polished and placed into a furnace, where it is sintered into its final cubic zirconia form. This process takes approximately seven hours.
6. The final zirconia crown is characterized and glazed in a glazing oven for about 20 minutes.
7. Final polishing and steam-cleaning are completed before the crown is ready for placement.

We recommend treatment based on what will provide the best long-term strength, esthetics, and function. Cubic zirconia offers an excellent combination of durability and natural appearance, but it is not a same-day material because it requires approximately seven hours in a sintering furnace.

In some cases, patients experience discomfort when biting or pressure sensitivity. Before placing a permanent restoration, we prefer to have patients function comfortably in a temporary crown first to confirm symptoms have resolved and the tooth is stable.

For larger cosmetic cases, patients often wear temporary crowns for two to three weeks. During this period, we refine details such as length, shape, lip support, speech, and bite to confirm the patient is happy with the design before creating the permanent restorations.

For routine crowns, temporary restorations are usually worn for two to seven days. To accommodate busy schedules, we frequently reserve both preparation and delivery appointments within the same week. For out-of-town patients, crowns can often be completed as quickly as the following day when needed, since most are custom-made in our office by Dr. Chad Colson.

Temporary crowns do require precautions. Patients should avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods while wearing them. We also try to schedule treatment around travel plans whenever possible in case a temporary crown becomes dislodged. If needed, temporary dental adhesives like Fixodent or Polygrip can help as a short-term solution.