Dental crowns are one of the most versatile restorations in dentistry.
At Legacy Dentistry in Midlothian, TX, Dr. Nguyen uses high-quality crowns to restore damaged, weakened, or decayed teeth, delivering results that look natural and function perfectly.
Whether you need to protect a vulnerable tooth, restore a broken one, or complete an implant restoration, a custom crown provides the strength and aesthetics your smile deserves.
When Crowns Are The Right Solution
Crowns are recommended when a tooth needs more protection than a filling can provide.
Common reasons for crown placement include:
- Large cavities that compromise too much tooth structure for a filling
- Cracked or fractured teeth that need full coverage protection
- Teeth weakened by root canal treatment
- Severely worn teeth from grinding or acid erosion
- Broken or damaged teeth that can’t be repaired with bonding
- Covering a dental implant with a natural-looking restoration
- Anchoring a dental bridge in place
Dr. Nguyen will evaluate your tooth and recommend a crown only when it’s the most appropriate and conservative solution.
Same-Day & Traditional Crown Options
We offer both same-day and traditional crown options to fit your schedule and needs.
- Traditional crowns are fabricated by a dental lab and typically require two visits. At your first appointment, Dr. Nguyen prepares the tooth, takes impressions or digital scans, and places a temporary crown. Your permanent crown is cemented at your second visit a few weeks later.
- Same-day crowns use advanced digital technology to design, mill, and place your crown in a single appointment. Dr. Nguyen takes a digital scan of your tooth, designs the crown on a computer, and mills it from a high-quality ceramic block right here in the office. No temporary crown, no second appointment, no waiting.
Dr. Nguyen will help you determine which option is right for your situation.
Protecting Vulnerable Teeth
A crown acts like a protective cap that covers the entire visible portion of your tooth above the gum line. This full coverage protects the tooth from further damage, holds a cracked tooth together, and prevents bacteria from entering and causing infection.
Teeth that have undergone root canal treatment are especially vulnerable to fracture because they no longer receive nutrients from the pulp. A crown placed after root canal therapy protects the tooth and extends its lifespan significantly.
Without a crown, a weakened tooth is at risk of fracturing beyond repair, which could ultimately require extraction.
Crown Materials & Aesthetic Options
Modern crowns are made from a variety of materials, each with unique advantages.
- Porcelain crowns are the most natural-looking option. They mimic the translucency and color of natural enamel, making them ideal for front teeth, where aesthetics are most important.
- Zirconia crowns are incredibly strong and highly aesthetic. They’re an excellent choice for both front and back teeth because they combine durability with a natural appearance.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns provide strength from the metal base and aesthetics from the porcelain overlay. They’re a reliable option but may show a dark line at the gum line over time.
- Gold crowns offer exceptional durability and are gentler on opposing teeth. They’re most commonly used for back teeth, where strength is the primary concern.
Dr. Nguyen will recommend the material that best fits your needs, the location of the tooth, and your aesthetic goals.
Precise Fit For Comfortable Function
A properly fitted crown is essential for comfort and long-term success. Dr. Nguyen carefully evaluates your bite to ensure the crown aligns properly with your opposing teeth and doesn’t interfere with your natural chewing pattern.
A crown that’s too high or misaligned can cause jaw discomfort, headaches, and uneven wear. We make precise adjustments before cementing the crown to ensure a comfortable, natural fit.
Our 3D intraoral scanner captures detailed images of your teeth for a fit that feels natural from day one.
What To Expect During Placement
Crown placement is straightforward and comfortable. Dr. Nguyen numbs the area, removes any decay, and shapes the tooth to receive the crown.
For traditional crowns, impressions are taken, and a temporary crown is placed while your permanent crown is fabricated. At your second visit, the temporary is removed, the fit is verified, and the permanent crown is cemented in place.
For same-day crowns, the entire process happens in one appointment. Most patients are surprised by how efficient and comfortable the experience is.
Long-Term Crown Care
With proper care, dental crowns can last 15 to 25 years or longer.
To protect your crown:
- Brush and floss daily, including around the crown margins
- Avoid chewing ice or hard objects
- Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth
- Visit us regularly for checkups and cleanings
- Don’t use your teeth as tools
Dr. Nguyen will examine your crown at every visit to ensure it’s holding up well and address any issues early.
Dental Crowns FAQs
Are Dental Crowns Permanent?
Though they are technically not permanent, your new dental crown is definitely a long-term solution. On average, a crown can protect your tooth for between five and 15 years.
Be aware that once your dentist has reshaped your tooth for a crown, that procedure is irreversible, as tooth enamel cannot grow back. Thus, that tooth will always need a crown for protection going forward.
Crowns were designed to protect the underlying tooth from additional damage, helping it survive for much longer than it likely would have otherwise.
You can ensure that your crown remains in great shape for years to come by taking excellent care of it through daily oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups and cleanings, and wearing a mouthguard or bite guard if necessary.
Do Dental Crowns Get Cavities?
While technically it's impossible for a dental crown itself to develop cavities, the tooth underneath it still can. In fact, a crowned tooth has about the same risk of decay as an uncrowned tooth. Poor oral hygiene makes it possible for bacteria and plaque to form around the gumline where the tooth meets the crown. They can then travel underneath the crown, wreaking havoc on the underlying tooth.
You can prevent cavities from developing on crowned teeth in the same way you’d prevent them in any other tooth: with daily brushing and flossing, regular dental check-ups and cleanings, and eating a healthy diet.
Can Dental Crowns Be Whitened?
No matter the material your dental crown is made of it cannot be whitened as your real teeth can. That’s because tooth enamel has tiny pores in it, which bleaching gels can enter to break apart stains. Dental restorations like crowns do not have these same pores, and therefore, your crown should always remain the same color.
Metal-free dental crowns are designed to blend in seamlessly with your surrounding teeth. To minimize the risk of your natural teeth becoming discolored and making your crown stand out, ask your dentist about getting teeth whitening prior to having your crown placed. This way, your crown will be matched to the ideal shade of your teeth from the start.
Are Dental Crowns Covered By Insurance?
The short answer to this question is yes, but not always, and not fully. Every dental insurance plan is different, but most consider dental crowns to be a major procedure, so they’re often eligible for coverage at 50 percent after you’ve paid your deductible and before you’ve exceeded your annual maximum.
Dental insurance will typically only cover a crown if it is considered medically necessary, such as to repair a tooth with decay or damage. If you’re getting one solely for cosmetic reasons, it may not qualify for insurance coverage.
Even without dental insurance, Legacy Dentistry accepts other financing options to make your crown more affordable.
Restore Your Tooth’s Strength & Beauty
At Legacy Dentistry, dental crowns offer a proven solution for damaged, weakened, or compromised teeth. Dr. Nguyen combines precision craftsmanship with quality materials to create crowns that look natural, feel comfortable, and last for years.
Call our Midlothian, TX office or book online to schedule your crown consultation. We’ll evaluate your tooth, discuss your options, and create a treatment plan that restores your smile’s strength and beauty.