Dental Crowns
Houston, TX

Porcelain Dental Crowns

At Innovative Smiles, we’re proud to provide porcelain dental crowns to the Houston community. If you have a damaged or decaying tooth, a tooth crown may be a perfect solution to boost your confidence and restore your oral health. Dr. Al utilizes the latest technology to digitally design each porcelain crown himself, right here in our office! This ensures a perfect fit that blends seamlessly with your smile, while also and reducing cost and additional visits for our patients.

Don’t let dental pain or a less than perfect smile disrupt your life – contact Innovative Smiles now to schedule an appointment with the most reliable dentist for dental crowns in Houston.

graphic of a dental crown

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown, also referred to as a dental cap or tooth crown, fits snuggly over a damaged or weakened tooth. Crowns are designed to resemble the tooth’s natural shape, size, and color; providing both functional and aesthetic benefits. To ensure a proper fit, our dentist will typically remove a small amount of enamel before bonding your new crown into place.

After the porcelain crown has been placed, your compromised tooth will be protected from most of the natural pressures and stresses of daily activities, such as eating. This will also help your tooth keep its structure and help save it from having to be extracted down the line.

When might you need a dental crown?

Crowns for teeth act like a protective shield with both restorative and cosmetic purposes. In each case, they play a role in preserving oral health and enhancing a patient’s smile.

Restorative | A dental crown can be used as a shield to help protect your tooth. This can help address a number of different issues such as wear and tear, cracks, and tooth decay.

Cosmetic | Often used to cover the abnormalities of a stained or discolored tooth, a cosmetic dental crown can improve your tooth’s overall appearance, leading to a brighter and healthier smile.

Our experienced dentist will determine if a dental crown is right for your unique case. Note that if you need multiple crowns for your teeth, a dental bridge could be a solution. A dental bridge replaces adjacent missing teeth by using a crown on each end as an anchor, while an artificial tooth (or teeth) is placed in between to “bridge” the gap.

dental technician painting a dental crown

Types of Dental Crowns

There are many types of dental crowns – each with their own set of advantages and considerations.

Porcelain Dental Crown | At Innovative Smiles, we offer porcelain dental crowns because of their durability and natural-looking aesthetics. Once the crown is designed, we’ll customize it to match your teeth so it blends flawlessly with your smile. Thanks to the advanced technology in our office, we’re able to offer the most aesthetic and natural-looking dental crowns to restore the function and beauty of your smile.

Metal Crown | Metal crowns are typically made of gold, nickel, or chromium. They’re popular due to their durability and long-lasting material. Metal crowns are often used for molars because of their strength, however, their metallic appearance makes them less suitable for front teeth.

Temporary Crown | These are usually made of acrylic or stainless steel and ensure the tooth isn’t exposed to any further damage while the final crown is being produced. Temporary crowns should only be used for a short period of time due to their less durable material and eating limitations.

Dental Crown Cost

The cost of a dental crown can vary depending on the complexity of the case. The final cost depends on the type of crown (e.g. zirconia crowns, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, gold crowns), the location of the tooth, and any potential insurance coverage. To get an estimate, schedule a visit online or call (281) 859-9073, and we’ll be able to provide a detailed cost breakdown and discuss any available payment options or financing plans to make the treatment most affordable for you.

Dental Crown Procedure

Exam
Dr. Al will evaluate your tooth, bite, and overall oral health to determine if a dental crown is necessary. You will also be able to discuss your treatment goals and address any questions or concerns you may have.
Exam
Crown Preparation
If a porcelain crown is deemed appropriate, Dr. Al will numb the area with a local anesthetic to ensure you are comfortable. He will then remove any damage or decay from the tooth and reshape it to create a suitable base for the crown.
Crown Preparation
Crown Placement
Dr. Al will then place the porcelain crown, ensuring its fit and appearance is in alignment with the rest of your teeth. He will then “cement” the crown into place using an adhesive to keep it from falling out.
Crown Placement

Recovery after the procedure

Dental crown recovery is typically straightforward and relatively quick. Since the procedure doesn’t involve any invasive surgery, most patients can return to their daily activities almost immediately. However, it’s common to experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity for the hours following your dental crown placement. This usually subsides within a day or two as your mouth adjusts to the new crown.

Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help manage any discomfort during this initial period. If the sensitivity persists or worsens, we recommend consulting our dentist to rule out any potential issues.

How to care for your dental crown

Proper care and attention to your dental crown is essential for maintaining its longevity. If you’re wondering how long a dental crown lasts, a new one can serve for more than 15 years with the right oral hygiene habits. Following these tips will help ensure your crown remains strong and reliable:

Regular Oral Hygiene | Brush and floss your teeth regularly. Treat the crown just like your natural teeth. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to gently clean the crown and the surrounding teeth.

Avoid Chewing on Hard Objects | While your crown is designed to be robust, it’s essential to be mindful of chewing on hard objects like ice, pens, or fingernails, as these habits can cause damage to your crown.

Regular Dental Check-Ups | Maintain regular cleanings as these appointments are crucial for assessing the health of your crown and ensuring it remains securely in place.

Address Any Issues Promptly | If you notice any discomfort, unusual sensations, or damage to your crown, don’t hesitate to contact Innovative Smiles for a prompt evaluation.

no insurance? no problem!

Interested in getting a dental crown near you but don’t have insurance? Not a problem! Patients who would like to break their treatment costs into affordable monthly payments can benefit from working with a financing company. Applying for financing is quick and easy, and you’ll receive an instant decision so you can proceed with your treatment promptly.

If you are interested in seeing our skilled crown dentist but don’t have insurance, call Innovative Smiles today at (281) 859-9073 to speak with our insurance coordinator who can provide more information about our financing options.

have insurance? we've got you covered!

We accept most PPO plans, and our treatment coordinator will be able to provide an estimate of what your plan may cover. We’re also happy to bill your dental insurance plan on your behalf to help you maximize your benefits. Visit our Insurance & Financing page to view the insurances we are in-network with.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dental Crowns Houston, TX

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap or cover that is placed over a damaged or decaying tooth. It’s used to restore the shape, size, strength, and appearance of the tooth. Crowns can be made from different materials such as porcelain, metal, or a combination of both. They are custom-made to fit your tooth and are cemented in place by Dr. Al. Dental crowns can also be used to cover a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment, to protect a weak tooth from further damage, or to attach a dental bridge.

There are several different types of dental crowns, each with its own advantages. The most common types of dental crowns are:

  • Porcelain crowns | These are made of a ceramic material that closely resembles the color and texture of natural teeth. Porcelain crowns are often used for front teeth and highly visible teeth because of their excellent aesthetics.
  • Metal crowns | These are made of various metals, such as gold, silver, or platinum. Metal crowns are very durable and can withstand biting and chewing forces quite well. They are often used for molars, where their strength is needed.
  • Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns | These types of dental crowns are a combination of metal and porcelain. The metal provides strength, while the porcelain provides an attractive, tooth-like appearance.
  • Zirconia crowns | These are made of a very strong and durable ceramic material called zirconia. They are highly resistant to wear and can last for many years.
  • Temporary crowns | These are a short-term dental restoration used to protect a prepared tooth while the permanent crown is being fabricated in a dental laboratory. Temporary crowns serve several important purposes in the dental treatment process.

At Innovative Smiles, Dr. Al will consider several factors, such as the location of the tooth, the amount of tooth structure remaining, and your personal preferences when recommending a type of dental crown for you.

The cost of a dental crown can vary depending on the type of crown and the location of the tooth. Generally, the cost of a dental crown will range from under $1,000 to upwards of $2,000 per tooth.

Porcelain crowns and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are more expensive than metal crowns because of their superior aesthetics. Zirconia crowns and E-max crowns are also more expensive because of the high-quality materials used in their construction.

Keep in mind that dental insurance may cover some or all of the cost of a dental crown, depending on the terms of your policy. It’s best to check with your insurance provider to see what your coverage is for dental crowns.

At Innovative Smiles we offer financing options which spread out your payments in order to help fit dental crowns into your budget.

Whether a tooth crown is right for you depends on the condition of your teeth and the specific dental issue that you have. Here are some situations in which a dental crown may be recommended:

  • Large cavity | If you have a large cavity that cannot be filled with a traditional filling, a dental crown may be needed to restore the tooth’s strength and function.
  • Cracked or broken tooth | If you have a tooth that is cracked or broken, a dental crown may be needed to protect and reinforce the remaining tooth structure.
  • Root canal | If you have had a root canal, a dental crown may be needed to protect the tooth and restore its function.
  • Missing tooth | If you are missing a tooth, a dental crown may be used as part of a dental bridge to fill in the gap.
  • Cosmetic enhancement | If you have a tooth that is discolored, misshapen, or otherwise unattractive, a dental crown may be used to improve its appearance.

Dr. Al will be able to evaluate your teeth and recommend the best treatment plan for your individual needs. We will also answer any questions you may have about the dental crown procedure and help you determine if it’s the right choice for you.

Dental crowns and dental bridges are both dental restorations, but they serve different purposes:

Dental crowns are used to restore the shape, size, strength, and appearance of a single damaged or decayed tooth. The crown is placed over the entire tooth, covering it completely above the gumline, to protect and strengthen the tooth.

Dental bridges, on the other hand, are used to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring dental crowns to teeth on either side of the gap and using an artificial tooth (or teeth) to “bridge” the gap.

The lifespan of dental crowns can vary depending on several factors, such as the quality of the restoration, the material used, the location of the tooth (or teeth) being restored, and how well you maintain your oral health. Generally, dental crowns and bridges can last between 10-15 years or more with proper care.

Porcelain and ceramic crowns are typically more durable and long-lasting than resin or metal restorations. Additionally, dental restorations on front teeth may be more prone to wear and tear from biting and chewing, and may require replacement sooner than restorations on back teeth.

To help extend the lifespan of your dental crown, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene habits such as brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. Avoid using your teeth to bite or chew hard objects, and wear a mouthguard if you play sports or grind your teeth.

If you experience any problems with your dental crown, such as pain or sensitivity, a loose or broken restoration, or see signs of infection, please contact Innovative Smiles as soon as possible for an evaluation and treatment.

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Without Insurance – $165
Includes exam, x-rays, standard cleaning, and fluoride

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