At the office of Zen Dentistry, clinical skill and thoughtful use of modern materials come together to restore teeth that have been weakened by decay, injury, or wear. Ceramic crowns are one of the most dependable ways to rebuild a tooth so it can look, feel, and function like the natural tooth it replaces. Our approach emphasizes predictable outcomes, comfortable care, and results that blend seamlessly with your smile.
Although tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body, teeth can still crack, chip, or break down over time. When routine fillings are no longer adequate to restore strength and form — for example, after large cavities, failed restorations, extensive fractures, or root canal therapy — a crown often provides a more durable and protective solution. Ceramic crowns restore the entire biting surface and outer shape of the tooth to preserve chewing efficiency and prevent further damage.
Advances in dental ceramics have given clinicians a palette of materials that combine strength with natural-looking translucency. All-ceramic crowns eliminate the need for metal substructures while delivering excellent durability and aesthetic refinement. Because these restorations are metal-free, they can be kinder to gum tissue and avoid the shadowing or dark lines sometimes seen with older crown designs.
Every case begins with an individualized assessment. We consider the tooth’s structure, position in the mouth, bite forces, and your aesthetic goals before recommending a specific ceramic solution. Patient comfort and clear communication are central to how we plan and perform restorative care.
A crown is more than a cosmetic fix — it is a structural solution. When a tooth has lost a significant portion of its natural structure, a crown restores the full anatomical form, offering protection against future fractures and allowing normal chewing. This makes crowns particularly valuable for teeth with large fillings, fractured cusps, or root canal-treated teeth.
Crowns are also used in prosthetic dentistry to complete restorative solutions such as dental implants and bridges. For an implant, a crown replaces the visible portion of the tooth and is designed to match neighboring teeth in shade and shape. For bridges, crowns act as the anchor points that support the replacement tooth or teeth between them.
Functional problems can also drive the need for a crown. Teeth that are worn down from habitual grinding or clenching often lack sufficient height or structural integrity to bite efficiently; a full-coverage crown can rebuild occlusion (the way your teeth meet) and help distribute biting forces more evenly across the dentition.
Finally, crowns allow clinicians to address aesthetic concerns when discoloration, misshapen anatomy, or alignment issues cannot be corrected with conservative measures alone. Because crowns encompass the entire visible surface of a tooth, they provide a reliable way to achieve predictable cosmetic results while restoring function.
To rebuild a tooth with extensive decay or a large fracture that compromises structure
To replace a large or broken filling that can no longer reliably support chewing forces
To restore the visible portion of a dental implant with a lifelike final restoration
To provide full coverage for abutment teeth supporting a traditional dental bridge
To strengthen and protect a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy
To improve the appearance of a severely stained, misshapen, or undersized tooth
To address bite problems or excessive wear related to bruxism or occlusal imbalance
All-ceramic crowns are designed to imitate the optical qualities of natural teeth — the way they reflect and transmit light, their subtle translucency, and their surface texture. These materials allow a skilled ceramist or CAD/CAM system to achieve very natural-looking color and contours, making restorations virtually indistinguishable from adjacent teeth.
Beyond aesthetics, modern ceramic materials exhibit impressive mechanical properties. Newer glass-ceramics and high-performance zirconias deliver fracture resistance and longevity that rival older metal-backed restorations, while providing the added benefit of a metal-free margin at the gumline. For many patients, that means a more pleasing aesthetic without compromising strength.
Because ceramic crowns can often be fabricated with reduced tooth reduction compared with older techniques, more of the natural tooth can be preserved. They are also resistant to staining and do not corrode or tarnish over time, which contributes to a durable and low-maintenance restorative outcome when combined with good oral hygiene and routine professional care.
Another advantage of all-ceramic restorations is their compatibility with soft tissues. Ceramic is inert and tends to support healthy gum contours and coloration, which helps restorations look integrated within the smile rather than appearing as foreign additions.
Captures light similarly to natural enamel for a lifelike appearance
Can require less aggressive tooth preparation in many applications
Lightweight and avoids metal margins that can darken the gumline
Gentle on surrounding soft tissues and resistant to discoloration
Metal-free option for patients with sensitivities or concerns about alloys
Not all ceramic crowns are the same. Material choice depends on where the tooth sits in the mouth, how much biting force it must endure, and how closely it needs to match neighboring teeth. For front teeth a material with high translucency and layered color effects is often ideal; for back teeth, a stronger, more wear-resistant material may be preferred.
Common options include lithium disilicate ceramics, known for their excellent aesthetics and reliable strength; leucite-reinforced porcelains that offer refined color effects; monolithic zirconia for exceptional durability where strength is the priority; and high-translucent zirconia that strikes a balance between strength and appearance. Each material has different preparation requirements and esthetic possibilities.
Advances in digital dentistry — from intraoral scanning to CAD/CAM milling — have expanded the precision and predictability of ceramic restorations. Digital workflows allow for tight fit, consistent occlusion, and streamlined communication with dental laboratories, helping to ensure a restoration that meets both functional and cosmetic goals.
Our team evaluates the tooth, opposing dentition, periodontal health, and smile objectives to recommend the material that best satisfies both durability and aesthetic demands. We explain the pros and cons of each option so patients can make informed choices aligned with their priorities.
Lithium Disilicate Porcelain Crowns
Leucite Reinforced Pressable Porcelain Crowns
Solid or Monolithic Zirconia
High Translucent Zirconia
The path to a finished crown begins with a comprehensive exam and treatment plan. We assess the tooth’s remaining structure, take necessary imaging, and determine whether any preparatory care — such as root canal treatment, build-up, or periodontal therapy — is needed before proceeding with a crown.
To prepare a tooth, the surface is shaped to create room for the restorative material while preserving as much healthy structure as possible. Impressions can be taken with digital scanners or traditional materials, and a temporary crown protects the tooth while the final restoration is fabricated. When the new crown is ready, we verify color, fit, bite, and comfort before final cementation.
Once placed, ceramic crowns require the same daily care as natural teeth: regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings. Patients who grind or clench their teeth may be advised about protective measures such as a night guard to reduce excessive stress on the restoration. With routine maintenance, ceramic crowns can provide years of reliable service.
We also emphasize precise occlusal adjustments at the time of delivery so that biting forces are evenly distributed. Post-placement follow-up allows us to confirm your comfort and address any questions about function, hygiene, or long-term care.
Our practice blends clinical experience with modern restorative techniques to deliver ceramic crowns that prioritize longevity and natural appearance. Treatment is led by experienced doctors who focus on conservative preparations, thorough planning, and meticulous final adjustments to produce predictable outcomes that meet both functional and cosmetic goals.
We use up-to-date materials and digital tools to enhance precision, and we work closely with trusted dental laboratories when custom shading or layered characterizations are required. Communication is central to our process: we listen to patient goals, explain material choices, and tailor each plan to balance aesthetics, strength, and preservation of tooth structure.
Whether you need a single crown to protect an important chewing tooth or multiple restorations as part of a larger rehabilitation, our team is committed to providing thoughtful care in a comfortable, patient-centered environment.
In summary, ceramic crowns offer a versatile, natural-looking solution for restoring compromised teeth. If you would like to learn more about whether a ceramic crown is the right option for your smile, please contact us for more information.
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 Zen Dentistry, 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 Zen Dentistry, we work with patients to optimize their dental benefits and get the care they need to maintain healthy and beautiful smiles!
Ceramic crowns are full-coverage restorations made entirely from dental ceramics that restore a damaged or weakened tooth's form and function. Unlike porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, all-ceramic crowns contain no metal substructure, which eliminates visible metal margins and improves translucency. Modern ceramics are engineered to mimic the light transmission and surface luster of natural enamel for a highly lifelike result.
Advances in ceramic materials have narrowed the strength gap with metal-containing options, making all-ceramic crowns suitable for many clinical situations. Different ceramic systems balance durability and esthetics in different ways, so material selection depends on the tooth's function and cosmetic goals. Your dentist will explain how each option compares so you can choose the best restoration for your smile.
A ceramic crown is typically recommended when a tooth has lost too much structure for a filling to provide adequate strength or longevity. Common situations include large cavities, fractures, teeth that have undergone root canal therapy, or teeth with extensive existing restorations. When the remaining tooth structure cannot reliably support a filling, a crown helps restore proper function and protects the tooth from further damage.
Crowns also address cosmetic concerns when a tooth is severely discolored, misshapen, or undersized and conservative treatments will not achieve the desired result. The decision to place a crown is based on careful evaluation of the tooth's structural integrity, occlusion and aesthetic needs. Your dentist will review alternatives and recommend the treatment that best balances conservation of tooth structure with predictable long-term results.
Several high-quality ceramic options are commonly used, including lithium disilicate, leucite-reinforced pressable porcelain, monolithic zirconia and high-translucency zirconia. Each material offers a different combination of strength, translucency and wear characteristics; for example, lithium disilicate provides excellent esthetics for front teeth while certain zirconia formulations are especially strong for posterior teeth. The lab or in-office milling process and any layering techniques also influence the final appearance.
Choosing the right ceramic depends on the tooth's location, the patient’s bite forces, and the aesthetic expectations for the restoration. The dentist evaluates functional demands and uses shade-matching tools, digital scans and clinical experience to recommend the most appropriate material. A clear explanation of the advantages and limitations of each option helps patients make an informed decision.
The procedure generally begins with a clinical exam, diagnostic imaging, and a discussion of treatment goals to determine suitability for a crown. The tooth is shaped to create space for the restoration, impressions or a digital scan are taken, and a temporary crown may be placed while the final restoration is fabricated. In many practices with same-day technology, an all-ceramic crown can be designed and milled on-site, reducing the need for a temporary restoration.
At Zen Dentistry we use modern impression and milling technologies to optimize fit and esthetics when available, and we explain each step to ensure patient comfort. Once the final crown is tried in for fit and shade, it is permanently cemented or attached according to the restorative design. After placement, the dentist will verify your bite and provide care instructions to support a successful outcome.
Well-made ceramic crowns can last many years when maintained properly, but longevity varies with individual circumstances. Factors that influence lifespan include the ceramic material chosen, the amount of remaining tooth structure, occlusal forces, oral hygiene habits, and parafunctional activities such as grinding or clenching. Proper design, precise fit, and high-quality cementation all contribute to a crown's durability.
Regular dental checkups allow early detection of wear, marginal breakdown or opposing tooth changes that could affect the crown. Using protective measures such as a nightguard for bruxism and addressing bite issues can significantly extend the service life of a restoration. Your dentist will discuss realistic expectations and steps you can take to protect your investment in a crown.
Yes. Because all-ceramic crowns contain no metal, they are an excellent option for people with known allergies or sensitivities to metals. The absence of a metal substructure reduces the risk of allergic reactions and eliminates the potential for dark metal margins at the gumline, which can be a cosmetic concern for some patients. Most contemporary dental ceramics are biocompatible and well tolerated by surrounding soft tissues.
If a patient has a history of oral or systemic sensitivities, the dental team will review materials and any available biocompatibility information before recommending a restorative option. In cases where metal is unavoidable for specific clinical reasons, the dentist will discuss alternatives and precautionary measures. Clear communication about medical history helps ensure a safe and comfortable treatment plan.
Ceramic crowns are designed to closely match the color, translucency and surface texture of natural teeth, and many modern ceramics do so exceptionally well. The dentist and dental ceramist use shade-matching tools, photographs and sometimes digital shade-mapping to reproduce surrounding teeth and create a seamless blend. Layering techniques and characterization can further enhance the lifelike appearance of the final restoration.
Achieving an ideal match depends on factors such as the color of adjacent teeth, underlying tooth structure and the chosen ceramic system. For anterior restorations, the team will often select ceramics with high translucency and use custom staining to mimic natural gradations. A trial evaluation allows adjustments to shade and contour so the restoration integrates harmoniously with your smile.
Caring for a ceramic crown is very similar to caring for natural teeth: brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to maintain healthy gums and prevent recurrent decay at the margins. Avoid using your teeth as tools to open packages or bite unusually hard objects, since excessive force can damage any dental restoration. If you have a history of grinding, wearing a custom nightguard can protect both the crown and opposing teeth from undue wear.
Attend regular dental visits for professional cleanings and exams so the dentist can monitor the crown's fit, margins and the health of surrounding tissues. Prompt attention to any changes in fit, sensitivity or bite prevents small issues from becoming larger problems. Following these maintenance steps helps ensure the crown functions well for many years.
Ceramic crowns are commonly used to restore dental implants and to serve as abutment crowns for bridges when a metal-free option is preferred. When placed on an implant, the crown can be screw-retained or cemented to a custom abutment, and the design is tailored to ensure appropriate strength and access for hygiene. For bridgework, ceramic crowns can provide natural esthetics for the visible units while meeting functional demands when designed correctly.
Successful implant and bridge restorations require careful coordination between surgical, restorative and laboratory steps to achieve proper fit and occlusion. Material selection may differ for implant-supported posterior crowns versus anterior esthetic units, and your dentist will plan the restoration to balance longevity with appearance. Routine follow-up and hygiene around implant restorations are essential to protect underlying tissues and implant health.
Our Park Slope practice combines experienced clinicians with modern restorative materials and digital technologies to deliver predictable ceramic crown outcomes. We emphasize clear communication, personalized treatment planning and attention to both function and esthetics so each restoration meets a patient's unique needs. Care is provided in a comfortable setting with an emphasis on patient education and conservative decision-making.
When you are considering a ceramic crown, our team will explain material options, demonstrate how different choices affect appearance and strength, and create a plan that aligns with your goals. If you prefer same-day solutions when appropriate, we use in-office milling and digital workflows to streamline care. Choosing our practice means working with a team committed to precise, evidence-based restorative dentistry and a high standard of clinical quality.
