Porcelain Crowns in Midtown East

What Are Porcelain Crowns and How Can They Improve My Smile?

Teeth can sometimes become damaged due to fractures and extensive decay. Unfortunately, these issues are a natural part of the aging process of teeth, but there are some comprehensive ways to protect and restore your teeth with the help of your dentist. In Manhattan, Dr. Chern offers comprehensive restoration methods to help damaged teeth and keep your smile healthy for the long term. In New York City, porcelain tooth crowns are among the most effective methods of restoring teeth.

When a tooth is suffering from extensive decay or fractures, a dental crown is the best option for protecting and restoring your health and your smile. A dental crown is a fixed prosthetic device that is cemented to the entirety of the tooth and sits along the base of the gumline. Dental crowns are sculpted to blend in perfectly with the surrounding teeth by closely replicating the look and feel of tooth enamel. At our Manhattan practice, we provide custom-made porcelain and metal crowns to patients looking for the best restorative options to support and improve function and aesthetics. Your dental crown will look (and feel) like your tooth, and the best part is that you won’t even know it’s there!

There are a few different materials available for crowns, but porcelain is one of the most popular options for its natural look that most closely resembles real teeth. Other options can include metal, gold, or porcelain fused to metal, all of which offer different benefits like durability and biocompatibility. One type may be better than the other simply based on the tooth’s location (front vs. back), tooth structure, and periodontal condition so Dr. Chern will discuss your best options. For people seeking a restorative solution to a missing tooth (or teeth), dental implants or a dental bridge will be a better solution than dental crowns.

Benefits of Porcelain Crowns

Restore and Protect Teeth

Porcelain crowns can be used to entirely cover (cap) a damaged tooth. This can be a good option in cases of fractured teeth, broken teeth, or weakened teeth due to extensive tooth decay. In this case, crowns can both protect the teeth from further damage or decay as well as restore the appearance of your smile.

Achieve Cosmetic Goals

Along with repairing and strengthening the tooth, crowns can also be used to improve the aesthetic appearance of teeth. If a tooth is badly shaped or discolored, then a crown can help restore the tooth to a more natural and uniform appearance. With a tooth restoration procedure in our Midtown East dental office, your crown will likely be undetectable when you smile.

Support Other Dental Work

Crowns can be used to supplement other dental techniques and devices like porcelain veneers or implants and may even be the first step in your treatment plan that includes other restorative options. Additionally, they can be used to help cover large fillings or root canals to both protect the underlying teeth and preserve their appearance.

Who is a Candidate for Porcelain Crowns Manhattan?

Virtually any dental patient who is suffering from a broken, cracked, or fractured tooth is a good candidate for a porcelain crown. They are suitable solutions for any patient suffering from missing teeth or tooth decay. Dental crowns are often used to support a tooth that required root canal therapy or a large dental filling, which can each result in a weakened tooth that may be susceptible to further damage or decay otherwise. Patients must understand that this restorative work must be complete before the crown is placed, however, so that decay does not progress below the crown. Finally, porcelain dental crowns may be placed for patients who wish to address cosmetic dental issues, as all-porcelain crowns are custom-made according to the precise size, shape, and color needs. Dr. Chern will determine whether a porcelain crown is right for you after an appointment at her New York office.

The Crown Treatment Process and What to Expect

Your First Appointment (60 minutes)

  • Once a dental crown is recommended, your teeth will be examined by Dr. Chern, and x-rays will be taken. The x-rays can help us check the roots of the tooth and the surrounding bone.
  • If the tooth can be restored by a dental crown, then placement will begin. If crowns are being used following another restorative dentistry solution, such as a root canal, Dr. Chern will first explain and complete that dental work before placing the crown.
  • Dr. Chern will discuss different options for materials, such as ceramic, noble metal, and porcelain. We’ll also take photographs and make a preliminary model for your temporary crown by taking an impression or scan of the tooth.
  • Dr. Chern will gently reduce your tooth’s natural size to fit the crown properly. This step includes a local anesthetic so that you’re relaxed and comfortable.
  • The impression or scan is sent to a lab for custom fabrication of your tooth crown. Dr. Chern creates temporary crowns to restore full function while the permanent crown is being made.

Your Second Appointment (30-45 minutes)

  • Approximately 1-2 weeks later, we will have you come in for your try-on of the permanent crown. 
  • Your temporary crown will be removed, and the crown will be placed and checked for form, fit, and function.
  • An x-ray to confirm the fit will be taken and the crown will be prepared for final cementation. The crown will be placed with durable cement and final care instructions will be given to you. Once complete, you can return home.

Your Follow-Up Appointment (15 minutes)

We’ll schedule a 1-2 week follow-up appointment at our New York office and evaluate the look and feel of your new dental restoration. If you have any concerns with your new crown, Dr. Chern can assess how things are going and recommend the best course of action.

Caring For Your Crown

Taking good care of your teeth will guarantee they stay healthy and functional for a lifetime. Additionally, taking care of your crown will help you get the most out of your investment. For the most part, caring for your dental crown involves most of the same steps that you should follow to care for your natural teeth. Follow these steps to take care of your crown for the long term:

  • Eat a healthy diet (cut back on sweets and soft drinks)
  • Floss every day or use a water flosser (Waterpik)

Porcelain Crown FAQs

Are dental crowns worth the money?

Dental crowns are an excellent was to restore a tooth for ideal function. The investment will ensure you can eat and bite with your tooth as if it was new.

Can a crown last a lifetime?

If taken care of properly, a crown can last 5 to 10 plus years.

Are Porcelain Crowns good?

Porcelain crowns are very strong durable and very esthetically pleasing.

Can I get a crown without a root canal?

A crown can be done without a root canal for restorative reasons and to get better function.

Are zirconia crowns more expensive than porcelain?

Fees vary among dental practitioners but there is usually no difference in fees between dental ceramics.

Can porcelain crowns crack?

Just like a tooth, in rare cases a porcelain crown can chip or crack.

Which porcelain crown is best?

The best porcelain material can be determined by your dentist. They have different strengths and esthetics so the choice depends on where in the mouth the tooth is.

What is porcelain crowns front teeth?

A porcelain crown can also be placed in the front of the mouth to restore function to broken or damaged teeth in the front of the mouth.

What is better porcelain or ceramic crowns?

Porcelain and ceramic crowns are both strong and esthetic. One Is not necessarily better than another.

How strong is a porcelain crown?

Porcelain crowns come in different strengths. The stronger the crown, the slightly less esthetic it can be. Strengths range from 80 megapascal to 400 megapascal.

What happens if my crown falls off?

Occasionally the cement can wash out of a crown and the crown can be re-cemented. If there is decay under the crown then the crown will need to be redone.

How do dentists adjust crowns?

Crowns are adjusted with special diamond encrusted burs for a drill.

How do I keep my crown white?

A crown does not discolor because of a glazing process which locks in the final shade.

How long do porcelain fused to metal crowns last?


How often do crowns need to be replaced?

If taken care of properly, a crown can last 5 to 10 plus years. If there is cavity on the remaining tooth or a crack in the porcelain, a crown may need to be changed sooner.

Do porcelain crowns stain?

A crown does not stain because of a glazing process which locks in the final shade.

What happens if a crown is too high?

Crowns can be adjusted if they are too high with special diamond encrusted burs for a drill.

What does a crown look like on a tooth?

A crown looks exactly like neighboring teeth and sometimes crowns are used to improve esthetics.

What causes a porcelain crown to crack?

Porcelain cracks due to excess biting force and/or issues during crown production.

How long does crown lengthening take to heal?

Crown lengthening is a gum and bone augmentation procedure. Healing time ranges from initial healing of 1 week to final healing at 4-6 weeks.

How long do porcelain crowns last?


How is a porcelain crown removed?

A porcelain crown is removed with special dental instruments and by making cuts with a drill into the tooth to break the seal of the cement.

How do you know if you have decay under a crown?

Routine examinations at your dentists office and X-rays will be able to diagnose if you have decay under a crown.

Do dentist guarantee crowns?

Some dentists guarantee crown work for several years after placement but this is practitioner specific.

Can a crown be filled?

Occasionally a root canal is done through a crown and the opening can be filled with filling material.

How do you care for a porcelain crown?

It is important to see your dentists for routine check-ups and maintain great hygiene in order to get great longevity from your crown.

Do Dental Crowns feel like real teeth?

Dental crowns should feel like real teeth and occasionally patients report they feel better than natural teeth.

What Makes Our Office the Right Fit for Your Dental Needs?

Personalized Care

Dr. Chern will evaluate your damaged tooth, working carefully with our team to ensure your crown is customized to your needs.

Comfortable Office

When you visit our Midtown East office for a crown, we’ll help you feel calm and relaxed while we provide the exceptional care you need. Your comfort is our top priority.

Toothache causes New York General Dentistry

Health-First Approach

Using the most advanced techniques and equipment, we’ll ensure your crown is a success. Our attention to detail is unparalleled!

Let’s Brighten Your Smile!

