What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a protective cap that fits over a tooth—similar to how a cap covers a toothpaste bottle. Crowns are typically made from porcelain, metal, or a combination of materials, and they help restore the tooth’s function, strength, and natural appearance.

Whether you’re dealing with a damaged, weakened, or cosmetically imperfect tooth, a dental crown can restore both confidence and comfort to your smile.

What to Expect During a Dental Crown Procedure

At Elmhurst Dental Health in Elmhurst, most dental crown procedures require two appointments:

Visit 1 – Tooth Preparation and Temporary Crown:
Your dentist will gently reshape the tooth by removing its outer layer, then take a precise impression to create a custom crown. While your permanent crown is being made—typically in an off-site dental lab—we’ll place a temporary crown to protect your tooth.

Visit 2 – Permanent Crown Placement:
Once your crown is ready, you’ll return to our office to have it securely placed and bonded to your tooth, restoring full function and a natural appearance.

Same-Day Dental Crowns Available:
At Elmhurst Dental Health, we also offer same-day crowns using advanced in-office technology. This means fewer appointments and immediate results. Ask us if this option is right for you and learn more about the estimated cost.

When Do You Need a Dental Crown?

Dental crowns are commonly used to:

• Protect a weakened or cracked tooth from further damage

• Restore a tooth after a root canal, dental implant, or bridge

• Cover a large filling when not enough natural tooth remains

• Improve the appearance of discolored or misshapen teeth

Crowns not only strengthen your teeth but also enhance your smile with natural-looking results.

Types of Dental Crowns

Choosing the right crown depends on several factors—such as the tooth’s location, your budget, and cosmetic preferences. Here are four popular types:

Gold Crowns

Durable and long-lasting, gold crowns are ideal for back molars where strength matters most. Their metallic appearance makes them less common for visible front teeth.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns

These crowns offer strength and aesthetics, with a metal base for durability and a porcelain coating to match your natural tooth color. A reliable choice for both front and back teeth.

Zirconia Crowns

Made from a strong ceramic material, zirconia crowns combine beauty and resilience. They’re ideal for patients looking for a metal-free option with a natural look.

Lithium Disilicate (e.max) Crowns

These high-end, glass-ceramic crowns offer exceptional aesthetics and can often be created same-day with our in-office milling system. They’re an excellent choice for visible teeth where appearance matters most.

Are Dental Crowns Right for You?

If you have a damaged or weakened tooth—or want to improve your smile—dental crowns may be the ideal solution. Our team at Elmhurst Dental Health Center is here to help you choose the crown that fits your needs, lifestyle, and budget.