Dental Crowns: The Unsung Heroes of Restoring Strong, Beautiful Smiles

Ever feel like one bad tooth is doing all the damage—ruining your smile, making it hard to chew, or just catching your eye every time you glance in the mirror? When a tooth is badly damaged but still salvageable, a dental crown can be the hero your smile didn’t know it needed.

Think of it like a protective helmet for a tooth that’s seen better days—only this one’s custom-made to fit, function, and blend in perfectly.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” placed over a damaged or weakened tooth. It fully encases the visible portion above the gum line and restores the tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance.

Dental crowns are used for many reasons, including:

Protecting a cracked or worn-down tooth
Covering a tooth after a large filling or root canal
Holding a dental bridge in place
Restoring a dental implant
Enhancing the appearance of a misshapen or discolored tooth

At Bensonhurst Implant and Family Dentistry in Brooklyn, NY, we craft crowns using durable, natural-looking materials that match the shade and contour of your real teeth. That way, no one has to know you ever had dental work done.

Why Would You Need a Dental Crown?

If a tooth is too damaged for a filling but not damaged enough to be extracted, a crown is often the best choice. It protects the tooth from further decay or injury and allows you to chew, speak, and smile normally.

You might be a good candidate for a crown if you:

Have a broken or cracked tooth
Have had a root canal
Need to support a tooth with a large filling
Want to cover a misshapen or severely discolored tooth
Are finishing a dental implant procedure

Crowns are a go-to solution for long-term stability and cosmetic improvement—both form and function in one neat package.

How the Crown Process Works

Getting a dental crown usually takes two visits, although same-day crown technology is becoming more common. Here’s how it typically works:

1. Exam and Preparation

The dentist examines the tooth and files it down to make room for the crown. If a large portion of the tooth is missing, a filling material may be used to build it up.

2. Impressions and Shade Matching

Digital or physical impressions are taken to ensure a perfect fit. You’ll also choose a shade that matches your surrounding teeth.

3. Temporary Crown

A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth while your permanent crown is custom-made—usually taking about two weeks.

4. Final Placement

At your next visit, the permanent crown is cemented in place, adjusted for comfort, and polished to a natural finish.

The result? A sturdy, great-looking tooth that feels completely normal.

The Real-Life Benefits of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns might not get as much attention as flashy cosmetic treatments, but their benefits are undeniable—especially if you're serious about saving your natural teeth.

1. Structural Protection

A weakened tooth is vulnerable to breakage. A crown seals and supports it, acting like a shield against fractures.

2. Natural Appearance

Modern crowns, especially porcelain or ceramic ones, look just like real teeth. They’re matched to your natural shade and shape so no one notices a thing.

3. Improved Function

You’ll be able to chew comfortably again—on both sides of your mouth! No more favoring one side or avoiding certain foods.

4. Durability

Crowns can last 10 to 15 years or longer with proper care, making them a reliable long-term investment in your dental health.

5. Preserves Your Smile

By reinforcing a damaged tooth instead of pulling it, crowns help keep your natural smile intact.

According to research from the American College of Prosthodontists, dental crowns have a high long-term survival rate, with over 90% success even after a decade.

Types of Dental Crowns: A Quick Breakdown

Depending on your needs and preferences, your dentist might recommend one of the following types:

Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM): Strong and affordable; slight metal margin may become visible at gumline over time.
All-ceramic or all-porcelain: Best for front teeth; highly aesthetic and metal-free.
Zirconia: Ultra-strong and biocompatible; great for back teeth.
Metal (gold or alloy): Very durable and great for molars, though not tooth-colored.

At Bensonhurst, we focus on tooth-colored, metal-free options unless strength demands otherwise.

Caring for Your Crown

Dental crowns are tough—but they’re not invincible. Here’s how to protect your investment:

Brush and floss daily, just like your natural teeth
Avoid chewing on hard objects (ice, pens, popcorn kernels)
Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth
See your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups

With the right care, your crown can serve you faithfully for many years.

Brooklyn’s Crown Experts: Why Patients Trust Bensonhurst

At Bensonhurst Implant and Family Dentistry, Dr. Lau and the team treat crowns like a craft, not a shortcut. Every restoration is carefully designed to look great and last, using materials that balance strength, beauty, and comfort.

Here’s what makes the experience different:

Personalized tooth shading and contouring
Advanced digital impressions—no goopy trays
Comfortable, precise fit
Compassionate care that takes the stress out of treatment

Whether you're restoring one tooth or a full smile, the goal is always the same: make it feel like your real tooth—only better.