Published on Jan 14, 2026 | 3 minute read
A crown is a custom cap that covers and protects a weakened tooth. It restores strength, seals out bacteria, and improves shape or color when needed. Crowns are recommended for large fractures, teeth with root canal treatment, and failing old fillings that no longer support healthy enamel.
With chairside design and milling, your tooth is scanned, digitally designed, milled from a ceramic block, and bonded in place—all in a single visit. No temporaries, no second injection, no two-week wait. The digital workflow creates an accurate fit that often needs minimal adjustment, and you leave ready to chew with a natural-looking restoration.
Traditional crowns are created by a dental lab after an impression or digital scan. You’ll wear a temporary while the lab crafts your restoration. Labs offer a wider menu of materials and layered porcelains, plus artisan shading for demanding esthetics.
Modern ceramics balance strength and beauty. Same-day systems offer durable, polishable options ideal for molars and many premolars. Lab-made crowns can combine porcelain with zirconia cores or layered porcelains to mimic nuanced enamel. We’ll match material to your bite, habits, and cosmetic goals.
Digital scans improve comfort—no gag-inducing trays. Bite adjustment is typically efficient with either method, but same-day crowns often benefit from real-time fine-tuning while you’re still in the chair. If you grind, a nightguard protects your new crown and neighboring teeth.
Brush and floss daily, and avoid chewing ice or opening packages with your teeth. Schedule cleanings on time so we can monitor margins. With good care, both types last for years; your habits, bite forces, and hygiene make the biggest difference.
We’ll show photos, explain material options, and discuss your priorities: speed, esthetics, durability, and budget. Sometimes we mix approaches—chairside for a molar today, lab-made for a high-smile-line incisor later.
Need a crown and want it done right? Call All Smile Care at 978-441-1999 in Lowell to Schedule a Consultation and compare same-day and traditional options with a dentist’s guidance.
