Dental crowns are a form of reconstructive and cosmetic dentistry. They help repair your smile’s strength and appearance so you can eat, speak, and smile with confidence. Whether a tooth is cracked, worn down, or just not looking its best, a crown can bring it back to full function while blending in naturally.
At Drs of Smiles in Mesa, Arizona, Dr. Glenn LeSueur provides high-quality porcelain and zirconia crowns that mimic real teeth. With his advanced training from the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI), Dr. LeSueur will make sure your crown fits comfortably and lasts for years to come.
What Are Dental Crowns Used For?
Dental crowns can restore the aesthetic appearance of teeth which is an important aspect of a person's face. Having a nice and bright smile is so important, and these days, there are innovative ways to do so. A porcelain dental crown allows you to keep your natural tooth. It replaces the outside of your tooth, so you can use your tooth again. Reasons for using a dental crown:
- Covers large areas of decay
- Protects weak or brittle teeth
- Provides a prosthetic tooth as part of a dental implant restoration
- Placed after a root canal
- Covers teeth damaged by metal fillings and unable to hold a filling.
Types Of Dental Crowns
At Drs of Smiles in Mesa, AZ, we offer both porcelain crowns and zirconia crowns. Both zirconia and porcelain crowns look like real teeth and strengthen the underlying tooth. Porcelain crowns are often used for front tooth restoration, while zirconia is often used on posterior teeth due to their strength. Sometimes our office may even put zirconia crowns under porcelain crowns to increase their strength.
Porcelain Crowns
A porcelain crown can cover the exterior of your tooth to create a beautiful and natural looking appearance. This type of crown will cover the entire tooth while preserving the inside tissue. If a traumatic incident to the mouth has occurred or even tooth decay, a porcelain dental crown is an excellent option. In addition, anyone who grinds their teeth would benefit from this procedure. Our dedicated team of practitioners at Drs of SMiles use porcelain crowns to preserve teeth with large areas of decay and those that are too weak for fillings, inlays or onlays. A porcelain crown will look, feel, and act just like your natural tooth. The best part is, your porcelain crown is resistant to staining, so drink your coffee or tea without worry.
Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia dental crowns are a new type of tooth-colored crown which is made from zirconia. This is an artificial diamond type material, that is as strong as metal crowns yet gives the esthetics of a porcelain crown. You will have a beautiful and strong smile to show off. It is also known as a Brux-Zir crown. Our doctors have now added this crown to the types of dental crowns they can provide. If you want to try something besides porcelain, this dental crown is another great option.
Dental Crown Procedure
Porcelain crown process takes place in two phases or appointments. During the first appointment, the patient will first be numbed around the specific tooth of interest. The tooth is then prepared by filing or reshaping to allow the crown to fit in securely and comfortably. After this is completed, an impression is made of the teeth and gums using a paste or putty. The impression is then sent to a laboratory to make a custom crown, which usually takes two to three weeks. During this waiting period, patients are given a temporary dental crown until the permanent crown is ready.
At the second appointment, the new crown is first evaluated for proper fit and tooth color. Once it has been determined that the new crown is ready, the temporary crown is then removed and the new one is cemented onto the tooth. Giving you a new and natural looking smile, and a confidence boost.
Porcelain Crowns Vs. Zirconia Crowns
Besides acting as a fully functioning tooth, porcelain and zirconia crowns are designed to look like real teeth. Porcelain and zirconia are both strong and beautiful. They reflect light in the same way as tooth enamel, appearing like a real tooth. Meanwhile, gold is very visible, even in the back of your mouth.
Porcelain, Zirconia and other tooth-colored materials fused to metal will be the same color as your tooth, but they don't reflect light in the same way, so they don't look real and alive and over time they develop a dark line near the gum line.
Benefits Of Zirconia And Porcelain Crowns
Because porcelain and zirconia crowns rejuvenate your smile and revamp the way your teeth function, they can offer you cosmetic and functional advantages, such as providing comfort and enhancing your smile’s beauty.
Comfort
Your crown will allow you to chew normally again without the pain. Our advanced technology allows us to create a crown that fits perfectly, and our dentists’ LVI training in neuromuscular dentistry means that your crown and your natural teeth will work together properly and comfortably. Dr. Glenn LeSueur work with five specialized labs to create precision porcelain restorations.
Beauty
Having a great smile says a lot about your health to others, and dental crowns greatly improves your physical appearance. A porcelain crown will look just like your natural tooth. Porcelain reflects light just like your tooth enamel, so the crown looks real and alive. This will make teeth that are stained look even better and healthier. Keeping your natural tooth helps to prevent bone loss and gum shrinkage, preserving the beauty of your smile for years to come.
Patient Gallery
Health-related Benefits Of Dental Crowns
Your dental crown will significantly improve the function and health of your tooth. It will allow you to eat and chew normally as you did prior to the crowns. As well as make it easy to keep your dental hygiene routine. Here are the health-related benefits of using dental crowns:
- Allows you to chew normally without pain
- Allows you to save a tooth that might otherwise have to be extracted
- Maintains the root structure of your tooth
- Minimizes potential problems with nearby teeth, gums, and jawbone
- More durable than alternative restoration options such as dental fillings
- Easy to care for by brushing and flossing regularly
- Eliminates any pain or sensitivity in the damaged region of your tooth
Aesthetic Benefits
Dental crowns also offer several aesthetic benefits. The porcelain material mimics the translucency of tooth enamel, giving it a similar luster to your natural tooth. Also, the color of your crown can be matched to the shade of your natural teeth. As a result, your dental crown will blend in seamlessly with your smile, making it impossible for others to notice the restoration.
Can Dental Crowns Fall Out?
The short answer is no. While dental crowns falling out was a common problem in the past, our state-of-the-art technology, and Dr. LeSueur’s LVI training allows us to craft a porcelain crown perfectly fitted to your tooth. Each dental crown will be properly fitted and stay firmly in place.
Crowns After A Root Canal
If the pulp of your tooth is decayed it must be removed, but a root canal will still allow you to keep your natural tooth. After a root canal, your tooth is weakened from the damage. Placing a porcelain crown over your tooth will protect it and provide strength to the damaged tooth. Improving the physical appearance of it as well.
Why Choose Drs of Smiles?
Dr. Glenn LeSueur is a skilled dentist with advanced training from the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI). His expertise includes cosmetic dentistry, implant placement, and TMD treatment. He’s also known for his down-to-earth approach, making dental care a comfortable experience for every patient. As a Mesa native, he values building long-term relationships and helping people feel confident about their smiles.
Whether you need a simple filling or a full-mouth restoration, Dr. LeSueur will make sure he understands your goals so he can ensure your treatment will fit your lifestyle. His goal is to provide care that not only restores function but also helps you feel great about your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Damaged Crown Be Repaired, or Does It Need to Be Replaced?
It depends on the extent of the damage. If the crown has a minor chip or crack, it may be possible to smooth or repair it with bonding material. However, if the damage is more severe, such as a large fracture or a loose fit, replacing the crown is usually the best option to protect your tooth and ensure proper function.
How Long Does It Take to Recover After Crown Placement?
You should be able to resume normal activities right away after a crown placement. Some sensitivity or mild discomfort is common for a few days as your mouth adjusts, but this typically resolves quickly. If you experience persistent pain or discomfort, it may be a sign that your bite needs to be adjusted.
How Long Will My Crown Last?
Porcelain and zirconia crowns are made to be durable and long-lasting. As long as you take care of them, they can last 10–15 years or more. Avoiding habits like grinding your teeth, chewing on ice, or using your teeth as tools can help extend the lifespan of your crown. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene will also help maintain your restoration.
How Is a Dental Crown Different From a Veneer?
Dental crowns and veneers serve different purposes and cover different areas of the tooth. A crown covers the entire tooth, restoring its strength, shape, and function, making it ideal for teeth that are severely damaged or weakened.
A veneer, on the other hand, is a thin shell that covers only the front surface of your tooth. It’s primarily used for cosmetic enhancements, such as correcting discoloration, minor chips, or slight misalignment. While crowns provide structural reinforcement, veneers are best for improving aesthetics without altering much of the natural tooth.
Does Dental Insurance Cover the Cost of Crowns?
Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost of crowns, especially when they are needed for restorative purposes. At Drs of Smiles, we work with a variety of insurance providers, including Aetna, Cigna, Delta Dental, Blue Cross Blue Shield of AZ, United Healthcare, and more.
While insurance may not fully cover the cost of a crown (especially if it is for cosmetic reasons), our team will file all necessary paperwork and bill your provider for covered procedures. We recommend checking with your insurance company to understand what your plan includes and whether there will be any out-of-pocket expenses.
Are There Financing Options Available for Dental Crowns?
Yes, we offer several payment options to help make dental crowns more affordable. In addition to accepting cash and all major credit cards, we provide financing through CareCredit® and Cherry, which allow patients to split costs into manageable monthly payments. Since insurance may not fully cover crowns, especially for cosmetic purposes, these financing options can help make treatment more accessible. If you have any questions about payment plans, our team is happy to assist you.
Schedule A Consultation
For more information on dental crowns, contact Drs of Smiles today by calling 480.834.6991 or by filling out the appointment request form below. Dr. Glenn LeSueur serves Mesa, Phoenix, Gilbert, Tempe, and Scottsdale, Arizona and surrounding areas.
Our experienced and compassionate dentists at Drs of Smiles combine LVI training and state-of-the-art technology to bring you, and your entire family, the very best and healthiest cosmetic and neuromuscular dental care. If you would like to schedule a consultation, contact or call Drs of Smiles in Mesa, AZ, at 480.834.6991. Visit our before and after gallery to see the results we are able to achieve for our patients.