Natural-Looking Protection for Damaged Teeth
A dental crown is a custom “cap” that fits over a tooth that has been broken, weakened, treated with a root canal, stained, or damaged by decay. Each crown is individually crafted to match the shape and shade of your natural teeth so it blends seamlessly with your smile. With proper care, a dental crown can protect and strengthen a tooth for many years.
Dental crowns can also play an important role in other restorative treatments. They are often used to support dental bridges, restore a dental implant, or improve the appearance of a tooth that has been significantly worn or damaged.
What Is the Process for Getting a Dental Crown?
A dental crown procedure typically requires two visits and is performed by a dentist. During these visits, the tooth is carefully prepared and a custom crown is created to restore its strength and function.
Examining and Preparing the Tooth
Like most dental treatments, the process begins with a dental examination. During this visit, the dentist will evaluate your tooth and clean the area to prepare it for the crown. If the tooth has significant decay or damage, the affected areas are carefully removed so the crown can properly protect the remaining tooth structure.
Creating Your Custom Crown
Next, impressions are taken using dental putty so a dental laboratory can create a custom porcelain crown designed specifically for your tooth. A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth until your next appointment.
If a crown is being used with a dental implant, impressions will also be taken of the implant and surrounding teeth so the final crown fits securely and comfortably.
Placing the Final Crown
At your second visit, the temporary crown is removed and replaced with the permanent crown. The crown is secured using durable dental cement or a specialized screw depending on the type of restoration.
Once placed, the dentist will polish the crown and make any necessary adjustments to ensure it fits comfortably and functions naturally when you bite and chew.
Cost of Dental Crowns in Fort Collins
The cost of a dental crown can vary depending on several factors related to your oral health and treatment needs. While many dental insurance plans provide partial coverage, the final cost will depend on the specific details of your treatment.
Several factors are considered when determining the cost of a dental crown:
- The type of crown and the material used.
- The location of the tooth and the complexity of the procedure.
- The number of crowns that may be needed.
- Whether the crown is part of another restoration such as dental bridges.
- The equipment and materials required for your treatment.
Because every smile is different, an accurate estimate cannot be provided without an exam. After evaluating your oral health, Dr. Adam Altdorfer will explain your treatment options and provide a personalized treatment plan at Experience Dental Fort Collins.
Disclaimer — Separate Ownership, Separate Billing, and No Cross-Substitution:
Experience Dental, Opera Aesthetics, and Sleep Better Apnea Therapy are independently owned and operated entities, each with its own tax identification number, fee schedules, billing policies, and clinical criteria. These entities do not share insurance contracts, reimbursement structures, covered benefits, or medical/dental necessity standards. Experience Dental provides general and medically necessary dental services and bills only through applicable dental insurance plans under its own entity and provider contracts. Opera Aesthetics provides cosmetic and elective procedures only. These services are not medically necessary and are never billed to dental or medical insurance, nor are they submitted for reimbursement on a patient’s behalf. Sleep Better Apnea Therapy operates as a durable medical equipment (DME) provider and bills only through medical insurance for qualified oral appliance therapy when medically necessary and prescribed by a licensed physician. The presence of multiple brands on this website is for informational and marketing purposes only. Each entity maintains separate accounting, patient records, billing systems, and financial policies, and there is no cross-subsidization or shifting of charges between entities. No patient is ever directed, encouraged, or incentivized to choose a cosmetic or private-pay service as a condition of receiving medically necessary or insurance-covered care.
Disclaimer — Insurance-Based Medically Necessary Dental Care Only:
Experience Dental provides general and medically necessary dental services that may be eligible for coverage under a patient’s dental insurance plan. All claims are submitted only for procedures that meet dental insurance criteria for medical necessity, and cosmetic or elective services are not billed to insurance under any circumstances. Insurance estimates provided by Experience Dental are based on information obtained from the patient’s insurer and are not a guarantee of coverage or payment. Final determination of benefits is made solely by the insurance carrier, and the patient remains financially responsible for all charges not covered by their plan. Any reference on this page to Opera Aesthetics or Sleep Better Apnea Therapy is for informational clarity only. Cosmetic, elective, or out-of-network services offered by Opera Aesthetics are completely separate and cannot be billed or reimbursed through Experience Dental or through any dental insurance plan. Likewise, medical-insurance–based services provided by Sleep Better Apnea Therapy cannot be billed under Experience Dental. Experience Dental does not offer any financial incentives, discounts, or inducements for choosing one entity over another.
Contact Us Today
to schedule your initial consultation and exam.
Your consultation will include a complete evaluation of your teeth, gums, and bite to assess your overall oral health. We’ll take the time to listen to your goals, discuss any concerns, and explain your treatment options in detail. Before recommending care, we want to fully understand your smile and what you hope to achieve, so we can create a personalized plan that helps you get there comfortably and confidently. Let’s start building the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve
Frequently Asked Questions
A dental crown may be recommended if a tooth is cracked, severely worn, or weakened by decay. Dentists also use crowns to restore teeth after certain procedures or when a tooth needs additional support to function properly.
Dental crowns can be made from several materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, or a combination of materials. Porcelain and ceramic crowns are commonly used because they closely match the color and appearance of natural teeth.
Yes. In addition to restoring strength, crowns can also improve the appearance of teeth that are severely discolored, worn, or misshapen. In some cases, crowns may be part of a broader cosmetic dentistry treatment plan.
Most dental crown treatments require two visits. During the first appointment, the tooth is prepared and impressions are taken. A temporary crown is placed while your permanent crown is being created. The final crown is placed during the second visit.
Yes. A crown is commonly used as the final restoration on a dental implant. Once the implant has integrated with the jawbone, the crown is attached to replace the missing tooth and restore normal function.
After the crown is placed, the tooth should feel comfortable and function like a natural tooth. Some mild sensitivity is normal for a short time, but most patients quickly return to their normal eating and daily routines.
Yes. A crown surrounds the entire visible portion of the tooth, providing protection and support. This helps reduce the risk of further cracking, wear, or decay, especially for teeth that have already been weakened.
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