A cracked, root-canal-treated, or badly worn tooth often needs more than a filling — that's where a crown comes in. Smile Center Dentistry matches shade and shape to your surrounding teeth before anything is fabricated.
A crown or bridge that doesn't fit right causes bite problems for years — we check fit carefully before you leave. We'd rather spend extra chairside time on the bite check than have you come back with pain.
An intraoral scanner captures your bite precisely, sent directly to the lab without a messy impression tray. Digital files transmit to the lab instantly, which can shorten turnaround time.
We recommend material based on which tooth is involved and how much chewing force it takes, not just price. We'll tell you plainly if a cheaper material is genuinely fine for your case, not just upsell the priciest option.
We check your bite carefully after placement and adjust until it feels natural, not just acceptable. We'd rather take five extra minutes than have you return uncomfortable.
If a crown or bridge doesn't fit or feel right, we adjust or remake it at no extra charge within the guarantee period. Guarantee terms are explained clearly at your consult, not buried in paperwork.
Crowns and bridges serve different purposes depending on what's damaged or missing — here's what we offer.
We shade-match zirconia carefully since it can appear less translucent than natural enamel if not planned well. Ideal when strength is the top priority.
E.max balances strength and aesthetics well for visible teeth where appearance matters most. We explain when this material fits better than zirconia for your case.
PFM can show a thin metal line at the gumline over time, which we explain honestly before you choose it. A solid option for back teeth where appearance is less of a priority.
A bridge anchors a replacement tooth to the crowned teeth on either side of a gap. Bridges avoid surgery but do require altering the supporting teeth.
While your permanent crown is fabricated, a temporary protects the prepared tooth from sensitivity and damage. Same-day crown milling may be available depending on your case and material choice.
An older crown that's cracked, loose, or decaying underneath can often be replaced without starting from scratch. We'll tell you honestly which option actually solves the problem.
We ask about the tooth's history — root canal, crack, missing — so we're prepared for your consult.
The tooth is prepared and scanned digitally, sent directly to the lab for fabrication.
We discuss zirconia, e.max, or PFM based on which tooth and how much force it needs to handle.
We adjust until it feels natural before you leave, not just acceptable.
"They explained why zirconia made more sense for my molar than e.max. Appreciated the honest reasoning."
"Bridge instead of an implant since my adjacent teeth already needed crowns anyway. Made financial sense and they explained why."
"E.max crown on my front tooth blends in so well you genuinely cannot tell which one it is."
"PFM crown on my back molar three years now, holding up exactly as they said it would."
"Old crown from another dentist had decay creeping underneath. They replaced it instead of just patching over the problem."
Typically two visits over one to two weeks — prep and impression first, then final fitting once the lab completes your restoration. We'll give you a specific timeline once we know your exact case.
Zirconia suits back teeth needing strength; e.max often suits visible front teeth better. Budget is a legitimate factor too, and we'll discuss cost differences openly.
It depends on the health of your adjacent teeth and your long-term goals — we walk through both options honestly. We'll tell you if your adjacent teeth already need crowns anyway, which can tip the decision toward a bridge.
Front teeth get materials chosen specifically for translucency and natural appearance. We compare shade in natural light, not just under the exam lamp.
Come back and we'll adjust the fit or bite at no extra charge within the guarantee period. Don't wait weeks hoping it'll settle on its own — call us and we'll check it.
Cost depends on material choice and whether it's a single crown or a multi-tooth bridge — we quote this after your exam. We verify insurance benefits beforehand so you know your out-of-pocket cost.
Our team serves Northlake and the surrounding zip codes with the same material-matched approach at every visit. Whether it's a single crown or a full bridge, our Northlake lab relationships keep turnaround times predictable.
We'll match material and shade to your specific tooth, not a generic default.
Call +1-866-227-2801