Restorative dentistry · Lewes, DE
Dental crowns, a strong new shell.
A crown is a custom cap that fully covers a damaged tooth above the gum line. In effect, it becomes your tooth’s new outer surface, restoring its strength, shape and look.
Porcelain crowns that match your smile ·Get directions
You may need a crown if a tooth is
Too weak to hold a filling on its own.
- Broken or cracked
- Badly worn down
- Partly destroyed by decay
- Weak after a root canal
- Misshapen or discolored
- Holding a large old filling
Cracked tooth hurting? Call today. A crack can spread if it isn’t protected.
Crowns, onlays and fillings
How much tooth is left decides the fix.
A filling works when most of the tooth is healthy. When there isn’t enough strength left to hold one, a crown or onlay protects what remains.
- Small repairs
Filling
Placed directly in the mouth to repair a small area of decay, wear or a minor crack.
- Medium damage
Onlay (partial crown)
Covers part of the chewing surface when a filling isn’t enough but a full crown isn’t needed.
- Major damage
Full crown
Covers the entire tooth above the gum line to hold a broken or weak tooth together.
Why porcelain
Strong enough to chew, natural enough to smile.
Crowns can be made of porcelain, metal or both. Porcelain is most often preferred because it mimics the translucency of natural teeth and is very strong.
- Matches the color of your teeth
- Lets light through like real enamel
- Very strong for everyday chewing
- Sculpted to your bite and jaw movement
- Protects a tooth after a root canal
- Can also cap a dental implant
How a crown is made
Made for your mouth, not off a shelf.
Unlike a filling, a crown is made outside your mouth, so every detail of your bite can be studied first.
Preparing the tooth
With the area numbed, we remove decay and shape the tooth so the crown can fit snugly over it.
A precise impression
We take an impression of your tooth. It lets the lab technician study your bite and jaw movements.
A temporary crown
You leave with a temporary crown protecting the tooth while your permanent one is made.
Your custom crown
Your crown is sculpted just for you, then cemented in place and adjusted so your bite feels normal.
Related care
More ways to restore your teeth.
Root canals
Save an infected tooth, then protect it with a crown.
Dental bridges
Crowns on either side hold a replacement tooth in a gap.
Implant restorations
A crown attached to an implant replaces a missing tooth.
Porcelain veneers
Thin shells that reshape the front of your teeth.
Occlusal guards
Protect your crowns from nighttime grinding.
Common questions
Dental crowns FAQ
Have another question about dental crowns? Call us and we’ll be glad to help.
- What is a dental crown?
- A crown is a custom cap cemented onto an existing tooth. It fully covers the part of the tooth above the gum line and becomes its new outer surface.
- When do I need a crown instead of a filling?
- When there isn’t enough tooth strength left to hold a filling. Crowns are most often used for teeth that are broken, worn or partly destroyed by decay.
- What is an onlay?
- An onlay is a partial crown. It covers part of the tooth when the damage is too large for a filling but doesn’t require a full crown.
- What are crowns made of?
- Crowns can be porcelain, metal or a combination. Porcelain is most often preferred because it’s very strong and mimics the translucency of natural teeth.
- How many visits does a crown take?
- Usually two. At the first we prepare the tooth, take an impression and place a temporary crown. At the second we cement your custom crown.
- Will my crown feel different when I bite?
- It shouldn’t. Your crown is sculpted from your impression so your bite and jaw movements work normally. We’ll adjust it if anything feels high.
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I know most people hate the dentist but I love it! And it especially helps having such a great dental team that I know I can trust. I love leaving with my teeth feeling clean and well cared for. Dr. Bryan and his assistants (both Jess and Aliya) are so kind and caring.
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My experience with Dr. Labin has been nothing but positive! I have been going to him for years and he is very gentle, making sure his patients are comfortable before he starts any procedure. The staff, from the office staff to the dental hygienists, are all professional and go above and beyond.
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Got a cracked or broken tooth?
Call our team at Carpenter’s Crossing in Lewes. We’ll let you know whether a filling, onlay or crown is the right fix.
Visit us
We look forward to meeting you.
Always accepting new patients from Lewes and the surrounding communities. We’ll work with you to schedule appointments that fit your life.
Dental emergency?
Don’t wait for it to get better on its own. Call us right away and we’ll fit you in.
- Address
- 34359 Carpenter’s Way
Lewes, DE 19958 - Office hours
Monday – Thursday 7:00am – 5:30pm Friday 7:00am – 4:00pm Saturday & Sunday Closed