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(865) 876-7050
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(865) 947-2220
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2529 West Emory Road
Powell, TN 37849
New Patients: (865) 876-7050
Existing Patients: (865) 947-2220
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At Kennedy Dentistry, we focus on restoring strength and beauty to teeth with solutions that balance function and appearance. Ceramic crowns are a modern option that rebuilds a damaged tooth while preserving a natural look, and our approach emphasizes predictable results and long-term oral health.
Every tooth has its limits: even enamel—the hardest substance in the body—can become compromised by decay, injury, or repetitive forces like clenching. When a routine filling cannot safely restore a tooth's shape or strength, a crown can protect what remains and return the tooth to reliable service.
A crown is a complete covering for a tooth that has lost significant structure. Rather than patching weakened surfaces, a crown surrounds and supports the remaining tooth, reducing the risk of further fracture and restoring chewing function. This step is often recommended when durability is essential or when the tooth’s shape must be rebuilt for a lasting result.
Typical reasons a clinician will suggest a crown include teeth with large, failing fillings, fractures that jeopardize the remaining tooth, teeth that have undergone root canal therapy, or teeth that serve as supports for bridges or implant restorations. A crown can also improve the appearance of a tooth that is misshapen, discolored, or poorly proportioned.
Deciding between a filling and a crown depends on how much natural tooth remains and how the tooth performs under daily forces. During an exam, we evaluate structural integrity, bite dynamics, and aesthetic goals to recommend the option that protects your oral health while meeting your smile expectations.
To rebuild a tooth that has extensive decay or structural loss
To replace an oversized or broken filling that leaves little tooth remaining
To restore a dental implant with a natural-looking final crown
To protect teeth that serve as abutments for a bridge
To reinforce and seal a tooth after root canal therapy
To correct the form or color of a single tooth for improved appearance
To address bite or functional discrepancies that affect long-term wear
All-ceramic crowns are crafted without metal frameworks, which allows them to mimic the way light passes through natural teeth. This translucency and depth give ceramic crowns a lifelike appearance that blends with adjacent teeth, making them an excellent choice for visible areas of the mouth.
Advances in dental ceramics have closed the gap between beauty and strength. Modern ceramic materials are engineered to resist fracture and wear, so they perform well under normal chewing forces while maintaining an attractive surface that resists staining and discoloration.
Beyond appearance, metal-free crowns offer biocompatibility advantages. They eliminate the risk of an unsightly metal margin showing at the gumline and are a suitable alternative for patients who prefer to avoid metal restorations for personal or sensitivity reasons.
Exhibit translucency and sheen similar to natural enamel
Can be fabricated with less tooth reduction in select cases
Are lighter and free of metal substructures that can show through
Are gentle on surrounding soft tissues and resist staining
Provide a metal-free option for patients with metal sensitivities
Not all ceramic crowns are identical. Material selection depends on where the crown will sit in the mouth, how much force it will face, and how critical perfect aesthetics are to the final result. We evaluate each case to match the material’s properties with your needs.
Lithium disilicate and leucite-reinforced ceramics are valued for their excellent translucency and are often used in front teeth or other highly visible areas. Zirconia-based options, including monolithic or high-translucent zirconia, are chosen when additional strength is required—such as for back teeth or situations with higher bite forces.
Layered techniques and modern milling technologies allow these materials to be shaped and shaded to match surrounding teeth closely. We discuss the pros and cons of available options so you can make an informed decision that balances longevity and appearance.
Lithium Disilicate Porcelain Crowns — strong and highly esthetic
Leucite Reinforced Pressable Porcelain — excellent surface characteristics for front teeth
Solid or Monolithic Zirconia — durable choice for posterior restorations
High Translucent Zirconia — balances strength with improved optical properties
Precision and communication are central to a successful crown. Our process begins with a comprehensive exam and digital imaging to assess tooth structure, bite relationships, and adjacent gum health. We take time to understand your cosmetic goals so the final restoration looks both natural and balanced.
To prepare a tooth for a crown, we carefully remove compromised material and shape the remaining tooth to receive the restoration. Digital or conventional impressions capture the prepared tooth and opposing dentition, guiding the laboratory or in-office milling unit to produce an accurately fitted crown.
Once the crown is ready, we verify fit, contacts, and color, make any minor adjustments, and then permanently cement or bond the restoration. We also provide guidance on caring for the crown—good oral hygiene, attention to gum health, and monitoring for bite changes help ensure that a crown performs well for years.
Our practice combines contemporary materials with thoughtful treatment planning to achieve long-lasting and attractive results. We prioritize conservative preparation, precise fit, and aesthetics so your crown not only functions but also complements your smile.
Each treatment plan is individualized: we consider overall oral health, the condition of neighboring teeth, and your long-term goals when recommending a restorative pathway. This comprehensive perspective helps prevent future problems and supports durable outcomes.
We also emphasize clear communication throughout care, explaining the benefits and limitations of each option so you can move forward with confidence. When appropriate, our team coordinates with specialists to ensure that complex cases receive the full range of skill and technology needed for success.
In summary, ceramic crowns offer a reliable, aesthetic solution for teeth that require more than a filling. If you would like to learn whether a ceramic crown is the right choice for your smile, contact us for more information.
While a dental filling is designed to replace a portion of a decayed or damaged tooth, a dental crown offers full coverage to restore the tooth’s entire outer surface. A well-fitting dental crown not only protects and strengthens the underlying tooth structure, but it also restores the tooth’s appearance and function.
The procedure for getting an all-ceramic crown is much like the procedure for getting any other type of crown. In all cases, the tooth needs to be prepared, an impression taken, and a permanent crown cemented into place. A single all-ceramic crown can typically be fabricated over the course of two visits. However, with CAD/CAM technology, a same-day crown can be fabricated from start to finish in a single visit. With the first approach, a temporary crown is typically worn until the second visit, when the permanent restoration is placed. As with every treatment plan, our office will explain your best options in care.
As the name implies, a temporary crown is only worn for a short time until the permanent crown is placed. A temporary crown is typically fabricated from durable tooth-colored dental acrylics. While designed to protect the underlying tooth between appointments, and until your new permanent crown gets placed, a temporary crown is also fabricated to look like a natural tooth and maintain the look of your smile.
While you should feel better having an attractive and functional tooth to restore your smile, your tooth may feel a little sensitive following treatment. This initial sensitivity will subside. We take great care to make sure your new restoration looks great, fits well, and your bite is perfect. However, we’re always happy to make any minor adjustments to ensure your comfort.
With some exceptions, teeth with root canal procedures are typically restored and protected from further damage with a full-coverage crown. Based on what’s best for your smile, our office will recommend the most appropriate restoration to maintain the health and longevity of your tooth following a root canal procedure.
A dental crown is a long-term restoration that, if properly cared for, can serve you well for many years to come. Once your new crown is placed, it requires the same brushing, flossing, and periodic checkups as your natural teeth. Avoid biting your fingernails and chewing on hard or sticky objects such as ice, pencils, or taffy, which can damage or loosen your crown. Remember, clenching and grinding your teeth puts excessive pressure on both natural teeth and dental restorations. Unless treated, this habit can compromise the longevity and integrity of your dental work, including crowns.
Although your new all-ceramic crown restores the tooth's strength, form, and function, you can still develop dental disease in the absence of proper care. To prevent gum disease and tooth decay, it’s essential to brush and floss as instructed and see our office for routine checkups, cleanings, and care.
How long a dental crown lasts depends on various factors, including your level of oral care, diet, and oral habits. While the standard answer is that dental crowns can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years, existing literature confirms that most dental crowns remain in place at 15 to 20 years.
At the office of Kennedy Dentistry, we strive to provide the highest quality of care to address all your dental needs. Once we’ve had the opportunity to examine your smile, we can give you a clear picture of any dental issues that are present, along with a quote for how much treatment will be. The cost of dental crowns can vary a little, depending on the type of crown and its location. Our goals are to provide the highest quality of care and help patients begin treatment without additional financial stress or delay. We’re always happy to answer all your questions on dental insurance coverage, available financing, and payment plans.
Coverage for all-ceramic crowns depends on your dental insurance plan. Today, many dental plans provide some level of coverage for all-ceramic crowns. At the office of Kennedy Dentistry, we work with patients to optimize their dental benefits and get the care they need to maintain healthy and beautiful smiles!
