#1 Dentist in Whittier, CA
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Dental Crowns: Options in Whittier, CA

Restore your beautiful smile with our aesthetically pleasing dental crowns and comprehensive cosmetic dentistry options at Perfect Smile Dental Group in Whittier, CA.

Benefits of Dental Crowns

  • Reduce dental pain
  • Support a dental bridge
  • Restore your beautiful smile
  • Save a severely damaged tooth
  • Protect the tooth after a root canal
  • Protect a tooth that had a large filling
  • Improve the aesthetics of stained teeth

Who Can Benefit From Dental Crown Services in Whittier, CA?

before and after dental crown restorations
before after dental crowns

Dental crowns are recommended for the patient if the tooth cavity is too large, existing composite or amalgam silver fillings are too large, the tooth is severely worn, cracked, broken, or weakened after a root canal treatment. As you can see in the photos above, dental crowns can fix all these issues.

Curious about our Insurance Policy?

At Perfect Smile Dental Group, we accept various insurance options for the dental crowns we offer in Whittier, CA, including plans such as:

  • Geha
  • Aetna
  • Unum
  • Cigna
  • Metlife
  • Anthem
  • Sun Life
  • Humana
  • Principal
  • Ameritas
  • Guardian
  • AlwaysCare
  • Careington Care
  • United Healthcare 
  • Blue Shield of California

See how affordable and straightforward better oral health can be!

PSDG Insurances Accepted Jun2025

Schedule A Consultation Today

a smiling couple with straight teeth

Types of Dental Crowns​ for Your Teeth

There is a wide variety of dental crowns to select from when restoring a tooth with a crown. At Perfect Smile Dental Group, our dentist in Whittier, CA, recommends Zirconia dental crowns for posterior teeth and Emax crowns for restoring anterior teeth.

Full Metal Crowns

a full metal dental crown

Full metal crowns are one of the options you have in Whittier, CA. These dental restorations completely cover and protect a damaged or weakened tooth, providing a durable and long-lasting solution. They are made from different metal alloys, such as:

  • Gold
  • Silver 
  • Platinum
  • Palladium 

By melting these metal components, a strong and resilient crown is crafted.

Advantages

If you’re dealing with teeth that take a lot of wear and tear—such as from grinding or heavy chewing—full metal dental crowns can be a solid solution. Many patients in Whittier, CA, choose them for their back teeth since they hold up well and don’t break easily.

Full metal dental crowns are more durable than PFM crowns and can last a long time—sometimes 15 to 20 years—if you take proper care of them. Additionally, they tend to fit well and stay comfortable, because gum tissue responds better to metal crowns once cemented.

Disadvantages

One of the main drawbacks of these full metal dental crowns, which is visible in photos, is their metallic appearance. While they offer excellent strength and durability, these types of crowns may not be the best-looking option for your teeth, especially for teeth that are visible when smiling or speaking. That’s why they are usually used on the back teeth, tucked out of view.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns (PFM Crowns)

Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns

Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns are restorative dental options in Whittier, CA, that combine the strength of metal with the esthetics of porcelain. They have a metal base or substructure covered with a layer of tooth-colored porcelain for a natural-looking appearance.

Advantages

Receiving PFM dental crown services in Whittier, CA, offers the strength and durability of metal combined with the esthetic appeal of porcelain. The metal base grants reliable support and stability for the restoration. The porcelain surface reflects the natural translucency and shade of real teeth. As a result, it provides both robustness and aesthetic appeal.

The porcelain outer layer can be customized to match the color and shape of the surrounding teeth, creating a seamless blend with the natural dentition. This advantage makes PFM dental crowns excellent options for restoring front or visible teeth where esthetics are crucial.

Disadvantages

black line at the gum line

Black line at the Gum line​

broken dental crown

Crack/Broken Porcelain​

Despite their natural appearance, PFM dental crowns may not be as aesthetic as all-ceramic crowns for patients in Whittier, CA, especially for those with thin or receding gum tissue. A visible dark line at the gumline, where metal meets porcelain, can occasionally be observed, potentially diminishing the restoration’s appearance. You can see this happening with PFM dental crowns in the photos above.

Over time, the porcelain outer layer of PFM dental crown options may wear down or chip. This happens faster to those with a habit of grinding or clenching their teeth. While the metal underneath provides excellent strength and support, a damaged porcelain layer cannot be repaired or replaced. Usually, a PFM crown with broken porcelain would be replaced with a new crown.

Zirconia Crowns (Bruxzir)

Zirconia dental crowns

Zirconia crowns, often known by the brand name Bruxzir, are dental restorations made from a strong and durable material called Zirconium dioxide. These types of dental crowns are renowned for their exceptional strength and lifelike appearance, making them a popular choice for dental restorations.

Advantages

Zirconia dental crowns are renowned options in Whittier, CA, for their unparalleled strength and durability. They are resistant to fractures, chips, and wear, making them an excellent choice for restoring both front and back teeth that undergo heavy chewing forces. They are also suitable for those who suffer from Bruxism and require night guards. There’s also no metal, so those with allergies aren’t affected if they receive zirconia dental crown services in Whittier, CA.

Despite their incredible strength, zirconia crowns also offer a natural-looking appearance. As you can see in the photos of these dental crowns, compared to PFM crowns, zirconia dental crowns closely resemble those of natural teeth, creating a restoration that blends seamlessly with the surrounding dentition. This feature makes zirconia dental crowns an ideal option for esthetic restorations, without the weaknesses of porcelain.

Disadvantages

While zirconia crowns offer excellent strength and esthetics, they may lack the translucency of natural teeth or other dental materials such as porcelain. In certain lighting conditions, zirconia crowns may appear slightly opaque, especially when compared to all-ceramic crowns. They are also harder than enamel and can wear down the opposing natural teeth.

Lithium disilicate (Emax) Crowns

Emax dental crowns

Emax Crowns are made from the esthetic dental ceramic material, lithium disilicate. When looking to create the most natural and aesthetically beautiful smile, Emax dental crowns and veneers are the ideal options in cosmetic dentistry. Due to its high translucency, Emax is typically used as a veneer for front teeth, where aesthetic appeal is most crucial. Emax crowns and Emax veneers offer the strength of porcelain crowns & porcelain veneers, and an aesthetic translucency that far exceeds that of porcelain veneers.

Disadvantages

Compared to some other types of crowns for your teeth, Emax crowns are typically more costly. The superior ceramic material and cutting-edge technology utilized in their creation are the causes. Despite their reputation for longevity, these dental crown options may eventually show signs of wear, especially if you grind or clench your teeth frequently. To guarantee the durability of the Emax dental crown services you receive in Whittier, CA, routine dental examinations and a night guard is highly recommended.

Post & Core Buildup for Crowns

post and core buildup for dental crowns

What is Post & Core Buildup?

When a tooth is severely broken down, a post and core are needed to rebuild the tooth’s foundation, allowing it to receive a crown. Post and core buildup is often placed for teeth that have had root canal treatment. You won’t see post and core buildup in typical photos of dental crowns. However, they may be a necessary part of the procedure.

structure of a dental crown

Crown lengthening for Crowns

Crown lengthening for dental crowns

What is Crown Lengthening?

Crown lengthening procedure

When tooth decay has progressed severely below the gum line, crown lengthening is necessary to allow complete removal of the decay and to create enough room for different dental crown options to seat securely on the tooth. Crown lengthening is the removal of a small amount of bone surrounding the broken-down tooth, to allow complete removal of the decay and allow the crown to sit properly on the tooth.

Post-Operative Instructions & Home Care

Sensitivity to Hot and Cold Stimuli

Sensodyne toothpaste for sensitive teeth

It is normal to experience some sensitivity to hot and cold after getting crowns or bridges done. The sensitivity will subside over time. Give the tooth some time to heal. If sensitivity persists, you can use SENSODYNE SENSITIVITY Toothpaste to decrease the sensitivity.

AVOID: whitening toothpaste, acidic foods like Lemon, cherry, grapefruit.

Sharp Pain When Biting Down

Just as you would go to a tailor for a new suit that may require some adjustments to ensure it fits perfectly, dental crown adjustments are also completely regular. When the tooth is still numb, you may not know if the bite feels high and is not a normal bite. If you experience pain when biting down, please contact us. After receiving dental crowns in our Whittier, CA, office, you have the option to come in for an adjustment.

At Perfect Smile Dental Group in Whittier, we believe in doing things once and doing it right the first time; therefore, we only use high-end dental labs that use high-quality material for dental crowns.

Why Choose the Perfect Smile Dental Group?

Choosing a good dental team ensures your oral health and smile are in expert hands. At Perfect Smile Dental Group, we deliver exceptional dental crown services in Whittier, CA. See why you should trust us to give you dental crowns that will make you shine in photos!

Seasoned Dental Expert

Dr. Michael Yang is a third-generation dentist who provides specialized restorative and cosmetic treatments in Whittier, CA.

Cutting-Edge Equipment

Our practice employs cutting-edge technology to deliver highly accurate, safe, and efficient crown placement services.

Personalized Care

Every patient receives a custom treatment plan with the most suitable dental crown options to meet their aesthetic goals.

Stress-Free Experience

Our clinic makes you feel relaxed and cared for during every step of the crown procedure.

Flexible Payment Plans

To make dental care more accessible, we accept a wide range of insurance plans and offer flexible financing options to suit your needs.

Durable Dental Crowns

We improve your smile with the highest quality crowns to ensure they stay strong and protected for years.

FAQs

Dental crown cost can vary depending on the material used and the geographical location. They range between $800 and $1600. Most dental insurance plans provide coverage for crowns. How much is covered depends on the insurance plan you purchased.

Dental crowns can last between 10 to 15 years.  Good oral hygiene and routine dental check-ups can extend their longevity.

Dental crowns are durable restorations, but they won’t last a lifetime. When they wear down, you have to replace them. If the crowns get loose, chipped, or damaged, replacement might also be required. Replacement may occasionally be necessary for additional problems beneath the crowns. Frequent dental examinations will help identify potential replacement needs.

Signs that you may need our dental crown replacement services in Whittier, CA, include:

  • The crown feels loose
  • Visible cracks or chips
  • Persistent pain or sensitivity
  • Decay is developing around the edges

The location of the crown and the patient’s needs determine which dental crown options are best for each individual. Is esthetics important? Do you grind your teeth?

  • Full Metal Cast Crowns offer strength and durability. However, due to the gray metal core, these dental crowns do not resemble natural teeth, especially in photos. Full Metal Cast Crowns are not the best option for front teeth.
  • Porcelain-fused-to-metal Crowns (PFM) provide strength and greater esthetics compared to full metal cast crowns. PFM crowns have two disadvantages: In patients with receding gums, the metal core shows as a black line at the gum line. The porcelain layer on the metal core often breaks in patients who grind their teeth or chew on hard foods/objects.
  • Zirconia Crowns provide the highest strength, durability, and great aesthetics. Since these dental crown options have no metal core and no porcelain, there are no concerns with black line at the gum or breaking of the porcelain. They can be placed on front teeth or back teeth. Zirconia crowns are ideal for grinding patients.
  • Emax Crowns provide the highest esthetic and excellent strength. Emax crowns are the most natural and beautiful crowns, perfect for front teeth. They are ideal if aesthetics is the most important to you.

Modern cosmetic dentistry has made the process of getting a crown painless. You have different pain-numbing options when getting dental crowns in Whittier, CA. For instance, the dentist can use local anesthesia to numb the area, so you feel no pain during the procedure. Some mild sensitivity or discomfort after the procedure is normal, but it’s usually minor and temporary.

A crown does not require a root canal. Crowns are often placed after a root canal to protect the tooth and restore its function and appearance. They can also restore a tooth’s shape or appearance without the need for a root canal.

Receiving dental crown services in Whittier, CA, involves two visits to the dentist. At the first visit, the dentist will prepare the tooth, take impressions, and place a temporary crown. At the second visit, he will cement your permanent crown in place. The process usually takes two weeks.

After getting dental crowns in Whittier, CA, you have the option to eat as soon as the anesthesia wears off. With a temporary crown, avoid any sticky or hard foods, as this can dislodge or break the temporary crown. Once your permanent crown is secure, you can eat as usual.

Post & Core Buildup is a dental procedure used to rebuild the foundation of a severely broken-down tooth or an endodontically treated tooth before a crown can be made for that tooth.

Crown lengthening is the removal of a small amount of bone surrounding the broken-down tooth to allow complete removal of the decay and allow the crown to seat correctly on the tooth.

Yes, you can generally have an MRI scan if you have dental crowns. Modern dental crown options have non-metallic materials that do not interfere with MRI imaging. This feature allows you to undergo MRI scans safely. 

However, it also depends on the types of crowns you have chosen for your teeth. Some crowns that contain certain metals, like gold or metal alloys, may cause image distortions. It’s crucial to inform your radiologist or technician about your restorations beforehand.

Finding a skilled dentist who offers dental crown services near you in Whittier, CA, is vital for a successful outcome. Look for a provider with the necessary credentials who meets the following criteria:

  • Provides personalized care
  • Has positive patient testimonials
  • Communicates the treatment plan clearly
  • Has extensive experience in placing crowns
  • Offers comprehensive consultation and thorough exam
  • Provides before and after dental crown photos of previous cases
  • Offers high-quality dental crown options and uses modern equipment