Crafted for Strength, Comfort, and Lasting Confidence
A dental crown is more than just a restoration—it’s a carefully designed solution that brings stability, comfort, and balance back to your smile. At Whiteman Dental Associates in Cambridge, every crown is individually crafted with precision and an emphasis on both function and aesthetics.
Crowns can restore teeth that have been weakened by decay, fracture, or wear, helping preserve their integrity for years to come. Each one is shaped and shaded to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, ensuring that your restored smile feels as authentic as it looks.
Dr. Daniel Whiteman brings decades of restorative expertise and a keen eye for design to every case. The result is a restoration that strengthens your bite, enhances appearance, and fits comfortably into your everyday life.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fully covers a damaged tooth, protecting it from further stress and restoring its natural contour. Once bonded in place, it becomes a permanent part of your smile, functioning just like a natural tooth.
Crowns are often recommended when a filling alone cannot provide enough strength or when a tooth has undergone significant wear or structural loss. They can also improve the shape, color, and symmetry of a tooth, enhancing your smile’s overall harmony.
At Whiteman Dental Associates, our crowns are made from durable, high-grade materials chosen for strength and aesthetic appeal. Each crown is crafted to complement your natural bite and facial structure, ensuring both comfort and confidence.
When a Dental Crown Is Needed
Crowns are a versatile solution that can address a wide range of restorative and cosmetic concerns. You may need a crown if you have:
- A tooth with extensive decay that cannot be restored with a filling
- A cracked or fractured tooth at risk of breaking further
- A tooth weakened by a large restoration
- A tooth that has undergone root canal therapy
- Worn or eroded enamel caused by grinding or acid wear
- Discoloration or uneven shape that affects your smile’s appearance
We take time to assess your unique needs through imaging, examination, and conversation. If a crown is the right treatment, we’ll explain each step clearly before moving forward.
Types of Dental Crowns Available at Whiteman Dental Associates
Each patient’s needs and preferences are unique, which is why we offer several types of crowns designed to balance durability, comfort, and visual appeal.
Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns offer the most natural appearance, making them ideal for front teeth. They reflect light similarly to natural enamel, achieving a translucent, lifelike result.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns
PFM crowns combine a strong metal foundation with a porcelain coating. This blend of strength and beauty makes them suitable for both front and back teeth.
Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia crowns are known for their remarkable durability and biocompatibility. They are an excellent option for molars or areas where additional strength is needed.
Each crown is shade-matched to your teeth and carefully crafted to blend seamlessly with your smile. During your consultation, we’ll discuss the benefits of each material and recommend the best one for your specific needs.
The Dental Crown Procedure at Whiteman Dental Associates
Getting a crown typically takes two visits, though the process is designed to be smooth and comfortable from start to finish.
Step 1: Examination and Consultation
We begin with a thorough exam, which may include digital X-rays. Dr. Whiteman will explain the condition of your tooth and why a crown may be the most effective solution.
Step 2: Tooth Preparation
The damaged areas of the tooth are removed, and the surface is shaped to allow the crown to fit properly. We take care to preserve as much healthy enamel as possible.
Step 3: Impression and Shade Matching
Precise digital or traditional impressions are taken to capture the shape and bite of your teeth. We also select a shade that matches your natural tooth color for a seamless blend.
Step 4: Temporary Crown Placement
A temporary crown is placed over your prepared tooth to protect it while your permanent one is crafted in our trusted dental lab.
Step 5: Crown Fabrication
Your custom crown is made using high-quality materials and advanced techniques. Each detail—from shade to shape—is refined for comfort and balance.
Step 6: Final Placement and Adjustments
Once your crown is ready, we’ll remove the temporary, check the fit and bite, and bond the permanent crown into place. Final polishing ensures a smooth, natural finish.
The entire process is designed to be precise, efficient, and comfortable, resulting in a crown that feels and functions just like your natural tooth.
Caring for Your New Crown
Your crown can last for many years with good oral hygiene and consistent dental visits. Caring for it is simple and similar to caring for your natural teeth:
- Brush twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Floss carefully around the crown to remove plaque buildup.
- Avoid chewing hard foods like ice or unpopped popcorn kernels.
- Schedule regular professional cleanings and exams.
We’ll check the integrity of your crown during each visit and make adjustments as needed to maintain its fit and comfort.
Benefits of Choosing Whiteman Dental Associates in Cambridge
At Whiteman Dental Associates, precision and personalization define every aspect of care. Our crowns are not mass-produced solutions—they are custom restorations designed to enhance your oral health and your confidence.
What sets us apart:
- Crowns designed with attention to color, shape, and proportion
- Comfortable treatment in a calm, boutique environment
- Long-lasting results using high-quality materials
- Transparent communication at every stage of treatment
Dr. Whiteman’s background in restorative dentistry and fine detail work ensures each crown not only protects your tooth but also enhances the balance of your smile. You’ll always be treated with patience, respect, and care that feels personal and focused.
Insurance and Payment Transparency
Many dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for crowns when they are medically necessary. Before beginning treatment, our team will review your benefits, explain your expected costs, and help you make an informed decision.
For those without insurance, Karen, our office manager, can discuss flexible payment options to ensure treatment fits comfortably within your budget. We value honesty and clarity—no hidden costs, and no pressure to proceed before you’re ready.
Book Your Dental Crown Appointment in Cambridge
If you have a damaged, weakened, or misshapen tooth, a crown can help restore strength, structure, and appearance. At Whiteman Dental Associates, every crown is custom-made to fit naturally and function beautifully.
Our approach is calm, supportive, and centered on helping you feel confident in your care. From your first consultation to the final polish, you’ll receive personalized attention from a team that takes pride in quality and detail.
Call our Cambridge office today to schedule your dental crown consultation. We’ll take time to answer your questions, outline your options, and help you move forward with care that feels right for you.
Your Dental Crown Questions Answered
Can I eat normally with a dental crown?
Yes. Once your permanent crown is in place, you can eat most foods as usual. It’s best to avoid chewing hard objects like ice or very sticky foods that could stress the crown.
How do I know if my tooth needs a crown or a filling?
A crown is typically recommended when a large portion of your tooth is damaged or weakened. During your exam, Dr. Whiteman will assess the extent of the issue and recommend the most conservative solution.
Is it normal for a new crown to feel sensitive?
Mild sensitivity to temperature or pressure can occur for a few days after placement. This usually resolves quickly as your tooth adjusts.
How long will my crown last?
With proper care, most crowns last between 10 and 15 years, though many patients enjoy them for much longer with consistent oral hygiene.
Can I whiten my teeth after getting a crown?
You can whiten your natural teeth, but crowns do not change color. If you plan to whiten, it’s best to do so before the crown is made to ensure a perfect match.
Can a crown be replaced if it wears down?
Yes. If your crown becomes worn or damaged over time, we can replace it with a new one that fits precisely and maintains your bite alignment.
What happens if my crown falls off?
If your crown becomes dislodged, call our office as soon as possible. Keep it safe and bring it with you—sometimes it can be re-cemented if the underlying tooth is healthy.
Are dental crowns safe for patients with metal allergies?
Absolutely. We offer all-ceramic and zirconia crowns, which are metal-free and biocompatible for patients with sensitivities.
Can I get a crown on a front tooth?
Yes. Crowns for front teeth are custom-designed for aesthetics as well as strength, using materials that match your enamel’s translucency and color.
How soon can I return to work after getting a crown?
Most patients return to work immediately after their appointment. The procedure is minimally invasive and does not require downtime beyond avoiding very hot or chewy foods until the anesthetic wears off.
