Dental Crowns in Charlotte, NC
A damaged or weakened tooth doesn’t have to stay that way forever. Dental crowns offer a remarkable solution that can restore both the function and appearance of your teeth, allowing you to bite, chew, and smile with confidence once again! At Imagine Dentistry in Charlotte, North Carolina, we provide custom dental crowns designed to protect and strengthen your teeth while maintaining the natural, beautiful appearance of your smile.
Dr. Ann Blaine Coambs has earned Charlotte Magazine’s Top Dentists Award every year since 2016 — a peer-nominated recognition that reflects more than two decades of precise, patient-centered restorative care. At Imagine Dentistry, we use the iTero Lumina scanner to design dental crowns that fit accurately and blend seamlessly with your natural smile. Whether you need to protect a single weakened tooth or restore several, we build each crown to last.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits completely over a damaged or weakened tooth above the gum line. Think of it as a protective shell — one that restores the tooth’s original shape, strength, and appearance so you can bite, chew, and smile without hesitation. Crowns are made from various materials, including tooth-colored porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, and zirconia, depending on the location of the tooth and your aesthetic goals.
At Imagine Dentistry, every crown starts with a digital scan using our iTero Lumina scanner, which captures a precise 3D model of your tooth without the discomfort of traditional impression materials. That model feeds directly into the design of your crown, so the fit is accurate from the first placement.
When Do You Need a Dental Crown in Charlotte?
Not every damaged tooth requires a crown, but several situations make one the best long-term choice. Teeth with large cavities where decay has damaged more than half the structure often need a crown because there isn’t enough healthy tooth left to support a filling. Cracked or fractured teeth benefit from full coverage, which prevents the crack from spreading and protects the tooth from splitting under chewing pressure. A crown is also typically placed after root canal treatment, since removing the pulp can make the remaining structure more brittle. Dental implants are completed with a crown once the implant has fully integrated with the jawbone. Teeth worn down by grinding or acid erosion may also need a crown to restore height, and some patients choose crowns for cosmetic reasons when bonding or veneers aren’t sufficient.
Crown vs. Filling vs. Veneer: Choosing the Right Option
Understanding which restoration fits your situation helps set expectations before your appointment. The chart below outlines the key differences:
The Dental Crown Process at Imagine Dentistry
Most crown placements require two appointments. At your first visit, Dr. Coambs evaluates the tooth, removes any decay, and shapes it to receive the crown. Our iTero Lumina scanner then captures a precise 3D impression — no uncomfortable impression trays needed. We determine the exact shade to match your natural teeth and place a temporary crown to protect the prepared tooth while the permanent crown is crafted in the lab. At your second appointment, we remove the temporary, check the fit and bite, and permanently cement your custom crown in place. Most patients leave feeling completely comfortable.
Cost and Insurance for Dental Crowns in Charlotte
The cost of a dental crown in Charlotte varies based on the material used, the location of the tooth, and the complexity of preparation. Most dental insurance plans cover a portion of crown costs when the procedure is medically necessary — such as after a root canal or to protect a cracked tooth.
At Imagine Dentistry, we accept most PPO dental insurance plans and will always work to maximize your benefits. For patients without insurance or those who need to spread out the cost of care, we offer financing through CareCredit and Cherry, as well as our in-house Membership Plan. We’re happy to review your coverage and provide a clear estimate before treatment begins.
Caring for Your Dental Crown
Crowns are durable, but they do best with the same care you’d give your natural teeth. Brush twice daily, floss around the crown margin each day, and avoid chewing ice or hard candies that can stress the restoration. If you grind your teeth at night, Dr. Coambs may recommend a custom nightguard to protect both your crown and natural teeth from excessive wear.
Regular checkups allow us to monitor the crown’s fit and the health of the gum tissue around it. Professional cleanings help prevent buildup at the crown margin that can lead to decay underneath. Most well-maintained crowns last 15-30 years or longer.
Why Choose Imagine Dentistry for Dental Crowns in Charlotte, NC?
Dr. Ann Blaine Coambs brings Fellowship-level training from the Academy of General Dentistry and advanced continuing education at The Dawson Academy, which gives her deep expertise in bite function and occlusion — the foundation of a crown that doesn’t just look right but works correctly with your natural bite. Patients across the Arboretum area, South Charlotte, Ballantyne, and Matthews trust Imagine Dentistry for restorative work that holds up beautifully over time.
If you’re dealing with a damaged tooth, recurring sensitivity, or a crown that’s getting old, schedule a consultation and let Dr. Coambs evaluate what your tooth actually needs. We’ll give you a clear plan and an honest estimate before any treatment begins.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Crowns in Charlotte, NC
A weak tooth typically requires a crown when there isn’t enough healthy tooth structure remaining to support a traditional filling. If more than half of your tooth is damaged by decay or fracture, a tooth shaped cap provides better protection and longevity. Your dental professional will evaluate the extent of damage and recommend the most appropriate treatment. Crowns offer comprehensive coverage that strengthens the entire tooth structure, unlike fillings that only replace small portions of missing tooth material.
If you have a broken tooth before your scheduled crown appointment, contact your dental professional immediately for guidance. Avoid chewing on that side and rinse gently with warm salt water to keep the area clean. A dental cap may be needed urgently to protect the remaining tooth structure from further damage. Your dentist might place a temporary restoration to shield the broken tooth until your permanent new crown can be fabricated and placed properly.
A well-maintained new crown can last 15-30 years or longer, often outlasting normal teeth in terms of resistance to decay and fracture. However, the underlying tooth can still develop tooth decay around the crown margins if proper oral hygiene isn’t maintained. Restorative dentistry techniques have advanced significantly, making modern crowns incredibly durable. Regular dental checkups ensure your crown and surrounding normal teeth remain healthy, and any issues are addressed before they become serious problems.
Yes, tooth decay can develop under a crown if bacteria penetrate the seal between the dental cap and your natural tooth. This often occurs due to poor oral hygiene or when the crown becomes old and the cement weakens. Restorative dentistry can address this issue, but it typically requires removing the existing crown and treating the decay before placing a replacement. Your dental professional will monitor the margins of your crowns during regular examinations to detect any early signs of decay formation.
A loose crown typically results from cement failure, tooth decay underneath, or changes in the neighboring teeth that affect the fit. When a crown falls off, save it and contact your dental professional immediately for emergency treatment. The underlying tooth becomes vulnerable without its protective dental cap, especially if it’s been significantly reduced during the original preparation. Restorative dentistry can often recement the crown if both the crown and underlying tooth remain in good condition and undamaged.
Dr. Coambs uses digital X-ray imaging and the latest restorative techniques to ensure your crown fits, functions, and looks exactly right.
Dental Insurance
We accept most dental insurances, and we will always work to get the most out of your benefits. If it would help to break up the cost of your care into smaller monthly payments, we are prepared to discuss payment plan options with you. We offer an excellent Membership Plan with our office, as well as financing with Care Credit. If you are looking for a dentist in Charlotte, NC, our team will be delighted to assist you in scheduling an appointment today.
Dental Membership Plan
We offer an excellent Membership Plan designed specifically for patients without traditional insurance coverage. Our “Love.Your.Smile.” plans provide access to preventive care, including regular checkups, cleanings, and x-rays, along with valuable discounts on additional treatments. If you’re looking for transparent pricing and quality dental care without the hassle of insurance claims, our membership plan may be the perfect solution for you and your family. Our team will be happy to discuss which plan best fits your needs during your visit!
