A cracked, root-canal-treated, or badly worn tooth often needs more than a filling — that's where a crown comes in. Smile Center Dentistry matches shade and shape to your surrounding teeth before anything is fabricated.
Material choice affects durability and cost differently depending on which tooth is involved, and we explain that honestly. We'd rather spend extra chairside time on the bite check than have you come back with pain.
An intraoral scanner captures your bite precisely, sent directly to the lab without a messy impression tray. The scan also lets you see a preview of your bite before fabrication begins.
We recommend material based on which tooth is involved and how much chewing force it takes, not just price. Material recommendations are specific to the tooth, not a blanket default across every case.
A crown that's slightly high can cause pain within days — we catch that before you leave the chair. We'd rather take five extra minutes than have you return uncomfortable.
We don't consider the case done until you're chewing comfortably on it. Guarantee terms are explained clearly at your consult, not buried in paperwork.
Crowns and bridges serve different purposes depending on what's damaged or missing — here's what we offer.
We shade-match zirconia carefully since it can appear less translucent than natural enamel if not planned well. Ideal when strength is the top priority.
E.max balances strength and aesthetics well for visible teeth where appearance matters most. We explain when this material fits better than zirconia for your case.
PFM can show a thin metal line at the gumline over time, which we explain honestly before you choose it. A solid option for back teeth where appearance is less of a priority.
We evaluate whether your adjacent teeth are healthy enough to support a bridge before recommending it over an implant. Bridges avoid surgery but do require altering the supporting teeth.
While your permanent crown is fabricated, a temporary protects the prepared tooth from sensitivity and damage. Same-day crown milling may be available depending on your case and material choice.
We evaluate whether repair or full replacement makes more sense for your specific restoration. We'll tell you honestly which option actually solves the problem.
We ask about the tooth's history — root canal, crack, missing — so we're prepared for your consult.
A temporary crown protects the tooth while your permanent restoration is made.
We discuss zirconia, e.max, or PFM based on which tooth and how much force it needs to handle.
Your finished crown or bridge is bonded and checked carefully for fit and bite alignment.
"Digital impression instead of that awful putty tray from my last dentist. So much more comfortable."
"Bite felt slightly off after my crown was placed, and they adjusted it right there until it was right."
"Temporary crown while waiting for the permanent one didn't feel like a cheap afterthought — fit well the whole time."
"PFM crown on my back molar three years now, holding up exactly as they said it would."
"Crown milling was done same-visit for my case, saved me a whole second appointment."
Typically two visits over one to two weeks — prep and impression first, then final fitting once the lab completes your restoration. Bridges involving multiple teeth sometimes take slightly longer to fabricate.
It depends on which tooth and how much chewing force it handles — we recommend based on your specific case, not a default choice. We're glad to walk through samples so you can see the differences yourself.
A bridge avoids surgery but involves the neighboring teeth; an implant doesn't touch them but requires a longer process. We'll tell you if your adjacent teeth already need crowns anyway, which can tip the decision toward a bridge.
Yes — we shade-match to your surrounding teeth and choose material based on where visibility matters most. Back teeth prioritize strength since they're less visible when you smile.
We'd rather you return for a quick adjustment than live with something that doesn't feel right. Don't wait weeks hoping it'll settle on its own — call us and we'll check it.
Cost depends on material choice and whether it's a single crown or a multi-tooth bridge — we quote this after your exam. We verify insurance benefits beforehand so you know your out-of-pocket cost.
Smile Center Dentistry provides Dental Crowns And Bridges to patients throughout McAllen and neighboring McAllen, TX communities, with digital impressions done in-house. New and existing patients throughout McAllen are welcome to book a restoration consult.
Licensed, precise, and local to McAllen — call and ask about your options.
Call +1-866-227-2801