

When a tooth is damaged or weakened, a dental crown can restore both its function and appearance. Crowns are custom-made caps that cover the entire tooth, with options providing strength, protection, a natural look, or a combination of these. At Dental West NYC on the Upper West Side, we offer minimally invasive crown treatments designed to blend seamlessly with your smile. Our office prioritizes preserving your original teeth while providing treatments that restore both form and function.
Whether you need to repair a cracked tooth, reinforce a dental implant, or improve your smile’s aesthetics, our team provides personalized care to ensure your crown fits comfortably and lasts for years. Please reach out to Dental West NYC to explore how our tailored crown solutions in Upper West Side can help you maintain a strong, healthy smile. When you contact us, you can schedule a consultation with an experienced and trustworthy practitioner.
What Are Crowns?
Dental crowns are prosthodontic dental tools that can help improve a patient’s smile’s functionality, appearance, and comfort. Crowns can be placed on top of an existing tooth, though a dental practitioner may need to remove some of the enamel to ensure a proper bond.
Upper West Side crowns can be made of many materials, depending on a patient’s needs or goals. Porcelain, ceramic, and resin composites are also excellent choices for matching the appearance of your natural teeth. However, metal alloys may be stronger than these choices. In some cases, porcelain or ceramic can be bonded to metal, making a natural-looking and robust solution for those looking to address both function and aesthetics.
Depending on your dental provider’s offerings, a handful of other materials may also be available.
When Are Crowns a Necessary Treatment?
Crowns may be a helpful dental solution in many cases, often improving patient lives by boosting function, comfort, or appearance. Crowns may be necessary if a patient has cracked, weakened, or decaying teeth.
The following are some benefits and advantages associated with dental crowns in Upper West Side Manhattan:
- Adds a strong layer of protection against further damage
- Helps ensure food no longer gets trapped in cracks that a filling cannot adequately address
- Reduces sensitivity
- Increases structural stability and integrity
- Provides personalized dental implants
- Lasts up to 15 years with proper care
- Improves appearance and confidence
- Increases function, such as during eating, drinking, and speaking
- Mitigates pain associated with certain dental conditions
If you have any questions about dental crowns, reach out to Dental West NYC. We can help you by discussing appropriate care for your prosthodontics, providing helpful answers and resources, and guiding you throughout your treatment with us.
Who Is a Strong Candidate for Prosthodontic Dental Crowns in Upper West Side NYC?
If you are interested in getting one or more dental crowns, understanding what factors may affect your candidacy can help you communicate with your dental team. An ideal candidate for crowns will likely identify with some of the following descriptions:
- Chipped, decayed, infected, cracked, or otherwise misshapen teeth
- Weak teeth at risk of breaking
- Weakened filling
- Responsible enough to clean and maintain crowns properly
- Strong health overall
If you do not meet all of the factors that make someone an ideal candidate, your dental practitioner may still tell you dental crowns are a viable option for your treatment. Your practitioner may also discuss other options that better fit your goals, needs, or circumstances.
How to Take Care of Your New Dental Crowns
If you ultimately decide to get new dental crowns, you and your dentist should review how to properly care for the new prosthodontics. However, it may be beneficial for some patients to mentally prepare for some of the expected care. We encourage you to use the following tips and tricks:
- Brush your teeth at least twice daily, and floss at least once a day.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
- Clean your teeth with a gentle, circular motion.
- Avoid hard or sticky foods, as this may result in a crack or break.
- Use a mouthguard at night to avoid damage while sleeping.
- Wear protective gear when participating in physical activities, especially contact sports.
- No tobacco or smoking to avoid deterioration or staining
- Use non-alcoholic mouthwash during the healing process.
- Visit your dentist for regular appointments twice to four times per year, and if you experience new pain or sensitivity from the crown.
If you have any additional questions about caring for your new dental crowns, please contact Dental West NYC. We can also provide further information during your appointments, including recommendations for toothpaste and mouthwash, how to handle pain, and what to expect during the procedure.
How Can Our Dedicated Dental Team Help You?
At Dental West NYC, we are deeply invested in ensuring our patients receive outstanding care and results. We can perform a full assessment to determine your candidacy for specific procedures, discuss alternative treatment options whenever necessary, and create a customized plan and timeline based on your circumstances.
In addition to crowns, we provide emergency dental care, cosmetic solutions, restoration services, and more. Our office also offers a few different payment options, including for patients who need financing assistance. We are prepared to help you find the best possible solution, meeting you with personalized care and prioritizing your comfort for the duration of your care.
Our offices also employ state-of-the-art and effective technologies to make treatments safer, healing times shorter, and offer more accurate results. We use laser dentistry to treat periodontitis, TMJ, migraines, and more.
If you’re looking for excellent care, please get in touch with Dental West NYC to schedule an appointment and move forward in your smile journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of choosing porcelain fused to metal dental crowns for restoring a damaged tooth?
Porcelain fused to metal (PFM) dental crowns offer a combination of strength and natural appearance, making them a popular choice for both front and back teeth. These crowns feature a metal core that provides durability—especially helpful for molars that endure heavy chewing—while the outer porcelain layer mimics the color and translucency of your natural tooth. This allows for a restoration that blends seamlessly into your smile. PFM crowns are ideal for patients who want both long-term reliability and aesthetic results, particularly when full porcelain crowns might not offer enough support.
How long do dental crowns last and what care is needed to extend their lifespan?
With proper care, most dental crowns can last between 10 and 15 years, and in some cases even longer. Caring for your dental crown is similar to maintaining your natural teeth: brush twice a day, floss daily, and avoid habits like chewing ice or grinding your teeth. Regular check-ups with your dentist ensure the crown remains securely bonded and free of cracks or decay at the margins. Even temporary crowns require attention—being gentle with sticky or hard foods can help prevent loosening before your permanent crown is placed.
Is a dental crown necessary for a weak tooth with a large filling?
Yes, in many cases a dental crown is the best solution for reinforcing a weak tooth that has undergone extensive restoration. Large fillings can compromise the structural integrity of the natural tooth, increasing the risk of fractures or sensitivity. A crown provides full coverage and restores strength by encasing the tooth completely, helping to prevent further damage and supporting normal function during chewing and speaking. Choosing a crown proactively can help you avoid more complex procedures in the future.
What is the difference between temporary crowns and permanent crowns in terms of durability and function?
Temporary crowns are designed to protect your prepared tooth between dental visits while your custom permanent crown is being created. They are made from acrylic or resin materials and are not intended for long-term use. While they allow for eating and speaking comfortably, they lack the durability of permanent crowns and may not match your tooth color as precisely. Permanent crowns—especially those made from porcelain, ceramic, or porcelain fused to metal—offer superior strength, longevity, and a natural appearance, ensuring lasting protection and aesthetics.
Why do metal crowns rarely chip, and when are they the best option?
Metal crowns are incredibly strong and durable, which is why they are recommended for back molars or situations requiring minimal tooth preparation. Made from gold or other metal alloys, they withstand the pressures of daily chewing and grinding without chipping or breaking. Although not tooth-colored, metal crowns are ideal for restoring molars where function outweighs appearance. Because they require less removal of natural tooth structure, they’re also beneficial for patients who need a conservative restorative option.
Interested in Dental Crowns in Upper West Side NYC? Contact Choose Dental West NYC for Invaluable Results and Care
If you’re interested in improving your smile with dental crowns, Dental West NYC offers more than just effective treatment. We focus on preserving your natural teeth while using minimally invasive approaches. With our personalized care, we can carefully assess your needs to provide options that deliver comfort and longevity. Whether you’re dealing with cracked teeth, weakened teeth, or simply want a natural-looking solution, we will guide you toward the best choice for your unique situation.
Our experienced dental team—including the dedicated and compassionate Dr. Leora Walter—combines advanced prosthodontic expertise with a commitment to your overall oral health. By focusing on preventive care, we ensure your smile remains healthy while addressing any concerns with precision. Get started on your path to a more confident smile by scheduling a consultation today. Call us at (212) 580-4520 or fill out our contact form. We also offer free fluoride treatments during your cleaning!

Dr. Leora Walter is a surgically trained prosthodontist and an elite dentists, with an expertise in cosmetic procedures at Dental West NYC on Manhattan’s Upper West Side.
Our services
Book now