Dental Crowns

Key Takeaways If you’ve been told a crown is the next step for your tooth, you might be wondering which one to choose. It’s not just about plugging a hole or covering damage; it’s also about how your smile looks, how comfortable you feel when chewing, and how long you want the fix to last. In Sherman Oaks, patients ask about crowns all the time, and the same three names usually come up: porcelain, zirconia, and metal. Each has its own pros and cons. At Clove Dental’s Sherman Oaks office, we walk patients through this decision almost daily. What works for one person might not be right for another. That’s why it’s worth taking a closer look at the differences before you commit. Why a Crown Might Be Needed Crowns step in when a filling isn’t enough. Maybe a cavity took too much of the tooth. Maybe a crack is threatening to spread. Or maybe you’ve had a root canal, and the tooth is too weak on its own. A crown acts like armor; it covers the tooth completely so it can still function without breaking down further. Without it, you might be looking at extractions, implants, or bridges down the line. And those treatments usually take more time and money. That’s why dentists often push for crowns sooner rather than later. Porcelain Crowns: Best for Natural Smiles Porcelain crowns are popular because they look the most like natural teeth. If the tooth in question is near the front of your mouth, porcelain blends in almost perfectly. People won’t usually notice you have one. The downside? Porcelain can be fragile. A bite into something hard, say, a popcorn kernel, could chip it. Most porcelain crowns last 10–15 years with proper care. They’re not the cheapest, but they’re not at the very top of the price chart either. For patients in Sherman Oaks who value looks first, porcelain is often the choice. Zirconia Crowns: The Middle Ground Zirconia crowns combine strength and appearance. They can handle chewing forces in the back of the mouth while still looking close to natural. Think of them as the hybrid option: strong like metal, but better looking. They do cost more than porcelain, but many patients see them as an investment. We’ve seen people choose zirconia when they don’t want to replace a crown again anytime soon. In our office, zirconia has become one of the most requested materials for dental crowns in Sherman Oaks. Metal Crowns: Durable and Reliable Metal crowns might not win beauty points, but they are built to last. Gold, silver, or alloy crowns rarely break, and they can stay in place for decades. For molars, teeth that no one really sees, metal is a practical choice. Cost is usually lower for metal too, which makes them attractive for budget-conscious patients. We’ve had patients in their 60s tell us their old gold crown from the 1980s is still holding strong. That kind of longevity is hard to beat. Lining Them Up Side by Side Here’s how we often break it down for patients: It really comes down to what matters more: looks, strength, or cost. The Money Question When people search for dental crowns in Sherman Oaks, cost is often the first concern. Prices vary depending on the material and the dental office. Porcelain usually lands in the middle, zirconia a bit higher, and metal often the lowest. Insurance can help, but coverage isn’t always the same. Some plans cover only part of the cost, and only if the crown is considered “medically necessary.” At Clove Dental Sherman Oaks, we always walk patients through their benefits before starting. Nobody likes surprises when it comes to dental bills. What to Expect During Treatment Getting a crown is pretty straightforward. First visit: the dentist shapes the tooth, takes an impression, and places a temporary crown. Second visit: the permanent crown is fitted and cemented. Some offices, ours included, have same-day crown technology for certain cases. That means you can walk in with a damaged tooth and leave with your permanent crown in place. It’s not always possible, but when it is, patients love skipping the temporary stage. Taking Care of Your Crown A crown doesn’t make your tooth invincible. Good brushing, flossing, and regular cleanings are still needed. Avoid crunching ice or opening bottles with your teeth; habits like that can shorten the life of even the strongest crown. Average lifespan: We’ve seen Sherman Oaks patients with crowns older than their kids, proof that good care pays off. Everyday Choices from Real Patients We’ve had a young actor come in for porcelain crowns before a shoot; looks mattered most to him. A local chef chose zirconia because he needed strength for long shifts in the kitchen. And one retired contractor went with metal crowns for his molars, saying he “just wanted them to last and not cost an arm and a leg.” Different lifestyles, different choices, that’s the beauty of having options. Wrapping It Up When you’re deciding on dental crowns in Sherman Oaks, think about where the tooth is, how much you want to spend, and what matters more: strength or appearance. Porcelain is great for a natural smile, zirconia balances both worlds, and metal wins for durability. At Clove Dental Sherman Oaks, we’ve seen every type of situation and every kind of patient. Our goal is to help you find the crown that makes sense for your life, not just your tooth.