Porcelain Dental Crowns in Encinitas, CA

Get a new porcelain crown faster at Sinclair Smiles. Dr. Sinclair takes a modern, patient-friendly approach to restoring smiles—using same-day CEREC porcelain crowns so you can spend less time in the chair and more time enjoying life with a strong, beautiful tooth.

About Porcelain Crowns

What Is a Porcelain Dental Crown?

Crowns are custom caps that fit over your natural teeth to restore strength and appearance. You might need one after a root canal, if you have worn-down enamel, or to close gaps and protect compromised teeth.

Some offices still offer metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. These can stand out in your smile, wear down surrounding teeth, or chip over time—exposing the metal underneath. And they usually take weeks to complete in an off-site lab.

At Sinclair Smiles, we skip all that. Our premium all-porcelain crowns are made right here in our office. They’re strong, metal-free (great for those with sensitivities), and made to blend perfectly with your natural smile—all in one visit.

How Are Porcelain Crowns Made?

Old-Fashioned, Lab-Produced Crowns

Some dental offices still rely on messy molds made from impression putty, followed by weeks of waiting while your crown is made at a dental lab. During that time, you wear a temporary crown that you need to baby until your final one arrives.

The Sinclair Smiles Difference

Dr. Sinclair uses a faster, cleaner, and more comfortable method. With digital scanning—no goop, no gag reflex—we capture a precise 3D image of your tooth. After gently shaping your tooth to prepare for the crown, a second scan helps us design a perfect fit.

Then, our in-office CEREC machine mills the crown on the spot from high-grade ceramic. Once complete, Dr. Sinclair bonds it securely to your tooth. From start to finish: one visit, one crown, one restored smile.

Does Getting a Porcelain Crown Hurt?

We go out of our way to make sure you feel relaxed and cared for. With tools like NuCalm and Bi-Tapp, and options for oral conscious sedation, we meet you where you're at—especially if dental visits make you nervous.

For the procedure itself, we numb the area with a local anesthetic so you stay pain-free. And because our scanner is touch-free, there’s no discomfort during imaging. Afterward, you might feel a bit sensitive to hot or cold—but that usually fades within a few weeks.

What Does a Tooth Crown Look Like?

On the inside, your crown is hollowed to fit snugly over your tooth. On the outside, it looks just like the real thing—custom-matched to your tooth’s color and shape.

While some crowns are gold or metal, our ceramic options are chosen for their durability and natural appearance. They’re made to match your smile—and stay that way.

Ceramic vs Porcelain Dental Crowns

No difference here—ceramic and porcelain mean the same thing when it comes to dental crowns. You might see them used interchangeably.

Are Porcelain Crowns the Same as Veneers?

Not quite. Both can enhance your smile, but crowns cover the whole tooth and are used to restore strength after damage. Veneers are more cosmetic—they only cover the front surface to correct chips, gaps, or discoloration.

You can get both at Sinclair Smiles, depending on your needs.

Wearing Porcelain Crowns

How Strong Are Porcelain Crowns?

Porcelain crowns are very strong, but just like natural teeth, they can chip or crack if you bite something too hard. Ice, jawbreaker candies, and using your teeth to open packages are best avoided.

If teeth grinding (bruxism) is a concern, Dr. Sinclair may recommend a custom night guard to protect your new crown.

How Long Do Porcelain Crowns Last?

With good care, porcelain crowns can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years, or longer. Daily brushing and flossing, regular dental checkups, and avoiding habits that stress your teeth will help them last even longer.

Can Porcelain Dental Crowns Be Whitened?

Porcelain doesn’t respond to whitening products the way natural enamel does. So if you’re thinking of whitening your teeth, it’s best to do it before you get your crown.

The upside? Porcelain resists stains, so once your crown is in place, it stays bright and beautiful for years.

Paying for Dental Crowns

How Much Do Porcelain Dental Crowns Cost?

Costs vary depending on which tooth is involved, the materials used, and whether you need other services (like X-rays or exams). We'll walk you through all of that upfront so there are no surprises.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Porcelain Crowns?

Many plans cover about 50% of the cost of crowns—especially when they’re medically necessary. GoodRx confirms this is typical, but check with your provider or let us help you figure it out.

Sinclair Smiles Encinitas: A Better Way to Restore Your Smile

We don’t just fix teeth—we care for people. At Sinclair Smiles, your comfort, health, and time matter. Whether you’re getting a porcelain crown or just coming in for a cleaning, we aim to make your experience feel calm, modern, and personalized.

From same-day crowns to digital impressions and anxiety-reducing tools, everything we do is designed with you in mind. Come see why patients trust us to keep their smiles strong and stress-free.

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