Rebuild Your Smile and Confidence with Same-day Porcelain Crowns

Dental crowns are one of the most common solutions for rebuilding damaged smiles. Dental crowns provide remarkable reinforcement to a compromised tooth, allowing it to function optimally for many years. Unfortunately, placing traditional crowns involves several trips to a dentist spanning weeks.

Don’t put off necessary dental work because of lengthy treatment time. Wilmington Smiles recognizes how valuable your time is. Dr. Gregory Garrett and the team are pleased to offer same-day dental crowns with cutting-edge technology that restores your smile in one visit! 

Why you may need a dental crown

A dental crown is a custom-fitted, tooth-shaped appliance placed over the tooth to improve its appearance and structure. Dental crowns are beautiful restorations, and your dentist may recommend them to: 

  • Cover a dental implant
  • Reinforce a tooth after a root canal
  • Strengthen a severely weakened tooth
  • Secure a dental bridge in place
  • Aesthetically improve a misshapen or discolored tooth

Don’t settle for a smile you aren’t proud to show off. Dental crowns in Wilmington, North Carolina, present a viable option for rebuilding your smile. Once placed on your tooth, a dental crown restores your smile to its pre-damage state, if not better!

All about same-day dental crowns

Traditionally, dental crowns are often placed in 2-3 appointments. Thanks to CEREC technology, we can restore your smile with dental crowns in a single visit. CEREC crowns are placed in one appointment because all the processes are done in-house, from planning to placement. 

Once your tooth is prepared, we design your crown with state-of-the-art CAD/CAM technology. Once the crown design is approved, the image is sent to an in-house milling machine that fabricates your crown within 15-20 minutes from a ceramic block.

Once your crown is ready, we make a few adjustments because CEREC restorations are created with ultimate precision. Finally, we use dental cement to bond your crown to your tooth. Now, you are ready to show off your new smile!

Benefits of CEREC crowns

One-visit dental crowns are a convenient choice for patients with time constraints who need dental work quickly. If you restore your smile with CEREC crowns, these are the benefits you can expect.

  • Natural-looking porcelain crowns
  • One dental appointment
  • Digital bite impressions (no goop-based impressions)
  • Only one anesthesia shot is required
  • Precise-fitting restoration

Ready to improve your smile with a dental crown? Say goodbye to multiple appointments and achieve a rejuvenated smile in one visit. Ready to get started? Call (910) 208-6721 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Garrett. 

Dental Crowns FAQs

How do I know if a dental crown is better than a large filling or onlay?

This is a great question many patients don’t consider. When a tooth has been significantly damaged or weakened—often due to a large cavity or repeated dental work—Dr. Garrett may recommend a crown over a filling or onlay. Crowns cover the entire tooth surface, providing superior strength and protection, especially for back teeth that endure heavy chewing forces. A crown is usually the best choice if not enough healthy teeth are left to securely hold a filling or onlay.

Will a crown change how my bite feels?

Initially, it might feel slightly different, especially if you’re used to a worn-down or damaged tooth. But Dr. Garrett is meticulous about adjusting each crown for a perfect bite. He uses digital imaging and precision technology to match your natural occlusion. If something feels “off” after a few days, a minor in-office adjustment can fine-tune the fit and make it feel natural.

Is there a risk of my tooth breaking if I delay getting a crown?

Yes—if a tooth is already cracked or weakened, delaying a crown can increase the risk of it fracturing beyond repair. At Wilmington Smiles, patients are often surprised at how quickly a tooth can go from mildly bothersome to severely broken. Catching the problem early and securing it with a crown can prevent the need for more invasive treatments like extractions or implants later on.

Can I choose the shape or appearance of my dental crown?

Yes! Aesthetics matter, especially for front teeth. Dr. Garrett considers your facial features, smile line, and neighboring teeth to ensure the crown looks natural. If you have preferences for tooth shape (such as a more rounded or square appearance), let him know—he can collaborate with the dental lab to create a personalized, beautiful result.

Do same-day crowns compromise quality compared to traditional lab-made ones?

Not at all. Wilmington Smiles uses CEREC technology to craft precise, durable, and natural-looking same-day porcelain crowns. These crowns are milled right in the office from high-quality materials and offer the convenience of single-visit treatment without sacrificing longevity or function.

What should I do if my crown ever feels loose or comes off?

If your crown feels loose, don’t chew on that side or try to re-cement it yourself. Call Wilmington Smiles right away. Dr. Garrett will assess whether the crown can be re-cemented or if a replacement is needed. In many cases, the issue is due to weakened cement or biting into something too hard, both of which can be easily resolved if caught early.

Will my crowned tooth ever need further treatment?

While a crown protects the tooth, it doesn’t make it invincible. You’ll still need to brush, floss, and attend regular check-ups. In rare cases, crowned teeth can develop decay at the margin (where the crown meets your natural tooth), or the tooth inside may eventually need a root canal if the pulp becomes inflamed. Dr. Garrett monitors crowned teeth during your visits to help catch any issues early.