Mountainside Dental in Rancho Mirage specializes in prosthodontics, including dental crowns, bridges, and full mouth restorations. This guide covers the types of dental crowns available, the placement process, how long crowns last, and what to expect at our Bob Hope Drive office.
For a step-by-step walkthrough of what happens during a crown appointment, see our companion guide on what to expect at a dental crown visit.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a custom-fabricated cap that covers a damaged or weakened tooth. Dental crowns restore the tooth’s shape, strength, and appearance while protecting it from further damage. The American Dental Association recommends crowns for teeth that are too damaged for a filling but can still be preserved.
Mountainside Dental Rancho Mirage places dental crowns as part of our prosthodontics specialty. Our team restores teeth with the same precision applied to complex full mouth rehabilitation cases.
When You Need a Dental Crown
Your dentist may recommend a crown for several reasons:
- After a root canal: The treated tooth needs a crown to prevent fracture
- Large cavity: When a filling would leave too little healthy tooth structure
- Cracked or fractured tooth: A crown holds the tooth together and prevents the crack from spreading
- Worn-down teeth: Teeth damaged by grinding (bruxism) or acid erosion
- Implant restoration: A crown attaches to the implant abutment to replace a missing tooth
- Cosmetic improvement: Crowns cover severe discoloration or reshape misshapen teeth
Types of Dental Crowns
All-Porcelain
Matched to the exact shade of surrounding teeth. Ideal for front teeth and visible areas. No metal, so no dark line at the gumline.
Zirconia
Strongest crown material available. Resists chipping and cracking. Works well for back teeth that bear heavy chewing forces.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal
Metal core for strength with a porcelain exterior for appearance. A reliable option for back teeth, though the metal margin may show over time.
| Crown Type | Strength | Aesthetics | Best For | Typical Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All-Porcelain | Good | Excellent | Front teeth | 10 to 15 years |
| Zirconia | Excellent | Very Good | Back teeth, bruxism | 15 to 20+ years |
| Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal | Very Good | Good | Back teeth | 10 to 15 years |
Your dentist recommends the crown material based on tooth location, bite forces, cosmetic priorities, and budget. Zirconia crowns have become the standard choice for back teeth at Mountainside Dental due to their combination of strength and aesthetics.
The Dental Crown Process
Crown Placement in 2 Visits
Preparation (Visit 1)
Your dentist numbs the tooth, removes damaged or decayed portions, and reshapes the remaining structure to fit the crown. A digital scan or impression captures the exact dimensions.
Temporary Crown
A temporary crown protects the prepared tooth while the permanent crown is fabricated at the dental lab. This process takes about two weeks.
Fitting and Cementation (Visit 2)
We remove the temporary, check the fit and color match of the permanent crown, make adjustments if needed, and cement it in place. The process takes about 45 minutes.
Bite Check
We verify your bite alignment with the new crown in place. Small adjustments ensure comfortable chewing and prevent uneven wear on adjacent teeth.
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How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Dental crowns at Mountainside Dental last 10 to 20 years depending on material, location in the mouth, and oral hygiene habits. Zirconia crowns on back teeth can last 15 to 20 years or longer. All-porcelain crowns on front teeth typically last 10 to 15 years.
Factors that shorten crown lifespan include teeth grinding (bruxism), chewing ice or hard candy, and poor oral hygiene that leads to decay at the crown margin. Wearing a nightguard protects crowns from grinding damage during sleep.
Why Rancho Mirage for Dental Crowns?
Mountainside Dental Rancho Mirage specializes in prosthodontics and full mouth restoration. Crown placement is a core part of our practice, and our team handles everything from single crowns to complex cases involving multiple teeth.
Prosthodontics Specialty
Our Rancho Mirage office specializes in restorative dentistry, crowns, bridges, and full mouth rehabilitation.
Digital Impressions
3D digital scanning eliminates messy impression trays and provides precise dimensions for accurate crown fit.
4.9-Star Patient Rating
250+ reviews across Google, Yelp, and Facebook from patients we serve.
Insurance and Financing
We accept most dental insurance plans and offer CareCredit monthly payment plans for crown treatment.
Dental Crown Cost and Insurance
Most dental insurance plans cover a portion of crown costs when the crown is medically necessary (not cosmetic only). Coverage typically ranges from 50% to 80% of the allowed amount after the deductible. Our front office verifies your benefits and provides a cost estimate before treatment.
Dental Crowns vs. Other Restorations
Crowns are one of several restorative options. Your dentist recommends the least invasive option that addresses the problem.
- Crown vs. filling: Fillings work when enough healthy tooth structure remains. Crowns protect teeth where a filling would be too large.
- Crown vs. veneer: Veneers cover the front surface only. Crowns cover the entire tooth and provide structural support.
- Crown vs. extraction and implant: A crown preserves the natural tooth root. An implant replaces the entire tooth after extraction.
Serving Rancho Mirage and the Coachella Valley
Our Rancho Mirage dental office is located at 42500 Bob Hope Dr STE 1, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270. We provide dental crown consultations and placements for patients throughout the Coachella Valley.
Palm Desert
Cathedral City
Thousand Palms
Palm Springs
Coachella Valley
Crown services are also available at our offices in La Quinta, Yucaipa, Rancho Santa Margarita, and Lake Forest.
What Our Patients Say
“I have been coming here for over 20 years. The team has been great. In 20 years I have not had a complaint.”
— Hilda S., Google Review
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns
Schedule Your Crown Consultation
Our Rancho Mirage team evaluates your tooth and recommends the crown material that fits your needs. Digital impressions, insurance verification, and a clear cost estimate at your first visit.
Mountainside Dental | 42500 Bob Hope Dr STE 1, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
Mountainside Dental Rancho Mirage specializes in prosthodontics, crowns, and full mouth restoration. Serving Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Cathedral City, Thousand Palms, and Palm Springs since 2016. 4.9-star rating from 250+ reviews.
