Dental Crowns in Chandler, AZ
A dental crown in Chandler typically costs $800 to $1,500 per tooth depending on the material and complexity of the case. At Every Smile Family Dentistry, Dr. Scott Lee and Dr. Kelli Hahn use dental crowns to restore cracked, severely decayed, broken, or weakened teeth to full function and appearance. A crown is a custom-fabricated cap that fits over your entire tooth, protecting what remains underneath while restoring the tooth’s natural shape, size, and strength.
Crowns are one of the most common and versatile restorative procedures in dentistry. They finalize root canal treatment, protect teeth after large fillings, serve as the visible portion of dental implants, and anchor fixed dental bridges. With proper care, a well-made crown can last 15 to 20 years or longer.
Your Crown Specialists in Chandler
Dr. Kelli Hahn leads crown design and placement at Every Smile. With over 1,000 hours of advanced training at the prestigious Kois Center in Seattle, Dr. Hahn specializes in creating restorations that are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth. Her expertise in shade matching, contour design, and bite alignment ensures that every crown looks natural and functions perfectly. Dr. Hahn is a candidate for Fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry, an honor achieved by fewer than 7% of dentists in the United States.
Dr. Scott Lee handles complex crown cases that involve surgical preparation, including crown lengthening procedures and crowns placed on dental implants. A graduate cum laude from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, former United States Marine Corps member, and American Dental Association member, Dr. Lee brings precision and composure to every restorative case.
Both doctors work from our Chandler office at 2160 W Chandler Blvd Ste 20, keeping your entire treatment under one roof.
Types of Dental Crowns We Offer
Porcelain Crowns
The most natural-looking option for front teeth and visible areas. Dr. Hahn custom-matches porcelain crowns to the exact shade, translucency, and contour of your surrounding teeth. Modern dental porcelain is stain-resistant and can last 15 years or more with proper care. Porcelain crowns are ideal for patients who prioritize aesthetics, especially when the crown will be visible when you smile.
Zirconia Crowns
The strongest crown material available, combining durability with a natural appearance. Zirconia is a ceramic material that resists chipping and cracking better than traditional porcelain. It’s an excellent choice for back teeth where chewing forces are greatest, and newer translucent zirconia options look natural enough for front teeth as well. Zirconia crowns typically cost $900 to $1,500.
Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) Crowns
A proven combination of strength and aesthetics. PFM crowns feature a metal core for structural support with a porcelain outer layer for a tooth-colored appearance. They’ve been a reliable choice for decades, though some patients prefer all-ceramic options to avoid the thin dark line that can sometimes appear at the gumline over time.
Metal Crowns
The most durable option for back teeth that aren’t visible when you smile. Gold alloy and base metal crowns withstand heavy biting forces and last the longest of any crown type, often 25 to 30 years. Dr. Lee may recommend metal crowns for patients who grind or clench their teeth, as they require less tooth structure removal during preparation.
What to Expect During the Crown Process
Step 1: Examination and Preparation
Dr. Lee or Dr. Hahn examines the damaged tooth using digital X-rays and, when needed, 3D imaging to assess the extent of damage. If the tooth requires root canal treatment before crowning, that’s completed first. The dentist then reshapes the tooth by removing a thin layer of enamel, creating space for the crown to fit naturally. A precise digital impression captures the exact dimensions of your prepared tooth and surrounding bite.
Step 2: Temporary Crown
While your permanent crown is being fabricated, we place a temporary crown to protect the prepared tooth. The temporary is designed to look and function acceptably, though it’s not as durable as the final restoration. Most patients wear the temporary for two to three weeks.
Step 3: Permanent Crown Placement
At your second appointment, Dr. Hahn removes the temporary and evaluates the fit, color, and bite of your permanent crown. She makes any necessary adjustments to ensure the crown sits perfectly, then bonds it in place with a strong dental adhesive. The entire placement appointment typically takes 45 minutes to an hour.
When Do You Need a Dental Crown?
Crowns are recommended when a tooth is too damaged for a filling alone but can still be saved. Common situations include:
After root canal treatment. A tooth that has undergone a root canal loses structural integrity because the infected pulp has been removed. A crown protects and strengthens the remaining tooth structure, preventing fracture.
Large cavities or broken fillings. When decay destroys more than half of a tooth’s structure, a filling alone may not provide enough support. A crown covers the entire tooth, restoring both strength and function.
Cracked or fractured teeth. A crown holds a cracked tooth together, preventing the crack from spreading deeper into the root where it could require extraction.
Cosmetic improvement. Severely discolored, misshapen, or worn teeth can be transformed with a crown. While porcelain veneers cover only the front surface, a crown wraps the entire tooth for cases requiring more comprehensive restoration.
Implant restoration. The crown is the visible, functional portion of a dental implant. After the titanium implant post integrates with your jawbone, Dr. Hahn designs a custom crown that attaches to the implant abutment.
Dental Crown Cost and Insurance
Most dental insurance plans cover a significant portion of crown treatment when the crown is considered restorative (medically necessary) rather than purely cosmetic. Coverage typically ranges from 50% to 80% of the cost after your deductible is met. Our team verifies your benefits before treatment and files all claims on your behalf.
For patients without insurance or with remaining balances, we offer CareCredit financing with flexible monthly payment plans. Our in-house savings plan provides 25% to 50% off dental services for an annual fee. Call (480) 732-7874 or request a consultation online for a personalized cost estimate.
Serving Chandler Families and Surrounding Communities
Our office at 2160 W Chandler Blvd Ste 20 in Chandler, AZ 85224 is centrally located with free parking and easy access from neighborhoods throughout the area. We welcome crown patients from Grand Reserve, La Glorieta, Pueblo Santa Fe, Mission Tierra, Rialto Hills, Pecos Ranch, Sun Groves, Ironwood Vistas, Silverton Ranch, Cooper Commons, and surrounding East Valley communities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns
How much does a dental crown cost in Chandler?
A dental crown at Every Smile Chandler typically costs $800 to $1,500 depending on the material (porcelain, zirconia, PFM, or metal) and complexity of the case. Most dental insurance plans cover 50% to 80% of the cost. We also offer CareCredit financing and an in-house savings plan.
How long does a dental crown last?
With proper care, most dental crowns last 15 to 20 years. Metal crowns can last 25 to 30 years. Regular dental cleanings, good home hygiene, and avoiding habits like ice chewing or using teeth as tools help maximize crown lifespan.
Does getting a dental crown hurt?
No. We use local anesthesia to ensure complete comfort during the preparation appointment. For patients with dental anxiety, we offer sedation dentistry options including nitrous oxide and oral sedation. Most patients report no pain during the procedure and only mild sensitivity afterward.
How many appointments does a crown require?
Most crowns require two appointments spaced two to three weeks apart. The first appointment involves preparation, impressions, and temporary crown placement. The second appointment is for permanent crown placement and typically takes 45 minutes to an hour.
Can a crown be placed on a tooth with a large filling?
Yes. In fact, a crown is often the recommended treatment when a filling becomes too large to adequately support the remaining tooth structure. The crown covers the entire tooth, providing strength and protection that a filling alone cannot.
What is the difference between a crown and a veneer?
A porcelain veneer covers only the front surface of a tooth and is primarily cosmetic. A crown wraps around the entire tooth and provides both cosmetic improvement and structural reinforcement. Dr. Hahn will recommend the best option based on your specific situation.
Do dental crowns look natural?
Yes. Dr. Hahn’s Kois Center training specifically focuses on creating restorations that match the color, translucency, and contour of your natural teeth. Modern porcelain and zirconia materials are virtually indistinguishable from natural enamel.
What happens if I don’t get a crown when recommended?
Delaying a recommended crown puts the tooth at risk for further damage, fracture, infection, or eventual tooth loss. What starts as a crown-level problem can become an extraction and dental implant situation if left untreated, which is significantly more complex and costly.
Schedule Your Crown Consultation
A damaged tooth doesn’t improve on its own. Whether you have a cracked molar, a tooth weakened by a large filling, or need a crown to complete a root canal or implant, Dr. Kelli Hahn and Dr. Scott Lee have the expertise and technology to restore your tooth beautifully and permanently.
Your consultation includes a thorough examination, digital X-rays, a discussion of material options, and a detailed cost breakdown with insurance verification. No surprises.
Call Every Smile Chandler at (480) 732-7874 to schedule your crown consultation, or request your appointment online. We’re located at 2160 W Chandler Blvd Ste 20, Chandler, AZ 85224.
