Porcelain Crowns in Houston, TX
A cracked or severely decayed tooth doesn't have to mean pain, embarrassment, or eventual tooth loss. Porcelain crowns restore strength and appearance in a way that looks and feels like your natural tooth.
A custom-fitted cap, made in our own lab, that reinforces a damaged tooth from the gumline up.
A durable cap that restores strength, shape, and confidence
A dental crown is a cap that's permanently cemented over a damaged tooth to reinforce it, improve its appearance, and protect the remaining natural structure underneath. Crowns can also be placed over dental implants or used to support other restorative work.
Crowns can be made from gold, zirconia, porcelain, or combinations of the three — but all-porcelain crowns stand out for looking virtually indistinguishable from a natural tooth, which is why they're Dr. Velasco's go-to recommendation for most patients.
At a glance
- Material: All-porcelain, custom shade-matched to your natural teeth.
- Process: Tooth preparation and impression, then a custom crown bonded in place.
- Timeline: Typically two visits, about one to two weeks apart.
- Lifespan: 20–30 years with good oral hygiene.
We make your porcelain crowns right here in our state-of-the-art on-site lab.
Signs you may need a porcelain crown
Only your dentist can confirm for sure, but these are common reasons patients come in for a crown consultation:
You've just had a root canal
A tooth that's chipped, cracked, or broken
A severely decayed tooth
A tooth that's too short
Misshapen or stained teeth
A large filling that has damaged the tooth
Wanting to improve a tooth's shape or alignment
Putting off a crown is rarely a good idea. A chipped or decayed tooth left untreated can crack further, leading to pain, sensitivity, infection, or eventual tooth loss.
Our team carefully reviews your X-rays to prepare your treatment plan.
The porcelain crown procedure — two visits
- Visit 1: Your tooth is numbed, then gently reshaped to make room for the crown. An impression is taken and sent to our in-house lab, and you'll leave with a temporary crown while your permanent one is crafted — usually one to two weeks.
- Visit 2: Dr. Velasco checks your new crown for color, shape, and fit against your natural teeth, then bonds it permanently in place and confirms your bite feels right.
- Comfort options: Sedation dentistry is available on request if you'd like extra help relaxing during either visit.
A closer look at porcelain crowns at Uptown
Watch how Dr. Velasco and the team plan and place porcelain crowns, from prep to the finished result.
What recovery looks like
Some swelling or discomfort in the treated area is normal for a few days, and usually improves without needing prescription medication — over-the-counter pain relievers are typically enough. Your crown is built to handle normal brushing and flossing, so don't hesitate to keep up your regular routine. Good oral hygiene matters even more now, since the natural tooth underneath your crown can still develop a cavity if it's not cared for properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do porcelain crowns cost?
A porcelain crown typically costs between $900 and $3,000 per tooth. Price depends on factors like lab fees, the type of crown, and whether additional procedures — like a root canal — are needed. We'll walk you through the exact cost during your consultation.
Are porcelain crowns covered by insurance?
Usually, yes — most dental insurance plans cover at least part of the cost of a crown procedure. Contact your provider for the specifics of your plan, or we're happy to help you check.
Can porcelain crowns chip or crack?
Yes — while very strong, they can chip or crack under enough pressure, just like a natural tooth. Avoid very hard foods like ice or hard candy, and if you grind your teeth at night, ask us about a custom nightguard.
Can porcelain crowns be whitened?
No — porcelain doesn't respond to bleaching agents the way natural enamel does. If your crown no longer matches your surrounding teeth, talk to us about a replacement.
Why does my crown have a dark line at the gum?
That's a sign of a porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crown, which has a metal interior that can show as a dark rim at the gumline. Choosing an all-porcelain crown avoids this entirely.
How long do porcelain crowns last?
A well-maintained porcelain crown can last 20 to 30 years. Signs it may need replacing include an off feeling in your bite, receding gums around the crown, or pain in or around the tooth.
Related dental services
Ready to stop hiding a damaged tooth?
Restore strength, beauty, and function to your smile. Schedule your porcelain crowns consultation with Uptown Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry today.
