Porcelain Crowns

Paul L. Gregory , DDS -  - General Dentist

Paul L. Gregory , DDS

General Dentist & Cosmetic Dentist located in Midtown, New York, NY

It’s hard to feel confident with cracked, stained, or damaged teeth. At Paul L. Gregory, DDS, in Midtown West, New York City, a porcelain crown can completely transform your smile. Porcelain crowns are cap-shaped restorations that restore teeth to their natural shape and size. To find out if a porcelain crown is right for you, call Paul L. Gregory, DDS, or book an appointment online.

Porcelain Crowns Q & A

What are crowns?

Crowns are tooth-shaped caps that fit over your tooth to restore its size, shape, strength, and color. Crowns are used when your tooth is severely damaged and at risk of decay or infection. Once placed, crowns also prevent plaque and bacteria from penetrating your damaged tooth, protecting it from further deterioration.

Why would I need a crown?

Dr. Gregory may recommend placing a porcelain crown if you have:


  • A broken or cracked tooth
  • Severe tooth decay
  • Tooth discoloration that doesn’t respond to tooth whitening
  • A large filling
  • Teeth ground down by bruxism (teeth grinding)
  • Weak teeth
  • Dental implants
  • Misshapen teeth


Porcelain crowns are thick and durable, the perfect option for adding strength to teeth that may have suffered severe enamel erosion.

Are there different types of porcelain crowns?

Dr. Gregory offers two types of crowns at his office, depending on which of your teeth need treatment:

Porcelain crown

A traditional porcelain crown is strong and beautiful. Porcelain crowns can be color-matched to replicate the exact shade of your teeth, so they look and feel as natural as possible. They are stain-resistant and protect your teeth against further damage. Because porcelain crowns aren’t as durable as some other types of crowns, they are typically recommended for the front of your mouth, where your bite is less forceful.

Zirconium crown

Dr. Gregory uses full zirconium crowns to treat your posterior teeth, your premolars, and your molars, where your bite is most forceful. Because zirconium crowns are so strong, less of your natural tooth structure needs to be removed to make room for the crown. Long-lasting and extremely durable, Dr. Gregory’s full zirconium crowns also come with a five-year guarantee.

How are crowns placed?

Placing crowns is a two-visit process that involves creating the crown and placing it. At your first appointment, Dr. Gregory takes digital X-rays to plan out the placement and begin preparing your tooth for a crown.


Dr. Gregory removes a small portion of enamel from the tooth and reshapes it to make room for the new crown. Then he takes highly accurate impressions of your mouth to create the perfect crown for you.


The crown-creation process takes about two weeks, so Dr. Gregory fits you for a temporary crown in the meantime. This crown is later removed and replaced with a permanent restoration at your final visit.


Dr. Gregory always makes sure the fit of your crown looks natural and feels comfortable before cementing it in place. While the crown may feel foreign in your mouth at first, you should be able to eat, speak, and smile comfortably over the coming days.


A porcelain crown can improve your bite, smile, and confidence. To schedule an appointment, call Paul L. Gregory, DDS, or book online.