Where Families in Green Lake Come to Smile
Durable Dental Crowns in Green Lake, Seattle
Your tooth doesn’t need a royal title, but it might need a crown. When a tooth has been damaged, weakened, or is just structurally tired of holding itself together, a dental crown steps in to save the day. Think of it as a protective helmet that looks exactly like your real teeth; no one will know you’re wearing armor.
At Green Lake Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Cherryl Ellison provides custom dental crowns that restore both the strength and appearance of compromised teeth. Using high-quality materials and precise techniques, she creates restorations that look natural and work seamlessly with your existing teeth. Whether you need a crown to protect a tooth after root canal therapy or to strengthen a cracked tooth, Dr. Ellison offers personalized care in our welcoming Green Lake office.
When Do You Need
a Dental Crown?
Not every dental issue requires a crown, but several situations make it the ideal solution. You might need a crown if you have a tooth with a large filling that’s taking up more space than the actual tooth structure. After a certain point, fillings can’t provide enough support, and the tooth becomes vulnerable to further damage.
Root canal treatment almost always requires a crown. Once the infected pulp is removed from inside the tooth, the remaining structure becomes brittle and prone to fractures. A crown protects the treated tooth and restores its strength. Cracked or fractured teeth also benefit from crowns because the restoration holds the pieces together and prevents the crack from spreading.
Severe tooth decay that reaches below the gum line may need a crown after the damaged portion is removed. Crowns can also replace old, failing restorations or boost the appearance of severely discolored, misshapen, or worn-down teeth. Given that approximately 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, crowns play an essential role in preventing additional tooth loss by strengthening compromised teeth before they fail completely.
The Crown Placement Process
Getting a crown often requires two visits to our Green Lake office. During the first appointment, Dr. Ellison examines the tooth and prepares it by removing any decay and reshaping the surface to make room for the crown. This ensures the crown will fit properly without making the tooth feel too bulky. After the tooth is prepared, she takes detailed digital impressions that will be used to craft your custom crown.
A temporary crown is placed to preserve the tooth while the permanent restoration is being built. The temporary crown lets you eat and speak as usual, though you’ll want to avoid very sticky or hard foods during this time. Most patients wear their temporary crown for about two weeks.
At your second appointment, the temporary crown is removed and the permanent crown is carefully secured and adjusted. Dr. Ellison checks the bite, color match, and overall fit before permanently cementing the crown in place. The result is a restoration that looks flawless and functions like your original tooth.
At your second appointment, Dr. Ellison will bond the finished crown into place, check your bite, and make any final adjustments to ensure a smooth, natural result.
Types of Crowns Available
Porcelain & Ceramic
Porcelain and ceramic crowns are the primary choice for front teeth because they provide the best aesthetic results. These crowns can be color-matched to your existing teeth, and they reflect light in the same way as tooth enamel.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns blend the strength of metal with the appearance of porcelain. They're durable enough for back teeth but still provide a natural-looking surface. The metal substructure provides added strength, which makes these crowns a good option for molars that endure heavy chewing forces.
Full Metal
Full-metal crowns are the most durable option and are often used for back teeth, where appearance is less critical. Gold and other metal alloys can withstand extreme biting pressure and typically last longer than other crown types. Some patients actually prefer the look of gold crowns for a distinctive smile.
Meet the Doctor
Dr. Cherryl Ellison – Dental Crowns in Green Lake
With over six years of experience, Dr. Cherryl Ellison is known for her steady, gentle approach and her attention to the details that make crowns feel natural and seamless. She walks you through the process with clarity, never rushes decisions, and focuses on keeping every visit as low-stress as possible. Her crowns don’t just restore teeth—they restore confidence.
Caring for Your Dental Crown
Once your crown is in place, it functions like a natural tooth and requires the same level of care. You should brush twice a day and floss daily, paying special care to the area where the crown meets the gum line. Bacteria can still accumulate there and cause decay of the underlying tooth structure if not properly cleaned.
Avoid using your teeth to open packaging or crack nuts. While crowns are strong, they’re not indestructible. If you grind your teeth at night, Dr. Ellison may recommend a night guard to shield both your crowns and your natural teeth from excessive wear. Regular dental cleanings and exams help catch any issues early and keep your crown in good condition for years.
Most dental crowns last between 10 and 15 years with proper care, though many patients enjoy their crowns for much longer. The longevity of your crown depends on the material used, your oral hygiene, and the level of wear on the tooth.
Insurance and Payment Options
Many dental insurance benefits cover a percentage of the cost for crowns, particularly when they’re needed for restorative rather than purely cosmetic reasons. Our team at Green Lake Cosmetic Dentistry works with several major insurance providers, including Delta Dental, Premera Blue Cross, Cigna, Principal, and Humana. We’ll help you understand your coverage and make the most of your benefits.
For patients without insurance or those seeking additional payment options, we offer financing and payment plans to make treatment more accessible. Our in-house membership plan provides an affordable option for routine care, and we also work with Cherry Financing, which offers 0% financing for 12 months on approved credit.
Additional Restorative Options
Depending on your situation, other restorative treatments might work alongside or instead of crowns. Dental fillings are appropriate for smaller areas of decay, while inlays and onlays can restore teeth that need more than a filling but less than a full crown. For patients missing one or more teeth, dental bridges or dentures may be recommended. If decay has reached the inner pulp of the tooth, you might need root canal therapy before the crown can be placed. Dr. Ellison can discuss all of your options during your consultation and help you understand which treatment approach will give you the best long-term results.
Schedule Your Crown Consultation at Green Lake Cosmetic Dentistry
If you’re dealing with an injured or weakened tooth, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Dental crowns offer a reliable, long-lasting solution that restores both function and appearance. Dr. Ellison and our team provide personalized care in a comfortable, modern setting right here in the Green Lake neighborhood.
Whether you need a crown after a root canal, want to strengthen a cracked tooth, or are looking to improve the appearance of a worn-down smile, we’re here to help. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and discover how dental crowns can strengthen and support your smile.
Schedule Your Crown Consultation Today
Need to protect a damaged tooth—or restore one that’s already been treated? Book your crown consultation with Green Lake Cosmetic Dentistry and experience modern, custom care that fits your smile perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns
How long do crowns last?
With good home care and regular checkups, most crowns last 10–15 years or more. We’ll check the integrity of your crown at each preventive visit.