Custom-fit crowns in porcelain, zirconia, or porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM). Same-day 3D-printed crowns available for many cases, including posterior teeth, from our on-site SprintRay digital lab.
Book a crown consultation
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers a damaged, decayed, or weakened tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are used after large fillings can't support a tooth on their own, after root canal treatment to protect the remaining tooth structure, on top of dental implants as the visible replacement tooth, and to correct severely worn or fractured teeth.
Suncoast offers crowns in three main materials. Porcelain matches natural tooth color best and works well for visible front teeth. Zirconia is exceptionally strong and ideal for molars or for patients who grind. Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) combines a metal core with a porcelain outer layer — a long-proven option that balances strength and appearance. We'll recommend the material that fits your case, your bite, and your aesthetic goals.
What sets Suncoast apart on crowns is the on-site SprintRay 3D-printing lab. Dr. Byron Larsen is a SprintRay key opinion leader, and the practice offers same-day crowns — including posterior crowns, which most practices send out — for many cases. You arrive with a damaged tooth and leave with the permanent crown bonded in place at the same visit.
Same-day crown procedures complete in a single visit; traditional lab-fabricated crowns typically take two visits.
Review the damaged tooth, take x-rays, and confirm a crown is the right approach. We discuss material options and confirm coverage with your insurance or CDCP.
Under local anesthetic, we reshape the tooth to make room for the crown — typically removing about 1 to 2 millimeters of tooth structure on each side. IV sedation is available if you prefer.
We take a digital 3D scan of the prepared tooth, rather than a traditional putty impression. The scan is uploaded directly to our SprintRay system.
For same-day crowns, the design is finalized and the crown is printed in our on-site lab while you wait — typically 1 to 2 hours. For lab-fabricated crowns, a temporary is placed and you return in 2 to 3 weeks.
The permanent crown is checked for fit, color, and bite, then bonded into place. Final adjustments happen at the same visit. You leave with the restoration completed.
Both options work. Here's how they compare on what most patients ask about.
| Feature | Same-Day 3D-Printed | Lab-Fabricated |
|---|---|---|
| Total visits required | 1 | 2 |
| Time to permanent restoration | Same day | 2–3 weeks |
| Temporary crown needed | ||
| Available for posterior teeth | ||
| Suitable for complex aesthetic front teeth | Most cases | Often preferred |
| Clinical longevity (with care) | 10–15 years | 10–15 years |
Common questions when researching a crown.
Free consultation with transparent pricing. We'll confirm the right material for your case, predetermine insurance and CDCP benefits, and discuss same-day vs. lab options.