About dental crowns

A custom cap that protects and rebuilds your tooth

Crowns are durable, custom-made caps placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Most commonly made from porcelain or other high-quality materials, crowns cover the entire visible portion of a tooth above the gum line.

Unlike veneers, which only cover the front of the tooth, crowns encase the entire tooth and offer more structural support. That makes them a trusted option after root canal treatment, for cracked or heavily restored teeth, and when you want a restoration that blends naturally with your smile.

At Brookline Dental Center, we take time to explain your options clearly—including same-day CEREC crowns made in our office and traditional lab-crafted crowns—so you can choose the approach that fits your needs and schedule.

Bright, private treatment room at Brookline Dental Center

When to seek care

When a crown may help

A crown can protect a tooth that is too damaged for a filling alone, or refine the look of a tooth that no longer matches the rest of your smile. Common reasons patients come to us include:

Your crown options

Same-day CEREC or traditional lab crowns

We offer both digital same-day crowns and traditional laboratory restorations. Your dentist will help you choose based on your tooth, your timeline, and the result you want.

CEREC digital dentistry logo

In about one hour

Same-Day CEREC Crown

A digital image is taken of your tooth, the crown is designed with CAD software, and a permanent ceramic or resin crown is milled in our office—often seated the same visit, with no temporary crown and no wait for an off-site lab.

Visits
Often completed in a single visit
Impressions
Digital scan—no messy impression material
Temporary crown
Usually not needed
Material
Solid block of ceramic or resin, milled in-office

Custom porcelain restoration

Traditional Lab Crown

Your tooth is carefully reshaped, an impression is taken, and a custom crown is crafted at a dental laboratory. A temporary crown protects the tooth until your permanent restoration is bonded into place.

Visits
Typically two appointments
Impressions
Traditional or digital impression sent to the lab
Temporary crown
Placed while the permanent crown is made
Material
Porcelain or other high-quality materials

What to expect

How we restore your tooth

From your first evaluation through bonding and aftercare, we keep you informed and comfortable at every step.

  1. Exam and digital imaging

    We examine your tooth and use digital x-rays—with far less radiation exposure, up to 10X less—to diagnose the issue and plan the right restoration.

  2. Tooth preparation

    The tooth is gently reshaped so your crown can fit securely while preserving as much healthy structure as possible.

  3. Digital design or lab craftsmanship

    For CEREC, we scan and design your crown in the office. For a traditional crown, a precise impression is sent to the lab while a temporary protects the tooth.

  4. Bonding and lasting care

    Your permanent crown is carefully bonded for a natural, secure fit. With good oral hygiene and regular dental care, crowns can last eight years or more.

Why Brookline Dental Center

Specialist-level restorative care, close to home

Patients choose us for thoughtful planning, modern technology, and a calm environment where your comfort comes first.

Welcoming reception area at Brookline Dental Center
  • Prosthodontist expertise

    Our prosthodontists specialize in the esthetic restoration and replacement of teeth, with advanced training beyond dental school focused on function and appearance.

  • Same-day digital options

    Intraoral scanners, digital smile analysis, and same-day crown milling help make treatment faster, more precise, and more comfortable—sometimes in a single visit.

  • Clear, patient-first communication

    We explain each step so you know what to expect, listen carefully to your concerns, and adapt care to your goals and comfort preferences.

  • Insurance and financing support

    We accept Delta Dental and Blue Cross Blue Shield, and CareCredit is available to help make recommended treatment more manageable.

Meet our specialists

The doctors behind your crown care

Your crown treatment is guided by experienced restorative dentists who focus on strength, comfort, and a natural-looking result.

  • Dr. S. Faheem Rasool, DMD, MMSc.

    Dr. S. Faheem Rasool, DMD, MMSc.

    Prosthodontist*

    • DMD and Prosthodontic Residency at Harvard University
    • Harvard Faculty since 1996
    • Masters of Medical Sciences in Oral Biology
    • Former Head of Division of Prosthodontics - Harvard School of Dental Medicine
    • 2019 Boston Top Dentist
  • Dr. Neda Shah-Hosseini, DMD, CAGS

    Dr. Neda Shah-Hosseini, DMD, CAGS

    Prosthodontist*

    • DMD from Harvard University - Cum Laude
    • Prosthodontic Residency at Boston University
    • Harvard Faculty since 1996
    • Gold Medal - Faculty Award from Harvard School of Dental Medicine
    • 2019 Boston Top Dentist
  • Dr. Jessica Poon, DMD, MMSc

    Dr. Jessica Poon, DMD, MMSc

    Prosthodontist

    • DMD from University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry, First in Class
    • Certificate in Prosthodontics from Harvard School of Dental Medicine
    • Master of Medical Sciences (MMSc) in Oral Biology from Harvard School of Dental Medicine
    • Chief Resident in Prosthodontics at Harvard School of Dental Medicine

*A prosthodontist is a dentist who specializes in the esthetic restoration and replacement of teeth. Prosthodontists receive two or three years of additional training after dental school, and restore optimum appearance and function to your smile.

Patient stories

What our patients say

This is such a professional group. Everyone is so nice and the new place is gorgeous!

Kristina - Waltham, MA

Great people, great space. This is not your parents' dental office.

Adam - Boston, MA

Common questions

Dental crown FAQs

Here are answers to questions patients often ask before scheduling a crown consultation.

With good oral hygiene and regular dental care, crowns can last eight years or more. Daily flossing around the crown helps prevent plaque buildup and supports gum health.

Avoid habits like teeth grinding, chewing ice, or biting hard objects. A night guard may be recommended if you clench or grind your teeth.

Request an appointment

Ready to restore your tooth?

Share a few details and our team will follow up to schedule your crown consultation. Prefer to talk now? Call us and we will help you find a time that works.

If you are unable to keep your scheduled appointment, please give us 48 business hours notice to avoid a cancellation fee.
Keeping your scheduled appointment allows us to provide you with the best possible care.

Take the next step toward a stronger, confident smile

Whether you need same-day care or a carefully planned restoration, we are here to help you feel informed, comfortable, and cared for.