The crown is the part of your dental implant you actually see. It needs to match your other teeth in shape and shade, fit your bite without strain, and stand up to years of daily use. At Two Rivers Dental Group in Springfield, OR, we design custom implant-supported crowns using digital impressions and high-grade porcelain so the final result looks, feels, and functions like the natural tooth it replaces.
Crown Type Comparison
Crowns can be placed on natural teeth, dental implants, or as part of a bridge. Each option fits a different situation. Here's how they line up.
| Feature | Implant-Supported Crown | Natural Tooth Crown | Bridge Crown |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replaces | Missing tooth + root | Damaged tooth structure | Missing tooth (uses neighbors) |
| Affects Other Teeth | No impact on neighbors | Reshapes the existing tooth | Files down healthy neighbors |
| Preserves Jawbone | Yes, stimulates the bone | N/A, root still present | No, bone may shrink over time |
| Typical Lifespan | 10-15 years (post lasts longer) | 10-15 years | 7-10 years |
| Best For | A missing tooth | A cracked or weakened tooth | Missing tooth, can't do an implant |
Crown Materials
Not every crown should be made of the same material. Where the tooth is in your mouth and how much force it absorbs both matter. Dr. Collins helps you choose the right one.
Best for: Back teeth that handle heavy chewing forces, or front teeth where strength matters most.
Zirconia is one of the strongest crown materials available. It resists chipping and cracking, holds up to years of grinding, and looks natural enough for visible teeth.
Best for: Front teeth and visible smile lines where appearance is the top priority.
Porcelain mimics the translucency of natural enamel better than any other material. The shade match is exceptional, and most people can't tell the crown from a natural tooth.
Best for: Patients who want a balance of strength and appearance at a moderate price point.
A metal core is covered with porcelain on the outside. Strong and natural-looking, though sometimes a thin metal line shows at the gum line over time.
Best for: Specific cases where Dr. Collins recommends a custom solution.
Newer hybrid materials combine the strength of zirconia with the beauty of porcelain. We discuss all options at your implant consultation if it's the right fit.
Crown Placement Process
Once your implant post has fully healed, the crown placement itself is a fast, comfortable process spread across just a couple of visits.
Once your implant has fully fused with the jawbone, we attach the abutment, the small connector that holds your crown.
A 3D intraoral scanner captures the exact shape of your bite and surrounding teeth. No goopy putty trays.
Your crown is designed and fabricated to match your tooth's exact shape, shade, and bite contact points.
Dr. Collins checks the fit, color, and bite alignment before securing the crown to your implant.
Your new tooth is fully functional the same day. Brush and floss it like a natural tooth from day one.
When You Need a New Crown
Implant crowns are a long-term solution, but no crown lasts forever. Here are the most common situations that bring our patients in for a new or replacement crown.
You just had your implant placed and the bone has healed. Now it's time for the final crown that completes the restoration.
Your existing implant crown is 10-plus years old, showing wear, or has chipped. The implant post is fine, just the crown needs to be replaced.
Your old crown doesn't match your smile anymore, especially after teeth whitening or other cosmetic work.
Your existing crown feels off, hits wrong when you chew, or causes discomfort. A redesigned crown can fix the bite.
A crown that's come loose may just need to be re-cemented, or it may need a fresh start. We diagnose and recommend the right fix.
Your original crown doesn't hold up to your bite, or you want to upgrade to a stronger material for a back tooth.
Two Rivers Dental Group serves crown patients across Springfield, Eugene, Coburg, Thurston, Pleasant Hill, Creswell, and the surrounding Lane County communities. Our office at 1717 Centennial Blvd, Suite #3 is open Tuesday through Friday. Call (541) 746-9552 to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Collins at our Springfield office. We'll match your smile and your bite.
Call (541) 746-9552