Tooth preparation
Dr. Lee removes damaged or unsupported tooth structure and shapes the tooth so the planned crown can cover and protect the remaining structure.
Dental crowns in Seattle
Dr. Jaime Lee uses dental crowns to rebuild teeth that need more structural coverage than a filling or partial restoration can provide.
She evaluates the remaining tooth structure, existing restorations, bite forces, and the reason the tooth is weakened before designing the crown treatment.
Structural restoration
Why might a tooth need a crown?
A crown covers the visible portion of a prepared tooth to restore shape, support, and function when the remaining structure needs broader protection.
Dr. Lee considers a crown when decay, fracture, wear, a large existing restoration, or previous treatment has reduced the tooth's ability to function with enough support from a smaller restoration.
- Rebuild a structurally weakened tooth
- Restore shape and biting function
- Replace a failing crown
- Complete the restoration of selected treated teeth
What does crown treatment involve?
Digital crown design
Smile Art uses digital scanning and CAD/CAM technology for same-day crown treatment. Dr. Lee uses the digital record to design the restoration around the prepared tooth and your bite.
Final fit and bite
Before the crown is finalized, Dr. Lee evaluates its margins, contact with neighboring teeth, and relationship with the opposing bite.
How is a dental crown placed?
- Evaluate the tooth. Dr. Lee evaluates the damage, remaining tooth structure, existing restorations, and diagnostic findings to determine whether the tooth has enough support for a crown.
- Design the restoration. She plans the amount of tooth preparation and the shape needed to restore the tooth within the existing bite.
- Capture the tooth digitally. A digital scan records the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth for crown design.
- Finalize the crown. Dr. Lee evaluates fit, contact, contour, and bite before the completed crown is bonded or cemented into place.
Do I need a crown or a filling?
Dr. Lee may recommend a crown for a tooth with extensive decay, a severe fracture, heavy wear, or a failing restoration when a filling cannot provide enough support.
Crowns can also restore selected teeth after root canal treatment or serve as the visible restoration on a dental implant when those treatments are part of the overall plan.
What should I do if my crown is loose or broken?
Schedule an evaluation if a tooth breaks, a crown becomes loose, biting causes new discomfort, or an existing restoration changes in fit or function.
Dr. Lee also evaluates crowns and heavily restored teeth during routine exams so replacement decisions are based on the current condition of the restoration and supporting tooth.
What affects the cost of a dental crown?
The cost of a crown depends on the treatment required, including any X-rays, necessary care before the crown is placed, and the condition of the tooth. Smile Art accepts all PPO dental plans and can verify how your benefits apply to the planned restoration.
PPO insurance
Smile Art accepts all PPO insurance.
Contact the office with your plan details to ask about coverage and network participation.
Coverage depends on your plan and the services included in the crown treatment.
Third-party financing
Available through:
- CareCredit
- Cherry
- LendingClub
Financing is subject to the provider’s approval and terms.
Who provides your care at Smile Art?
Dr. Jaime Lee earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from Loma Linda University in 2002. She plans crowns by integrating remaining tooth structure, digital records, and bite function so the restoration addresses the specific structural demands of the tooth.
Frequently asked questions
How is a crown different from a filling?
A filling restores a localized area within a tooth. A crown covers the visible portion of a prepared tooth when broader structural support is needed.
How does Dr. Lee decide whether I need a crown?
She evaluates the amount of healthy tooth structure remaining, the location and extent of damage, existing restorations, and the forces the tooth must support in your bite.
Can an old crown be replaced?
Yes. Dr. Lee evaluates the crown, the underlying tooth, its margins, and the surrounding tissues before determining the appropriate replacement plan.
Do all root canal treated teeth need crowns?
The amount of healthy tooth structure that remains and the forces placed on the tooth help determine whether a crown is needed. Dr. Lee evaluates these factors before recommending a crown.
Can Smile Art make a crown in one visit?
Smile Art uses digital scanning and CAD/CAM technology for same-day crowns. Dr. Lee determines whether the tooth and planned restoration fit the same-day workflow.
What happens if a crown feels high when I bite?
A change in bite after crown treatment should be evaluated so Dr. Lee can assess the contacts and determine whether adjustment is needed.
How do I care for a dental crown?
Brush and floss around the crowned tooth, keep your preventive visits, and schedule an evaluation if the crown becomes loose, damaged, or changes the way the tooth feels when you bite.
Does Smile Art accept insurance for dental crowns?
Smile Art accepts all PPO dental plans. The team can verify your benefits and explain how your coverage applies to the crown treatment.
Where is our Seattle dental office?
Smile Art is at 901 Boren Ave, Suite 1030, Seattle, WA 98104. We welcome new patients from Seattle and the surrounding neighborhoods.
Smile Art by Dr. Jaime Lee901 Boren Ave, Suite 1030
Seattle, WA 98104
Seattle, WA 98104
HoursMonday–Thursday, 8:00am–4:00pm
Phone(206) 325-7200
The Cabrini Medical Tower garage entrance is at 1010 Marion St. The building entrance is on Boren Ave; Dr. Lee is in Suite 1030. Parking for a Smile Art visit does not require validation. Directions to the garage. Check posted rates when you park.