A cracked, root-canal-treated, or badly worn tooth often needs more than a filling — that's where a crown comes in. Smile Center Dentistry matches shade and shape to your surrounding teeth before anything is fabricated.
A crown or bridge that doesn't fit right causes bite problems for years — we check fit carefully before you leave. A restoration is only as good as its fit, which is why we don't rush that step.
An intraoral scanner captures your bite precisely, sent directly to the lab without a messy impression tray. Digital files transmit to the lab instantly, which can shorten turnaround time.
We recommend material based on which tooth is involved and how much chewing force it takes, not just price. We'll tell you plainly if a cheaper material is genuinely fine for your case, not just upsell the priciest option.
We check your bite carefully after placement and adjust until it feels natural, not just acceptable. Bite paper checks happen before you're released, not left for you to notice at home.
We don't consider the case done until you're chewing comfortably on it. We'd rather remake a restoration than have you live with one that's not right.
Material and approach depend on which tooth and how much force it handles when you chew.
We shade-match zirconia carefully since it can appear less translucent than natural enamel if not planned well. Ideal when strength is the top priority.
E.max balances strength and aesthetics well for visible teeth where appearance matters most. We explain when this material fits better than zirconia for your case.
A metal substructure with a porcelain outer layer offers strength at a lower cost than all-ceramic options. A solid option for back teeth where appearance is less of a priority.
A bridge anchors a replacement tooth to the crowned teeth on either side of a gap. Bridges avoid surgery but do require altering the supporting teeth.
While your permanent crown is fabricated, a temporary protects the prepared tooth from sensitivity and damage. Same-day crown milling may be available depending on your case and material choice.
We evaluate whether repair or full replacement makes more sense for your specific restoration. We'll tell you honestly which option actually solves the problem.
We ask about the tooth's history — root canal, crack, missing — so we're prepared for your consult.
The tooth is prepared and scanned digitally, sent directly to the lab for fabrication.
We discuss zirconia, e.max, or PFM based on which tooth and how much force it needs to handle.
Your finished crown or bridge is bonded and checked carefully for fit and bite alignment.
"They explained why zirconia made more sense for my molar than e.max. Appreciated the honest reasoning."
"Bite felt slightly off after my crown was placed, and they adjusted it right there until it was right."
"Temporary crown while waiting for the permanent one didn't feel like a cheap afterthought — fit well the whole time."
"They walked through all three material options with actual pros and cons instead of just picking one for me."
"Old crown from another dentist had decay creeping underneath. They replaced it instead of just patching over the problem."
Typically two visits over one to two weeks — prep and impression first, then final fitting once the lab completes your restoration. We'll give you a specific timeline once we know your exact case.
It depends on which tooth and how much chewing force it handles — we recommend based on your specific case, not a default choice. We're glad to walk through samples so you can see the differences yourself.
A bridge avoids surgery but involves the neighboring teeth; an implant doesn't touch them but requires a longer process. We'll tell you if your adjacent teeth already need crowns anyway, which can tip the decision toward a bridge.
Yes — we shade-match to your surrounding teeth and choose material based on where visibility matters most. Back teeth prioritize strength since they're less visible when you smile.
We'd rather you return for a quick adjustment than live with something that doesn't feel right. Most bite adjustments take just a few minutes chairside.
We break down the cost clearly by material so you can compare options. We verify insurance benefits beforehand so you know your out-of-pocket cost.
Our team serves Cape Girardeau and the surrounding zip codes with the same material-matched approach at every visit. Whether it's a single crown or a full bridge, our Cape Girardeau lab relationships keep turnaround times predictable.
Licensed, precise, and local to Cape Girardeau — call and ask about your options.
Call +1-866-227-2801