Zirconia Crowns
The strongest ceramic option, ideal for back teeth that endure heavy chewing forces.
- Strongest dental ceramic available
- Excellent for molars and premolars
- Metal-free and biocompatible
- Natural translucency
A dental crown restores a damaged tooth to full strength, function, and appearance. We use premium materials and digital precision to create crowns that look and feel like your natural teeth.

A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers the entire visible portion of a tooth. It restores strength to teeth weakened by decay, fractures, large fillings, or root canal treatment.
At Carmel Family Dental, we use digital impressions and premium materials like zirconia and porcelain to create crowns that fit precisely, function naturally, and blend invisibly with your smile.
Here is a simple overview of what to expect.
| Topic | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Protect and strengthen a damaged tooth |
| Materials | Zirconia, porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-zirconia |
| Appointments | 2 visits (prep + placement) separated by 2 weeks |
| Anesthesia | Local anesthesia; sedation available |
| Longevity | 15-25+ years with proper care |
| Temporary Crown | Worn between appointments while lab fabricates final crown |
| Insurance | Most PPO plans cover crowns at 50-80% |
| Serving | Indianapolis, Carmel, Zionsville, Fishers, Westfield, Noblesville |
Tailored treatments to meet your specific goals.
The strongest ceramic option, ideal for back teeth that endure heavy chewing forces.
Maximum aesthetics for front teeth with lifelike translucency and color depth.
Essential protection for teeth that have been weakened by root canal treatment.
Custom crowns placed on dental implant posts to replace single missing teeth.
A consultation helps determine if this is the best path for your goals.
Teeth with visible cracks or fracture lines that risk breaking further without protection.
Teeth with fillings covering more than 50% of the surface that are weakening the structure.
Root canal-treated teeth that need full coverage to prevent fracture during chewing.
Teeth with extensive decay that cannot be adequately restored with a filling alone.
Teeth that have been ground down by bruxism or acid erosion and need rebuilding.
Misshapen or severely discolored teeth that would benefit from full-coverage reshaping.
No pressure and no rushing. We give you the information you need to decide thoughtfully.
We assess the tooth’s condition, check for cracks, and evaluate remaining structure.
Imaging reveals the root health and surrounding bone to confirm a crown is appropriate.
We recommend the best material based on tooth location, bite forces, and aesthetics.
We match the crown shade to your surrounding teeth for an invisible restoration.
You will understand the two-appointment process and what to expect at each visit.
No pressure. You decide when you are ready to proceed with treatment.
Careful planning follows a predictable, patient-centered sequence.
The damaged tooth is carefully shaped to create room for the crown material.
A precise 3D scan captures the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth for the lab.
A temporary crown protects the tooth while your permanent crown is fabricated.
Skilled technicians craft your crown from premium materials matched to your shade.
We check the fit, bite, and color match before final cementation.
The crown is permanently cemented and polished for a smooth, natural feel.

The right choice depends on your specific needs.
| Feature | Zirconia Crown | Porcelain Crown | Filling | Veneer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | ✓ Highest | High | Moderate | Moderate |
| Aesthetics | Excellent | ✓ Best | Good | ✓ Best |
| Best Location | ✓ Back teeth | Front teeth | Small cavities | Front teeth |
| Tooth Prep | Moderate | Moderate | ✓ Minimal | Minimal |
| Longevity | ✓ 20-25 years | 15-20 years | 5-10 years | 10-20 years |
| Coverage | ✓ Full tooth | ✓ Full tooth | Partial | Front surface only |
Results depend on careful diagnosis, disciplined planning, and a team that respects your goals.
Thousands of crowns placed with meticulous attention to fit and aesthetics.
No messy molds. Precise 3D scans ensure an accurate, comfortable fit.
Every crown is color-matched to blend invisibly with your natural teeth.
Zirconia and porcelain from trusted labs for lasting strength and beauty.
Sedation options available for patients who experience dental anxiety.
Patients consistently praise the natural look and comfortable fit of their crowns.
Our approach is designed around clear information and careful design.
My new crown looks exactly like my real teeth. Nobody can tell which one it is. The digital impression was so much easier than the old putty molds.
I needed a crown after a root canal and was worried about how it would look. It matches perfectly and feels completely natural.
Dr. Schraeder replaced my old metal crown with a zirconia one and the difference is remarkable. It looks like a real tooth now.

Every treatment plan is developed with attention to health, function, and appearance.
Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry
Dr. Stuart focuses on natural-looking cosmetic and restorative care that respects the character of each patient’s smile.
Read Full Bio →
Cosmetic Dentistry & Implants
Dr. Schraeder brings digital planning and detail-oriented craftsmanship to cosmetic treatment conversations and smile design.
Read Full Bio →Clear answers to common questions.
Our team can help you understand how your benefits and treatment options may apply.
We review available benefits before your care begins.
Our treatment coordinators help you understand the clinical sequence and timing.
Carmel Family Dental is conveniently located in Carmel, Indiana, and welcomes patients from throughout the greater Indianapolis area.
Schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation at Carmel Family Dental. We will listen to your goals, review the health of your smile, and explain the appropriate options clearly.
13590 N Meridian St, Suite 200, Carmel, IN 46032 | Serving Indianapolis & Surrounding Areas