Crowns - Irvine, Newport Beach, & Orange County | Family and Cosmetic Dentist Irvine

Archive for the ‘Crowns’ Category

What Is a Dental Crown, and Why Does It Matter for Your Smile?

Posted August 14, 2026 by Art of Dentistry Institute Blogger

A chipped, cracked, or worn-down tooth can throw off your whole smile—and your confidence. The good news? One treatment can fix both how your tooth looks and how it works. At Art of Dentistry Institute in Irvine, CA, Dr. Emil Hawary uses dental crowns to protect teeth and restore beautiful, natural-looking smiles. Below, we’ll cover what a crown is, why it works as both a cosmetic and restorative fix, and who makes the best candidate.

Dental Crown Details

Art of Dentistry Institute’s custom dental crowns restore strength and beauty, blending seamlessly with your natural teeth to deliver a confident, radiant smile

A dental crown is a custom-made “cap” that fits over a damaged or weakened tooth. It fully covers the tooth above the gumline, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance in one solution.

Think of it as a protective shield with a cosmetic finish. Once placed, a crown blends in with your surrounding teeth so seamlessly that most people won’t notice it’s there.

Crowns are shaped and shaded to match your natural teeth, giving you a result that looks—and feels—like your own smile.

Why a Crown Is Both Cosmetic and Restorative

Many treatments do one job. A crown does two.

Restorative benefits:

Rebuilds a tooth weakened by decay, cracks, or a large filling
Protects a tooth after a root canal
Restores full chewing strength and function
Holds a fractured tooth together

Cosmetic benefits:

Covers discoloration or stubborn stains
Reshapes misshapen or worn teeth
Improves the balance and symmetry of your smile
Creates a bright, natural-looking finish

That dual purpose is what makes crowns so valuable. You’re not choosing between health and beauty—you get both at once.

Best Candidates for Dental Crowns in Orange County

Wondering if this treatment is right for you? The best candidates for dental crowns in Orange County typically have one or more of the following:

A tooth that’s cracked, broken, or badly worn
Significant decay too large for a standard filling
A tooth that’s had a root canal and needs protection
Discolored or oddly shaped teeth affecting their smile
An older crown that needs replacing

During your consultation, Dr. Hawary evaluates your teeth, bite, and goals to confirm whether a crown is the ideal choice. If another option suits you better, he’ll walk you through it. Personalized planning always comes first.

Why Choose Dr. Emil Hawary for Dental Crowns in Irvine

Experience and artistry matter when it comes to your smile. Dr. Emil Hawary is the 60th dentist worldwide to become a Board Accredited Fellow Cosmetic Dentist of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD)—a rare distinction earned through rigorous testing and proven skill.

That level of training means your dental crowns in Irvine are handled with a careful eye for both function and beauty. Patients from Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, and across Orange County trust the practice for its precision, modern technology, and comfortable, patient-focused care.

Ready to Restore Your Smile?

A dental crown can protect a vulnerable tooth while giving your smile a natural, refreshed look. With the right care, that single solution can serve you for years.

If you’re exploring dental crowns in Irvine or the surrounding Orange County area, Dr. Hawary and the team at Art of Dentistry Institute are ready to help. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a stronger, more beautiful smile.

Contact Art of Dentistry Institute:

949-620-3793

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

Art of Dentistry Institute 2646 Dupont Dr #200 Irvine, CA 92612

Onlays vs. Crowns: Which Is Right for Your Tooth?

Posted July 21, 2025 by peak

When it comes to restoring damaged teeth, patients often wonder whether an onlay or a dental crown is the better option. At Art of Dentistry Institute, we believe that understanding your treatment choices helps you make confident, informed decisions about your oral health. Both onlays and crowns serve to restore function and aesthetics, but which one is right for you depends on the extent of the damage and your long-term dental goals.

What Are Dental Onlays?

Dental onlays, sometimes called “partial crowns” or “indirect fillings”, are custom-made restorations designed to repair a tooth that’s too damaged for a simple filling, but not damaged enough to require a full crown. Onlays cover one or more of the tooth’s cusps (the pointed parts on the biting surface) and are bonded directly to the prepared tooth.

When Are Onlays Recommended?

Moderate decay or damage limited to part of the chewing surface
Cracks or fractures that do not compromise the entire tooth
Patients seeking a conservative alternative to a full crown

The Procedure for Onlays in Irvine at Art of Dentistry Institute

Dr. Hawary will first remove any decay and prepare the tooth for treatment. An impression of the tooth will be taken and sent to a dental laboratory, where the custom onlay is fabricated, usually in about two weeks. In the meantime, a temporary filling is placed to protect the tooth. Once the onlay is ready, you’ll return to our office to have it permanently bonded into place.

What Are Dental Crowns?

A dental crown, or “cap,” fully encases the visible portion of a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are used to treat more severely damaged teeth and are supported either by the remaining tooth structure or by a dental implant.

When Are Crowns Necessary?

Extensive tooth decay or damage
Teeth weakened by repeated fillings or root canal therapy
Broken or worn-down teeth
To hold a dental bridge in place
Cosmetic enhancement of misshapen or discolored teeth

The Procedure for Crowns in Irvine

Much like onlays, dental crowns begin with the removal of decay and reshaping of the tooth. After impressions are taken, a crown is custom-made to fit your bite and match the color of your natural teeth. While your permanent crown is being crafted, a temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth. Once complete, the final crown is cemented in place during a follow-up visit.

Recovery and Longevity

Both onlays and crowns typically require two visits and have similar recovery timelines. Patients may experience mild sensitivity or discomfort for a few days after placement, but this usually resolves quickly.

Durability Comparison:

Onlays: Strong and long-lasting, especially when crafted from ceramic or porcelain. With proper care, they can last 10–15 years or more.
Crowns: Provide full protection and are highly durable, often lasting 15–20 years or longer with good oral hygiene.

Making the Right Choice

Choosing between an onlay and a crown depends on several factors:

The extent and location of the damage
The strength of the remaining tooth structure
Long-term goals for aesthetics and durability

At Art of Dentistry Institute, Dr. Hawary takes a conservative, patient-first approach to restorative dentistry. Whenever possible, we preserve your natural tooth structure using minimally invasive treatments like onlays. However, when damage is more extensive, crowns offer the strength and support needed for long-term health and function.

Schedule a Consultation at Art of Dentistry Institute

Not sure which restoration is right for you? Let us help. Schedule a consultation with Art of Dentistry Institute today, and we’ll walk you through your options with advanced imaging, personalized care, and expert guidance from Dr. Hawary and our experienced team.

Cavity Fighting Chewing Gum?

Posted December 29, 2023 by peak

Oral Dentistry At SArt of Dentistry Institute in Irvine CA, we are sometimes asked about Xylitol gum. What is it, exactly? Can a type of gum chewing really help prevent cavities?

Xylitol is a natural sweetener that was first discovered in birch tree bark, but is also found in many fruits and vegetables. Unlike most other sweeteners (natural or synthetic), xylitol is actually beneficial for your teeth. Clinical studies have established that xylitol impedes the growth of the bacteria that initiates decay. It also diminishes plaque and strengthens tooth enamel.

Xylitol has other benefits, as well. Because it is low on the glycemic index, many patients with diabetes enjoy it as a healthy alternative to sugar. For those who live with frequent dry mouth, xylitol gum or mints can stimulate saliva production while preserving against cavities.

Is xylitol gum as effective as brushing your teeth and seeing the dentist regularly? Absolutely not! If you cannot brush your teeth after a meal, chewing xylitol gum for five or ten minutes is probably a good idea. However, you should still brush your teeth thoroughly (with a soft brush) after meals and get twice-yearly exams and dental cleanings. At Art of Dentistry Institute in Irvine CA, our goal is to keep your smile healthy and beautiful for life by preventing dental problems before they start. Patients from Santa Ana, Newport Beach, and Laguna Beach come to us for general and cosmetic dentistry. Contact us today!

Contact Art of Dentistry Institute:

949-620-3793

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

Art of Dentistry Institute 2646 Dupont Dr #200 Irvine, CA 92612

Crowning Achievements In Dentistry

Posted November 24, 2023 by peak

This message from Art of Dentistry Institute in Irvine CA looks at one of the miracles of modern dentistry: the dental restoration. Let’s pretend you are a biomedical engineer working in the field of dentistry before the introduction of dental restorations.

The men and women of your generation who have missing or damaged teeth want to repair or replace them with a man-made substitute. You have been hired to find or create a material that can be used to create fillings, crowns, and dental bridges.

It must be bondable to living tooth structure as well as other materials necessary for specific appliances. It must be biocompatible with the soft tissues in the mouth as well as tooth enamel, dentin, and bone. It can’t create allergic reactions in the wearers. It must be corrosion-resistant to the chemicals in saliva, foods, and beverages. It must resist infection regardless of ever-present bacteria in the mouth. And it can’t contain toxic chemicals that could be absorbed into the bloodstream.

Of course, we know that such a thing exists because dental restorations have been around for a long time. Nowadays, there are numerous materials used alone or in combination including porcelain, ceramic, and metals such as gold and silver amalgam.

Though the metals are extremely strong and malleable, they don’t meet some patient’s esthetic requirements and are used mainly for back teeth. At Art of Dentistry Institute in Irvine CA dental crowns are a versatile restoration. We can even place them in a single office visit! People from Santa Ana, Newport Beach, and Laguna Beach come to our office for complete restorative dentistry. Contact us today!

Contact Art of Dentistry Institute:

949-620-3793

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

Art of Dentistry Institute 2646 Dupont Dr #200 Irvine, CA 92612

Which Tooth Covering Do I Need?

Posted April 1, 2015 by Dr. Emil Hawary

Did you know that your teeth and your bite are as unique as your fingerprints? That’s why dental problems can’t be fixed by a one-size-fits-all solution. There is a wide variety of options available for correcting unsightly teeth. For most patients, accidents, tooth decay, and age contribute to a less than stellar smile. Tooth coverings are used to correct cracked, chipped, or missing teeth. But, how do you know which covering is best for your cosmetic dental needs?

Dental Onlays

Dental onlays, also known as partial crowns, are used to treat cavities, cracks, or broken teeth. They work by covering one or more of the cusps on the biting surface. Onlays are the best choice when the tooth can’t support a dental filling but doesn’t need a full crown. Ideal candidates include people with:

Cavities
Cracks
Chips
Damage that could be treated with fillings
Old fillings that need to be replaced

Dental onlays come in a variety of materials, but the best choice is porcelain. Porcelain onlays mimic a natural tooth appearance, are highly durable, and are resistant to staining.

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns can restore the shape, size, strength, and/or appearance of teeth. A crown is used to camouflage an unsightly tooth by encapsulating the entire visible portion of the tooth. The crown can be supported by either a natural tooth root or a dental implant. Ideal candidates include people with:

Decay too severe for a filling, inlay, or onlay
Cracks
Chips
Misalignment
Discoloration
The need for additional structural support

Dental crowns differ from veneers in that they cover the entire tooth rather than only the front portion. Crowns can be made from varying materials, and the best choice depends on the individual needs of the patient.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are a removable replacement for missing teeth. Partial dentures are used when some of the patient’s natural teeth remain, whereas complete dentures are used when all the teeth are missing. Partial dentures are beneficial for replacing missing teeth, and they also prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting out of their correct position. Partial dentures provide a natural-looking correction to one’s smile.

Schedule your consultation with Dr. Hawary of the Art of Dentistry Institute today. Dr. Hawary can evaluate the state of your teeth and help you decide the best option for you depending on your cosmetic wishes. Dr. Hawary and his staff are eager to help you regain your unique, vibrant smile. Contact us today by call 949-620-3793 or fill out our online contact form here.

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Benefits of Full Mouth Rehabilitation

Posted January 21, 2015 by Dr. Emil Hawary

Rejuvenate Your Mouth for Oral Health

Full mouth rehabilitation, also called full mouth reconstruction or rejuvenation, is different from a full smile makeover in that it is a necessary procedure. It involves restoring every tooth in a person’s mouth with the primary goal of improving oral health.

Ideal candidates for full mouth rehabilitation may relate to one or more of the following:

TMJ (temporomandibular joint) syndrome
Consistent headaches or migraines
Clicking in the jaw
Lock jaw
Missing teeth
Worn, broken, cracked, or chipped teeth
Crooked teeth
Jaw dispositioning

Restoring Your Smile’s Beauty and Function

While a full mouth rehabilitation is not technically a cosmetic procedure, Art of Dentistry Institute focuses on both the beauty and function of the entire mouth with every treatment we provide. Tooth-colored fillings and porcelain crowns are just a couple of cosmetic dental treatment options that ensure a more vibrant, natural-looking result. Other procedures used in full mouth rehabilitation might include:

Jaw repositioning
Tooth extraction
Placement of dental implants and crowns
Orthodontic braces
Bone and tissue grafting
Teeth cleaning and whitening

Relieving Headaches and Migraines

Persistent headaches or migraines can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. In some cases, they may be caused by bruxism (clenching or grinding the teeth) or they may be the result of TMJ. A full mouth rehabilitation will address these concerns and will often alleviate headaches.

Resolving Gum Disease

Gum disease is another issue addressed with full mouth rehabilitation to ensure that the reconstructed teeth have a healthy foundation. Scaling and root planing may be sufficient to correct any damage, or you may require soft tissue or bone grafts to build up the gums and underlying jaw bone.

Straightening Teeth

Crooked teeth can be a source of pain and discomfort and can also increase the risk of tartar buildup and gum disease. Correcting the bite with braces, Invisalign, or porcelain veneers will make the smile more beautiful as well as healthier and pain free.

The Art of Dentistry Institute has been perfecting the beauty and functionality of smiles for years. If you are interested in any of the procedures offered at our Irvine practice, please schedule a consultation by calling 949-620-3793 or by filling out our online contact form for more information.

Age-Defying Dentistry

Posted December 18, 2014 by Dr. Emil Hawary

Your smile can help you look young and vibrant again!

When it comes to fighting the natural aging process, many people consider plastic surgery procedures to turn back the hands of time before they consider cosmetic improvement for their smile. However, our smile ages right along with the rest of our facial features and is one of the key components to looking youthful. Chips, cracks, discoloration, and thinning enamel show the wear and tear our smiles have endured over time and can make us appear years older than we are. The Art of Dentistry Institute offers many treatments that will defy the aging process to give you a young and vibrant-looking smile that significantly improves your look.

Get a “Lift”

Plastic surgery isn’t the only option to give your face a “lift.” Porcelain Veneers or bonding can provide support to the cheekbones and can even soften nasolabial folds to give you a much younger appearance.

Straighten Up

Straightening your teeth with Invisalign® can provide a significant improvement to your appearance. In some cases, aligning your teeth correctly can improve the shape of your face and make you look more youthful.

Close Gaps

Gaps in the smile can be uncomfortable, cause speech impediments, and detract from a person’s overall beauty. Gaps can be closed with veneers or bonding to make the entire smile appear more symmetrical.

Fix Discoloration

Teeth can darken over time as the pulp in the center of the teeth recedes and is filled with dark-colored dentin. Consistent exposure to certain foods and drinks, such as wine, coffee, tea, and berries, can also contribute to discoloration and yellowing of the teeth. In one quick office visit, laser teeth whitening with Zoom!® can improve the whiteness of the teeth up to eight shades.

Replace Missing Teeth

Missing teeth are the most noticeable indicators of an aged smile. Missing teeth can be replaced with dental implants, which are capped with a crown. Bridges or porcelain veneers are other options that can disguise missing teeth and lead to a more youthful facial appearance overall. Restoring lost teeth will also prevent bone loss from occurring in the jaw over time, which may cause a person to appear older than their actual age.

The Art of Dentistry Institute is dedicated to meeting all of your aesthetic needs and will provide you with a customized treatment plan to attain the look you desire. If you are interested in any of the procedures offered at our Irvine practice, please schedule a consultation by calling 949-620-3793 or filling out our online contact form for more information.

If you are interested in a cosmetic dental procedure at Art of Dentistry in Irvine, CA, please call 949-955-3366 to schedule your dental appointment today.