How is a crown made?

Include the intraoral scan or impression, opposing arch, bite registration, shade selection with photos when possible, and a written Rx specifying the material type (zirconia or lithium disilicate), occlusal clearance, margin design, and any preferences for contact tightness or contour. Clear stump shade photos are especially helpful for anterior lithium disilicate cases where translucency affects final shade.

Standard turnaround for a single monolithic zirconia or lithium disilicate crown is typically several business days in the lab, not counting shipping. Cases requiring layered ceramics, custom staining, or multiple units take longer. Rush scheduling can be arranged in advance. Turnaround starts once the lab receives an approved digital scan or physical impression with a complete Rx.

Most posterior crowns are milled from monolithic zirconia for strength and efficiency. Lithium disilicate can be milled or pressed depending on the esthetic demand and case design. Milling is standard for single units driven by digital workflows. Pressing may be selected when layered esthetics or specific ingot characteristics are preferred for anterior cases requiring maximum translucency.

For zirconia, a chamfer or shallow rounded shoulder margin with roughly 1 to 1.5 mm axial reduction and 1.5 mm occlusal clearance works well. Lithium disilicate typically requires a rounded shoulder and 1.5 to 2 mm occlusal clearance. Avoid sharp line angles and undercuts. Clean, visible margins in the scan directly affect marginal fit and reduce the need for chairside adjustment.

Yes, but single anterior matches are the most demanding cases. Send multiple shade photos with a shade tab in frame, the stump shade, and notes on translucency, incisal effects, and surface texture. Lithium disilicate is generally preferred for high esthetic anterior cases. A custom shade appointment or patient visit to the lab can be arranged for difficult matches.