I'd been thinking about veneers for ten years. Dr. Marta is the only dentist who actually listened to what I wanted my smile to look like - and then delivered it. People keep asking what I changed.

Dental Crowns · Tustin, CA
Dental Crowns in Tustin, CA
Dental Crowns in Tustin, CA. Dr. Marta Rudat rebuilds and protects damaged teeth with custom crowns that blend right in.
You don't need to know what you need before you come in. That's what the consultation is for.
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a custom cap that covers and protects a tooth that's cracked, worn, heavily filled, or weakened. It restores the tooth's shape and strength so you can chew normally again.
At Marta Rudat DDS in Tustin, CA, crowns are color-matched to your other teeth so the repaired tooth blends in naturally.
Written by the Marta Rudat DDS team · Medically reviewed by Marta Rudat, DDS, Loma Linda University School of Dentistry. Last reviewed June 2026.
Is this you?
Signs you might need
a crown.
If a tooth twinges when you bite or you're nursing it along, don't wait it out. Catching it early often means saving more of the natural tooth.
A crown is usually the answer when a tooth is too damaged for a simple filling but still worth saving. That includes a tooth that:
Cracked, chipped, or broken (a popcorn kernel and an old filling are common culprits)
Has a large filling that keeps failing or feels weak
Just had a root canal and needs protection
Is worn down from grinding or years of use
Has an old crown that looks dark, bulky, or doesn't match anymore
Crown vs. filling
Crown or filling. What's the difference?
Filling
A filling repairs a small area of damage and fills the tooth.
Patches.
Crown
A crown covers the whole top of the tooth and holds it together when there isn't enough healthy structure left for a filling to be safe.
Protects the entire tooth.
Put simply, a filling patches; a crown protects the entire tooth. Dr. Rudat will tell you which one your tooth needs.
What to expect
What the crown appointment feels like.
The visit.
The tooth is numbed, shaped to make room for the crown, and scanned or impressioned. You'll usually wear a temporary crown while the final one is made.
Choosing the look.
Dr. Rudat matches the shade and shape to your surrounding teeth so it looks like it's always been there, not like obvious dental work.
The fit.
At the final visit, the crown is checked against your bite and bonded into place. It should feel like a normal tooth, not something you're aware of.
Materials & lifespan
How long crowns last and
what they're made of.
Modern crowns are usually made from porcelain or ceramic for a natural look, or stronger materials for back teeth that take heavy chewing. With good brushing, flossing, and regular checkups, a well-made crown can last many years. Grinding your teeth or chewing ice will shorten that, so if you clench at night, ask Dr. Rudat about a nightguard.



Broken a tooth right now?
Broken or Knocked-Out Tooth? Call Us.
A broken or badly aching tooth shouldn't sit over a weekend. Call (714) 665-4200 and let us know what happened. Quick care often means the difference between saving a tooth with a crown and losing it.
Why Dr. Marta
Why Tustin patients trust Marta Rudat, DDS.
Cosmetic and family dentist serving Tustin and Orange County
Graduate of Loma Linda University School of Dentistry
Trained through Spear Education workshops and study club
Recognized by the Omicron Kappa Upsilon dental honor society
Pursuing accreditation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD)
A crown from Dr. Rudat is built to protect the tooth and look completely natural at the same time.

In their words
See what our patients say.
More than 200 patients have left five-star reviews across Dr. Marta's 15+ years in Tustin.
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Cost & financing
How much does a dental crown cost in Tustin?
Crown cost depends on the material, which tooth it's on, and whether the tooth needs any other work first. After a quick exam, our team gives you a clear estimate, checks what your insurance covers, and explains financing options.
Typical Orange County range
$1,000 to $2,500
per custom porcelain or ceramic crown
Occasionally up to $3,000 for premium materials or a complex tooth. With insurance covering crowns as a major service, many patients pay noticeably less out of pocket.
Been putting it off? You're not alone.
Avoided the Dentist for a While? No Judgment Here.
A cracked tooth has a way of becoming "I'll deal with it later," and later turns into months. We get it. Dr. Rudat's job isn't to lecture you about how it got this far. It's to look at the tooth, tell you what can be saved, and start there. Coming in is the hard part, and you've basically already done it by reading this.



Local
Dental Crowns in Tustin and nearby Orange County.
Marta Rudat DDS places dental crowns in Tustin, CA, welcoming patients from Tustin, North Tustin, Irvine, Orange, and Santa Ana.
Marta Rudat, DDS
Frequently asked
Crown FAQs.
Yes. A crown is a common restorative treatment that protects and rebuilds a tooth that's cracked, weak, heavily filled, or damaged.
Ready when you are
Let's protect that tooth before it gets worse.
A quick exam tells you whether a crown can save your tooth and exactly what's involved.
Marta Rudat, DDS · 1076 E First Street, Suite D, Tustin, CA 92780
Request an appointment
Talk to Dr. Marta about your tooth.

