The Evolution of Dental Crowns in Lubbock: From Porcelain to Unbreakable Zirconia

In the 1980’s when I went to dental school, porcelain crowns were made with an interior metal framework to strengthen the porcelain. Unfortunately, the metal made the porcelain darker and more dull. It didn’t reflect light like a living tooth.

Then, in the early 1990’s, I helped bring all-porcelain crowns to Lubbock. Eliminating the metal framework made porcelain crowns look like real, luminous teeth.

Emax was a further improvement in the early 2000s for beautiful crown restorations, but it lacked the strength for use on back teeth.

Today, Grimes Dentistry uses various forms of Zirconia. Our newest crowns have a beautiful look and unbelievable strength. They’re not only gorgeous; they’re virtually indestructible.

Grimes Dentistry patients love Zirconia Aidite, which is 3X stronger than Bonded Emax, and just as beautiful. Our new zirconia crowns don’t chip or delaminate. They have the clarity and lifelike appearance of real teeth.

Grimes Dentistry crowns come with a warranty. Depending on the treatment option you choose, these can be the last crowns you pay for. Beauty and strength – that’s what everyone wants, and what we, at Grimes Dentistry can provide!

Posted by drgrimes on Sep 3rd, 2024 4:43 pm
Filed under Dental Crowns . You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

Grimes Dentistry

5 out of 5 stars based on 89 reviews

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr. Faraj was very easy to talk with about the procedure and all the necessary steps for surgery, implants, and teeth to be put on the posts. He and his dental assistants were much appreciated for their care of me during my procedure. Thank you to all!

- Gloria S

5 out of 5 stars by Gloria S on 03/05/2025

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

My veneers are perfect. I could not have asked for a more professional staff. The outcome exceeded my expectations.

- Mary

5 out of 5 stars by Mary on 02/21/2025

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I have had everything from teeth cleaning to veneers. The staff is professional, and the workmanship is excellent.

- Mari C

5 out of 5 stars by Mari C on 01/27/2025

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Excellent care Dr. Faraj was exceptional. His assistant was very on top of things to do. They were a good team!

- Gaylene M

5 out of 5 stars by Gaylene M on 08/26/2024

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr. Grimes' "bedside" manner is so genuine and caring. He explains processes to my son with such patience. We felt truly important. His staff is also very professional and knowledgeable. Angel was phenomenal! Explaining everything as he did a deep cleaning on my son. A very relaxing experience. Although the only option rating is 5, my son and I would give a 10. If you are looking for a compassionate dentist, see Dr. Grimes.

- Stevie O

5 out of 5 stars by Stevie O on 07/15/2024

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr. Faraj did an excellent job. My new cap fits so well, it will solve some of the jaw pain and bite issues I had.

- Hildegard K

5 out of 5 stars by Hildegard K on 03/08/2024

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I started going to Dr. Grimes ten plus years ago. I had several issues and was looking for a good dentist. He came highly recommended to me by a friend. He told me up front, what I needed to have done. He explained everything simply and thoroughly. Through the years, he has done two root canals, a couple of fillings, and four crowns for me. His assistants are the best! I go every four months to a hygienist there. She does a great job. The office staff is so friendly and helpful!. I highly recommend Grimes Dentistry!

- Janis C

5 out of 5 stars by Janis C on 12/29/2023

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I saw Dr.Misko for my first appointment and he was hands down amazing! I put off going to the dentist for such a long time due to dental anxiety, and he made me feel comfortable and relaxed about being at the dentist! His assistant Aleigh was absolutely wonderful to work with as well!! When I went in for my cleaning, Terry was awesome, she kept me calm and reassured through the whole process. I would recommend Grimes dentistry to anyone!! Thank you so much for the wonderful care!

- Devon D

5 out of 5 stars by Devon D on 12/12/2023

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Grimes dentistry is hands down the best dentist office around! I went in for a broken wisdom tooth and Dr Misko decided it was time to take them all out. I have not been to a dentist in 10+ years sadly only because of fear. Dr Misko and Aleigh went above and beyond to ease my anxiety and fear. There is absolutely no way I would’ve gotten through it without their compassion and understanding. They addressed every concern I had and made me feel very at ease. I was in an extreme amount of pain and they were able to work me in for the next day for removal. Words cannot express how grateful I am! Everyone at the office from calling to schedule the appointment to paying at the end was wonderful they were all extremely sweet! I will 100% be keeping up with my dental care from now on with Grimes dentistry I highly recommend them to everyone!

- Sarah A

5 out of 5 stars by Sarah A on 11/28/2023

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I feel like I have scored big-time by my recent visits to Grimes Dentistry. I am 69 years old and have suffered what I would consider to be two dental tragedies in my life. The first was fifty years ago, post-orthodontics, and I was saved by a Professor and practicing Periodontist at Baylor College of Dentistry. The second tragedy was the tragic death of a local dentist while I was mid-way through placing dental implants. I share this because I am a "compromised" patient--there's only so much one can do for me now. Knowing this is a source of stress. So, my big-time score was calling Grimes Dentistry where I was assured by the person who took my call and made my appointment they could help me and then, by being placed with Dr. Faraj, one of Grimes Dentistry's most-capable Prosthodontists. From the very first consult to the final placement just yesterday, Dr. Faraj worked heroically to make sure everything was good. He was laser focused on making it all work--and just before final placement, made a 2mm adjustment--2mm is the width of 2 toothpicks! I will be forever grateful to Dr. Faraj for his skilled craftsmanship and artistry. Next, I want to thank his Dental Assistant, Amanda. She greeted me with a smile on every visit and made me feel so welcomed and at ease. I relied on her for assurance and feedback during this process and she never failed me. Overall, my experience at Grimes Dentistry was positive and rewarding. I'm so happy I chose the professionals at Grime Dentistry and even happier that I was placed with Dr. Faraj!!!

- Gary L

5 out of 5 stars by Gary L on 10/19/2023

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I am a sixty year old woman from New England who was visiting Lubbock two weeks ago. I have had a long history of dental problems from both severe erosion from an eating disorder and poor childhood dental hygiene while living overseas. In the past four months I have seen 2 different dentists and received different dental opinions that left me feeling somewhat hopeless both cosmetically and functionally. I was also confused about how to proceed. I was able to get in for a consult during my visit to Lubbock and had xrays and pictures done of my teeth by Amanda who was wonderful. Dr. Grimes spent a good amount of time with me explaining some of my previous dentists' recommendations, the reasons why some of my past dental work is failing now, and what his own recommendations would be going forward--for a more long term, aesthetically pleasing and functional solution. He went pretty much tooth by tooth. I knew he truly had my best interest at heart with his top recommendation as well as the alternatives we discussed. Admitting once having an eating disorder-- which has caused many of my dental problems-- has been hard in the past. But during my consult with Dr. Grimes never once felt uncomfortable or judged or ashamed of this (which I have in the past). It was a comfortable & extremely informatve appointment and I am incredibly blessed to have found this practice. The equipment is also state of the art and the building itself is beautiful. I am planning to return to Lubbock to have my work done.

- Sheilaj S

5 out of 5 stars by Sheilaj S on 09/29/2023

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr. Grimes is unmatched. I was in a horrific car accident and lost my front left tooth. He got me in immediately and in the same visit performed a root canal and built my tooth back up so I could feel more normal. He showed compassion towards me for my intense injuries and allowed my chair to be up more and propped with pillows. He was so compassionate towards my family for our tremendous losses. I will sing his praises all day long.

- Laurel B

5 out of 5 stars by Laurel B on 08/11/2023

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Would be hard to find a friendlier dentist or Dr and staff anywhere. They are committed to taking care of their patients

- James W

5 out of 5 stars by James W on 06/27/2023

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Well, after what seems like a zillion appointments here since my first appointment in September, I finally got to meet the Amazing Alma this week! She was not only super competent at plugging in my yet two more crowns, but she was so very nice in talking to me about what to prioritize for my next (never-ending) visit(s). Alma has been practicing her job for 31 years at Grimes and it really shows, she is TRULY wonderful! And last week I got to meet with (yet again) the Sensational Cinnamon, whose magic she has performed in the past months on my teeth is unbelievable--my teeth look and feel so much better! Then getting the (yet more) temporary crowns were a breeze last week with the lovely and delightful Hope, who is always such a joy to see!!! Of course, the office staff is equally awesome, and it was good to see Cynthia and Lluvia (aka "Julia") who are always so kind, helpful and terrific. Looking forward to seeing you all in May!!! For the first time in my 60-something year life, I can actually say that I am looking forward to going to the dentist!!! Thanks everyone at Grimes Dentistry!! Thanks Dr. Grimes, for being so great and having such an absolutely wonderful dental practice!!!

- Cathy E

5 out of 5 stars by Cathy E on 01/21/2023

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I am a 60-something year old with dental anxiety my whole life, intermixed with periods of dental phobia (where you avoid going to dentists because you just can't deal with it). After spending Friday Sept 12, 2022 in urgent care with tooth pain, I got home about 3:30, reflected on a talk about 10 years ago that I had with my youngest sister about my dental issues. I asked her "How do you know if you need a root canal?" She said, "Trust me, there will be no options, you WILL go to a dentist!". She was right. So, I dug out my "2020-2021 Dental File" and found the Grimes Dentistry "Card" I got in snail mail over a year ago. I knew ways back when I received the card in the mail that they would be my next dentist because the "Card" said they do basically everything (root canals, crowns, gum disease therapy, etc.) and I needed a LOT!. That Card was the sole occupant in my file, except my updated insurance information that began in Sept. 2020. I took a few deep breaths and called, and Cynthia was so darn nice, convinced me to come in Monday (and she was far better than any anti-anxiety medication could ever be!). So, I showed up Monday morning, and met with Hope (who gave me "hope" that this would be a great dentist office), Then I had all kinds of stuff done, root canal and 2 crowns (one to replace a "bad one") and the lovely Lauren (who thankfully escaped from prison) was Dr. G's right-hand assistant. Then on the 20th and 21st I (actually) came back to meet Cinnamon (the spice of life) for my long-overdue cleaning and gum issues. Well, Cinnamon is clearly the best tooth picker west of the Mississippi (and such a delightful person)!!!! Then I (actually) came back for some other not so lovely stuff on Oct 6 (but it was OK!!). Ah, tomorrow I am scheduled to get three crowns. Well, not the crowns, but getting the three teeth "sawed off" so I can get the crowns. Can't say I am looking forward to it, but I WILL show up!!! Dr. Grimes and his assistants and staff are ALL so great. They are not only saving my teeth (the best that anyone can at this point), but they are saving my life!!!! My only regret is that I did not find Grimes Dentistry several decades ago. I have recommended them to about 6 people in last 3 weeks, several of which I learned have dental anxiety themselves!!! (I also spotted Dr. G watering the flowers and plants in the waiting room as I was checking out at 5pm on a Friday. He truly cares about his practice, his staff, and his patients). A+++

- Catherine E

5 out of 5 stars by Catherine E on 10/17/2022

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

We have been with Grimes for over 30 years. I come from a family with very bad teeth! Dr Grimes has gotten me to a point where my teeth look better, feel better, and are just so much healthier! The staff is Great too! Thank you Grimes Dentistry!️

- Shelley W

5 out of 5 stars by Shelley W on 08/16/2022

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Jessica was awesome, she made my visit today easier. She was very friendly and took good care of me

- Lena B

5 out of 5 stars by Lena B on 08/05/2022

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr. Grimes took the time to explain the procedure and answer all our questions before getting started.

- Heather M

5 out of 5 stars by Heather M on 07/08/2022

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Very courteous very professional completely satisfied and impressed

- Glenn g

5 out of 5 stars by Glenn g on 07/01/2022

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

This office is always pleasant and they make you feel comfortable and relaxed.

- Nancy H

5 out of 5 stars by Nancy H on 06/08/2022