Methods for preparing chair-side dental crowns

The invention provides a method of forming dental restorations, particularly dental crowns. The method involves applying a flexible spacer material having a polymerization system capable of being activated by light to a prepared tooth surface. A composite crown-forming material is dispensed into a transparent plastic matrix. The matrix is placed in the mouth of the patient so the composite material is molded over the tooth surface coated with the spacer material. Then, the composite is irradiated with curing light, through the matrix, so that it hardens to form a dental crown. The crown is removed, trimmed and finished, and then permanently affixed to the tooth.