Table of Contents
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that is placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are versatile and can be used in a variety of situations. For example, they are often recommended after a root canal procedure to protect the treated tooth from further damage. Crowns are also used to cover large fillings, repair cracked or broken teeth, or strengthen teeth that have been weakened by decay or wear. Additionally, crowns can improve the appearance of discoloured or misshapen teeth, making them an excellent option for both restorative and cosmetic purposes. Crowns can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of materials. Porcelain and ceramic crowns are popular because they closely resemble natural teeth, making them an ideal choice for visible areas of the mouth. At White House Dental, we work with you to choose the material that best suits your needs, ensuring a durable and aesthetically pleasing result.What Are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic device used to replace one or more missing teeth. It consists of one or more artificial teeth, known as pontics, which are anchored to adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. Bridges are an excellent solution for filling the gap left by missing teeth, preventing the remaining teeth from shifting out of place, and restoring your ability to chew and speak properly. There are several types of dental bridges, including traditional bridges, cantilever bridges, and Maryland bridges. Traditional bridges are the most common and involve creating crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap, with the pontic in between. Cantilever bridges are used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth, while Maryland bridges use a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the backs of adjacent teeth. At White House Dental, we will assess your specific situation and recommend the type of bridge that will work best for you.
The Benefits of Dental Crowns and Bridges
Both dental crowns and bridges offer numerous benefits for patients with damaged or missing teeth. Here are some of the key advantages:- Restored Functionality: Crowns and bridges help restore the ability to chew and speak properly, which can be compromised by damaged or missing teeth.
- Improved Appearance: These restorations are designed to look and feel like natural teeth, enhancing the overall appearance of your smile.
- Prevention of Further Dental Issues: Crowns protect weakened teeth from further damage, while bridges prevent the remaining teeth from shifting out of place, which can lead to bite problems and jaw pain.
- Durability: With proper care, crowns and bridges can last for many years, making them a long-term solution for dental restoration.
- Customization: At White House Dental, each crown and bridge is custom-made to fit your unique dental structure, ensuring a comfortable and natural-looking result.
Advanced Technology: CEREC Crowns
At White House Dental, we are proud to offer our patients the latest in dental technology, including CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics). CEREC is a revolutionary system that allows us to design, create, and place your crown in a single visit. This eliminates the need for temporary crowns and multiple appointments, providing a faster and more convenient solution for our patients. The CEREC process begins with a digital scan of your teeth, which is used to create a 3D model of your mouth. Using CAD/CAM (computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing) technology, we design your crown to perfectly match the shape, size, and colour of your natural teeth. Once the design is complete, the crown is milled from a block of high-quality ceramic right in our office. The entire process takes just a few hours, allowing you to leave with a fully restored smile the same day.Why Choose White House Dental?
At White House Dental, we are committed to providing our patients with the highest quality dental care in a comfortable and welcoming environment. Our experienced team takes the time to understand your unique needs and goals, ensuring that each restoration is tailored to your specific situation. Whether you need a single crown or a full bridge, we use the latest techniques and materials to deliver results that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. We also understand that cost is an important consideration for many patients. That’s why we offer high-quality crowns and bridges at an affordable price, along with flexible payment options to make your treatment more accessible. Our goal is to help you achieve a healthier, more confident smile without breaking the bank.The Process of Getting a Crown or Bridge
The process of getting a dental crown or bridge typically involves several steps. Here’s what you can expect when you choose White House Dental for your restoration:- Consultation and Examination: During your initial visit, we will examine your teeth and discuss your treatment options. We may take X-rays or digital scans to assess the condition of your teeth and determine the best course of action.
- Preparation: For a crown, the affected tooth will be reshaped to accommodate the crown. For a bridge, the adjacent teeth will be prepared to serve as anchors. We will then take impressions or digital scans of your teeth to create a custom restoration.
- Temporary Restoration: If necessary, a temporary crown or bridge will be placed to protect your teeth while your permanent restoration is being made.
- Placement: Once your custom crown or bridge is ready, we will check the fit and make any necessary adjustments before permanently bonding it in place.
- Follow-Up: We will schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure your restoration is functioning properly and that you are satisfied with the results.
Caring for Your Crown or Bridge
With proper care, your dental crown or bridge can last for many years. Here are some tips to help you maintain your restoration:- Brush and floss regularly to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
- Avoid chewing on hard objects, such as ice or pens, which can damage your crown or bridge.
- Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings to ensure the longevity of your restoration.
Tooth Repair: Restoring Damaged Or Missing Teeth
Dental crowns and bridges are highly effective solutions for restoring damaged or missing teeth, improving both the function and appearance of your smile. At White House Dental, we are dedicated to providing our patients with high-quality restorations using the latest technology and techniques. Whether you need a single crown or a full bridge, our experienced Maple Ridge dental care team is here to help you achieve a healthier, more confident smile. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can restore your smile with crowns and bridges.FAQs:
A dental crown is a cap placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance. A dental bridge, on the other hand, is used to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring an artificial tooth to neighboring natural teeth or implants.
Getting a traditional dental crown typically requires two visits, spread across one to two weeks, as the crown is custom-made in a lab. However, same-day crowns using advanced technology like CAD/CAM can be completed in a single visit.
Sources:
McCracken, Michael S., et al. “Treatment Recommendations for Single-Unit Crowns: Findings from The National Dental Practice-Based Research Network.” Journal of the American Dental Association, vol. 147, no. 11, 2016, pp. 882–890. PubMed Central, doi:10.1016/j.adaj.2016.06.012. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.
Hill, Shannon, Sharon Bailey, and Angie Hamson. Dental Bridges for Partial Tooth Loss. CADTH Health Technology Review, Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health, Mar. 2023. NCBI Bookshelf, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK596304/. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.