What is a Dental Crown?

A crown is a restoration that completely covers a tooth that has been damaged or decayed. It strengthens and provides the optimum shape and natural contour of a healthy tooth. Crowns can dramatically improve the appearance, colour, shape and alignment of teeth. A crown is also used to restore a dental implant that has been placed where there had previously been a missing tooth.

What is a Dental Crown Made of?

Dental crowns can be made using a variety of materials, with each option presenting a host of benefits that suit the needs of every patient. Materials that can be used for crowns include:

• All-ceramic: provide excellent aesthetics and can be used to protect both the front and back teeth. Specifically, all-ceramic crowns made of zirconia provide superior strength in people who grind or clench.
• Porcelain fused to metal: the most common type of dental crown, wherein porcelain is bonded to a metal foundation. Shaded porcelain is layered over the metal base, and the result is a dental crown that can be colour-matched to adjacent teeth in order to achieve a natural appearance. These crowns are a great option as the metal provides a strong foundation and porcelain provides a tooth-coloured appearance.
• Metal: typically made out of gold or similar metals, and are strong and durable material. They provide ideal protection for hard-wearing molars at the back of the mouth to withstand chewing forces, where the noticeable metallic colour will be less visible.

What happens during a Dental Crown procedure?

A crown is completed over two appointments:

Your first appointment focuses on repairing any damage to the tooth and preparing it for the crown. Impressions of the teeth are sent to our ceramic laboratory where the custom made crown will be designed and fabricated. A temporary crown will be fitted to protect the tooth while the new crown is being made.

At your second visit, the temporary crown will be removed and your new custom crown will be fitted to your tooth. Any necessary adjustments will be made at this time and your crown will be permanently bonded to your tooth.

What is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is used to fill the space of a lost tooth or a large gap between teeth. A bridge functions like a replacement tooth that fills in the gap and restores the appearance and function of teeth. This is generally achieved by using an artificial tooth that is fused between two crowns, allowing the bridge to be firmly held in place by your own teeth on each side, or with the help of dental implants. A dental bridge is a permanent solution and cannot be removed.

Types of Dental Bridges
There are different types of bridges available and each is designed to provide the best support and function based on the location and type of missing tooth you are planning to replace.

1. Tooth-supported
   Traditional, Cantilever and Maryland bridges are supported by your natural teeth, and a thorough examination is required to determine which option will be best suited for your unique needs. Tooth-supported bridges involve shaping the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth and fitting it with a crown or a support to anchor the replacement tooth (pontic).
2. Implant-supported
   An implant-supported bridge uses implants secured to the jaw bone to hold the bridge in place, providing excellent stability. Implants are a great option for people who do not have strong adjacent teeth or have several missing teeth in a row.

    

What happens during a Dental Bridge procedure?
Your first appointment focuses on repairing any damage to the tooth and shaping the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth in order to support the bridge. Impressions of the teeth are sent to our ceramic laboratory where the dental bridge will be designed and fabricated. A temporary bridge will be fitted at this appointment.

Once the custom bridge is ready, a final fitting will be conducted and it will be bonded in place. Dental bridges require minimal recovery time, which allows patients to go back to their normal routine and eating habits shortly after treatment.

Advantages and benefits of a Dental Bridge
Dental bridges are a popular restorative option for missing teeth and offer a wide array of benefits and advantages, including:

• Restoring appearance of teeth and healthy smiles
• Restoring the ability to chew and speak properly
• Ensuring an even bite through the proper distribution of biting force
• Prevents neighbouring teeth from shifting caused by the loss of a natural tooth
• Providing a more secure and natural feeling tooth replacement compared to a denture

Your teeth are designed to work together, so missing a tooth can impact chewing, speech and overall appearance. By correcting the gap caused by missing teeth, dental bridges can provide a strong and reliable option for replacing lost teeth and can rejuvenate your oral health.

Why Choose Horizon Dental?

Horizon Dental is committed to restoring the health, function and the natural beauty of our patients’ teeth by using the best materials and advanced techniques in restorative dentistry. Whether you need dental crowns or bridges, we are dedicated to providing the best treatment options tailored to your unique needs, while keeping you informed every step of the way. We believe that having a missing tooth shouldn’t injuries and diseases shouldn’t define the rest of your dental health, which is why our team is committed to equipping your teeth with the best dental care and leading restorative options. Our goal is to provide the best dental care in a welcoming and compassion environment improved function of your teeth, and a bright smile that you won’t hesitate to smile about.

To learn more about dental crowns and bridges or book your appointment, call Horizon Dental at 905-475-5673 or contact us here.