Dental Crown and Bridges West Vancouver
Crowns
A crown is a covering that goes over the entire exterior of your tooth. It can be made of materials such as porcelain, metals, or porcelain-fused to metal, and it is customized to match the colour of your other teeth. Crowns can restore broken teeth, stained teeth, teeth with large fillings, teeth that have had root canals, and more.
Dental crowns are a cornerstone of restorative dentistry, offering both functional and aesthetic solutions for damaged or decayed teeth. A dental crown, often simply called a “crown,” is a cap placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Here’s an in-depth look at the types of crowns available, the process of getting a crown, and the care required to maintain it.
Types of Dental Crowns
There are several types of dental crowns, each made from different materials, and the choice often depends on the tooth’s location, the patient’s dental history, aesthetic needs, and budget.
Porcelain Crowns: These are popular for their ability to blend seamlessly with natural tooth color. They are often used for front teeth due to their natural appearance.
Ceramic Crowns: Similar to porcelain, ceramic crowns offer excellent aesthetic results and are also well-suited for people with metal allergies.
Gold and Metal Alloys: Crowns made from gold or metal alloys are incredibly durable and are typically used for back molars where the chewing pressure is greatest.
Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM): These crowns offer a good balance between strength (due to their metal structure) and aesthetics (with a porcelain coating). They are stronger than regular porcelain crowns but may cause more wear to opposing teeth than metal or resin crowns.
Composite Resin: Resin crowns are less expensive than other types but wear down over time and are more prone to fractures.
The Process of Getting a Crown in North and West Vancouver
Getting a dental crown typically involves two visits to the dentist. The first visit includes preparing the tooth, taking impressions, and placing a temporary crown.
Preparation: The dentist reshapes the tooth to make room for the crown. This involves removing part of the enamel to allow the crown to fit securely.
Impression: Once the tooth is reshaped, the dentist takes an impression of the tooth, which is sent to a dental lab where the crown will be made. This impression ensures the crown will match the tooth’s shape and your mouth’s alignment.
Temporary Crown: A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth while the permanent crown is being made. This crown is usually made of acrylic and is not as durable as the permanent crown.
The second visit happens once the crown is ready. The temporary crown is removed, and the permanent crown is adjusted as needed and cemented in place.
Caring for North Vancouver Dental Crowns
Proper care can extend the life of a dental crown, which typically lasts between 5 to 15 years depending on the material and how well it is maintained. Here are some care tips:
Oral Hygiene: Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day and flossing daily. Special attention should be given to the area around the crown to prevent plaque buildup.
Avoid Hard Foods: Avoid chewing hard foods, ice, or other hard objects that can crack the crown.
Regular Dental Visits: Regular check-ups will help ensure that your crown and overall dental health are maintained.
Dental crowns not only restore the functionality and appearance of teeth but also offer a durable solution for dental issues. Whether it’s due to decay, injury, or cosmetic reasons, a dental crown can be a valuable option to help maintain dental health and a beautiful smile.
Bridges
A bridge can replace one or multiple missing teeth. It includes one or more artificial teeth that fill the gaps in your smile. The bridge is securely held into place because it is attached to healthy teeth that are adjacent to the gaps. With a bridge in place, you not only improve the appearance of your smile but also prevent your other teeth from shifting out of place due to gaps. Bridges, which are usually made of porcelain or gold, are permanent dental fixtures.
Visit one of our dentists in West Vancouver or North Vancouver. Our dentist can tell you what is best for your situation. Our goal is to provide personalized dental services that meet your specific needs. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have questions or would like more information.
Types of Dental Bridges in West and North Vancouver
There are several types of dental bridges, each designed to accommodate different needs and situations:
- Traditional Bridges: The most common type, these bridges involve creating a crown for the teeth on either side of the missing tooth, with a pontic (or false tooth) in between. Traditional bridges are usually made of porcelain fused to metal or ceramics.
- Cantilever Bridges: Similar to traditional bridges, but the pontic is supported by a crown on only one side rather than both sides. This type is used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth.
- Maryland Bridges: Also known as a resin-bonded bridge, this type uses metal or porcelain wings on each side of the pontic, which are bonded to the existing teeth. Maryland bridges are less invasive as they don’t require crowns on the adjacent teeth.
- Implant-Supported Bridges: Used when more than one tooth is missing. These bridges are supported by dental implants rather than crowns. Each implant holds an artificial tooth, making this option more stable and durable, but also more complex and costly.
The Procedure for Getting a Dental Bridge West and North Vancouver
Getting a dental bridge typically requires multiple visits to the dentist:
First Visit: During the initial consultation, the dentist examines the health of your gums and other teeth to determine if you are a good candidate for a bridge. If you are, the teeth used as anchors (abutments) are prepared by recontouring these teeth to receive the crowns that will support the bridge.
Impression: After the teeth are prepared, impressions of the teeth are taken, which serve as a model from which the bridge, pontic, and crowns will be made by a dental lab.
Temporary Bridge: A temporary bridge is often placed to protect the exposed teeth and gums while the permanent bridge is being made.
Second Visit: When the permanent bridge is ready, the temporary bridge is removed, and the new bridge is adjusted and cemented to achieve a proper fit. Further visits may be necessary to check the fit of the framework and bite.
