Crowns & Bridges
Dental Crowns
A dental crown (also referred to as a cap) is a fixed prosthetic object that is cemented onto a tooth. Only a dentist can remove it once it’s in place. The main purpose of a crown is to cover a damaged tooth, but it also strengthens it, improving its overall appearance and alignment in the mouth.
Crowns are made by taking an impression of the tooth or teeth they’ll be covering. Before this impression is created, your dentist must first reduce your tooth so that the crown fits properly. Your dentist may also place a temporary crown while the permanent one is being made.
Types of Dental Crowns
There are four different types of dental crowns.
- Ceramic — These are used for restoring front teeth, and are popular in this area for their ability to blend with your natural tooth color. The crown is made of a porcelain-based material.
- Porcelain-fused to metal – This crown provides a stronger bond than regular porcelain because it is connected to a metal structure. It’s also extremely durable.
- Gold alloys – This crown is a mix of gold, copper and other metals. In addition to providing a strong bond to the tooth, it doesn’t fracture, nor does it wear away the tooth itself.
- Base metal alloys – This crown is made up of non-noble metals that are highly resistant to corrosion, and make for a very strong crown. It also requires the least amount of healthy tooth to be removed prior to fitting.
Differences Between Crown Types
The sealing ability of the all-porcelain crown depends on the filling materials and the quality of the underlying tooth, according to the American Dental Association (ADA), whereas the other three provide particularly good seals against leakage.
Durability is best in the gold and metal alloys crowns, whereas the all-porcelain crown tends to be less strong, more susceptible if it is put under enough pressure (if you grind your teeth at night, this may pose a problem). By contrast, the crown of porcelain fused to metal offers better durability. Both porcelain-based crowns are highly resistant to wear, but they can quickly aggravate opposing teeth if the adjacent surface becomes rough. Incidentally, the gold and metal alloys are resistant to wear and gentle on opposing teeth at the same time.
At-Home Tray Bleaching
The at-home system involves taking impressions of the teeth and fabricating specially designed trays to hold self-activated bleaching gel. These trays are placed in the mouth over the teeth and are worn for a specified period of time, depending on the instructions from the manufacturer of the gels.
Dental Bridges
Benefits of Bridges
- Restore your ability to chew and speak properly
- Prevent neighboring teeth from shifting
- Maintain facial structure and smile aesthetics
- Provide long-lasting solutions when cared for properly
Types of Dental Bridges
- Traditional Bridge: Supported by natural teeth on either side of the gap
- Cantilever Bridge: Supported by a single adjacent tooth (used in limited cases)
- Implant-Supported Bridge :Anchored on dental implants instead of natural teeth
Caring for Your Crowns and Bridges
- Brush twice daily and floss carefully around the restoration
- Avoid chewing extremely hard foods (ice, hard candies)
- Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth
- Schedule regular dental checkups to maintain longevity
With proper care, crowns and bridges can last many years, helping you eat, speak, and smile confidently.
If you are considering dental crowns or bridges, even just looking for solutions for dental crown whitening, our team at Windsor Specialty Dental Group can help you find the best solution for your smile. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a healthy, beautiful smile.
Book Your Consultation Today! No Referral Needed
To contact our prosthodontist about new or existing implants, fill out the form below. You can also reach us by phone at (519) 258-6722 or by email at info@wsdg.ca.