Dental Crowns & Bridges

What are Porcelain Crowns (Caps)?

Although there are several types of crowns, porcelain (tooth coloured crown) are the most popular, because they resemble your natural teeth in terms of colour, texture and translucency.

Just like many other types of most dental restorations, dental crowns do not last forever, and may eventually need to be replaced. However, with proper care, they can last for many years, and even decades.

Porcelain crowns are made to match the shape, size, and colour of your teeth, giving you a healthy looking smile.

What does getting a crown involve?

The placement of porcelain posterior crowns, inlays and onlays are procedures that are completed in one appointment if using the CEREC CAD/CAM system.

The system allows Dr. Crowell to precisely design a crown that is durable and matched in colour to your natural teeth, all in the convenience of our office. 

Dr. Crowell will prepare your tooth for restoration. CEREC then uses a digital 3D camera to create an optical digital impression. The computer-aided design software allows Dr. Crowell to design every detail of your restoration, allowing for a very close match to your original tooth. 

A lab-processed crown for anterior teeth or teeth that require porcelain fused to metal or full gold procedure usually requires two appointments.

Your First Appointment

Your first appointment will include taking several molds (or impressions) that will be used to create your custom crown. A temporary crown will be made for you to wear until your new crown is fabricated by a dental laboratory.

While the tooth is numb, the dentist will prepare it by removing any decay and shaping the surface to fit the crown. Your temporary crown will then be placed with temporary cement and your bite will be checked.

At your second appointment, your temporary crown will be removed, the tooth will be cleaned, and your new crown will be placed to ensure the spacing and bite are accurate.

Porcelain Fixed Bridges

A dental bridge is a fixed (non-removable) appliance that may be a viable option to replace your missing teeth. You and your dentist will discuss the best dental bridge options for your particular case.

The “traditional bridge” is the most popular type and is usually made of porcelain fused to metal. Porcelain fixed bridges are most popular because they resemble your natural teeth. This type of bridge consists of two crowns that go over two anchoring teeth (abutment teeth) and are attached to artificial teeth, filling the gap created by one or more missing teeth.

Dental bridges may need replacement or need to be re-cemented due to normal wear.

Reasons for a fixed bridge:

• Fill space of missing teeth
• Maintain facial shape
• Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position
• Restore chewing and speaking ability
• Restore your smile
• Switch from a removable partial denture to a permanent dental appliance

What does getting a fixed bridge involve?

Getting a bridge requires two appointments.

While the teeth are numb, the two anchoring teeth are prepared to allow for a crown.

Next, an impression (mold) is made which will be sent to an off-site dental laboratory, where the bridge will be fabricated.

In some cases, a temporary bridge will be made and worn for a few weeks until your next appointment.

At the second visit, your permanent bridge will be checked, adjusted, and cemented to achieve a proper fit. The new bridge will be permanently cemented. 

You will receive care instructions at the conclusion of your treatment.

Proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new permanent bridge or crown.