Damaged, decaying, or missing teeth can be a concern cosmetically for your smile, and they can also affect the overall health of your mouth. We often see patients whose missing teeth cause pain, discomfort, and sensitivity, making them more susceptible to gum disease and tooth decay in the surrounding teeth. In these cases, crowns are a great option to restore oral health and improve the cosmetic appearance of your smile.
We only have one set of adult teeth, so once they become damaged or decayed, they will not be replaced. If you require a tooth extraction, or have already lost one or more teeth to decay, it can severely affect your ability to chew, eat, and speak clearly, and surrounding teeth may shift over time when there is space from a missing tooth.
Crowns are a permanent solution to maintain proper spacing along your upper or lower jaw, and they look and act just like real teeth, so they can help with chewing and speaking, and even restore your confidence so you can show off your beautiful teeth instead of displaying gaps when you talk and smile.
Dental crowns are a great protection against future decay or damage to your teeth and can relieve pain or sensitivity that you were experiencing with decaying teeth. Crowns are very stable, providing you with all the functionality of real teeth, and many of them today have a very natural appearance to blend seamlessly into your smile.
Crowns come in a wide variety of materials, including porcelain, ceramic, and metal. Porcelain and metal crowns are extremely durable and can withstand a lot of force from chewing, biting, and other uses without chipping, cracking, or becoming damaged. While they are somewhat more fragile, ceramic crowns offer a more natural look and can improve the aesthetics of your smile for teeth that do not experience as much force on a daily basis (such as front teeth).
For many people, a missing tooth can affect their ability to chew and speak clearly, and it can also affect a person’s confidence from a cosmetic standpoint. If you want to restore the natural shape of your face, fill a gap, and prevent problems later, a bridge may be the best option.
Dental bridges are essentially false teeth fused between crowns and designed to fill a gap where you are missing one or more teeth. The crowns on either side of the bridge are attached to your existing teeth, anchoring the bridge to keep it from moving. A bridge is a permanent solution and is not removable like dentures. A patient with good oral hygiene habits and one or more missing teeth may find that a bridge is an optimal solution to fill in gaps and restore a healthy smile.
Dental bridges have many benefits for our patients. Missing teeth, or gaps in your mouth can allow other teeth to shift out of place, and leave your gums susceptible to disease, infection, and decay over time.
Tooth loss can make chewing and speaking difficult, but a bridge that replaces lost teeth with artificial teeth can restore your ability to chew food properly and speak clearly. It can also help you avoid the embarrassment that sometimes comes with missing teeth, restoring your confidence in a beautiful smile.
Finally, a bridge can reduce the likelihood that you will have problems with your bite or teeth alignment later in life, which could require significant dental work to correct. It’s an effective preventive measure to maintain a healthy bite.
The best type of crown for your situation depends on needs and budget. Porcelain or ceramic crowns are popular restoration options due to their natural appearance and ability to blend seamlessly with existing teeth. These crowns are excellent for front teeth, where aesthetics is particularly important. Alternatively, metal crowns made from materials like stainless steel or gold offer exceptional durability and are ideal for molars that experience heavy chewing forces. Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns combine the strength of metal with the natural look of porcelain, providing a strong solution that mimics the appearance of your natural teeth. Zirconia crowns represent another robust option, closely resembling natural teeth in color and strength. Ultimately, your dentist will evaluate the specific situation and recommend the best type of crown based on the location and function of the affected tooth.
No, crowns generally cost more than fillings. A dentist typically uses a filling to repair minor cavities or damage, requiring less material and time. In contrast, crowns cover the entire tooth, offering more extensive protection, particularly when the tooth has sustained significant damage or decay. Placing a crown requires more materials, laboratory work, and precision, contributing to its higher cost. While fillings may be a more affordable solution for minor dental issues, crowns are necessary for teeth that require more comprehensive restoration due to their condition.
The terms “cap” and “crown” are often used interchangeably but refer to the same dental restoration. A crown is a restoration that covers or “caps” a tooth that has been damaged or suffered extensive decay. It serves to restore the tooth’s shape and function. Dentists can construct crowns from various materials, including porcelain, metal, or zirconia. Whether called caps or crowns, their primary purpose remains to protect and restore a weakened tooth.
A dental crown in Ontario typically costs between $1,000 and $2,000. This range depends on factors such as the material used, the complexity of the procedure, and the clinic’s pricing structure. Porcelain crowns are often more expensive than metal crowns, while zirconia crowns usually fall in the middle. Dental insurance may cover part of the cost if the crown is deemed necessary for functional reasons. Confirming costs and coverage details with your dentist and insurance provider before proceeding is essential.
When placing a crown, a significant portion of the natural tooth must remain to provide adequate support. Ideally, the dentist needs enough healthy tooth structure to securely anchor the crown. If a tooth is too damaged or decayed, the dentist may perform a procedure, such as a buildup, or place a post to create additional support before fitting the crown. In instances where very little natural tooth remains, dentists may consider alternative treatments, such as dental implants, to restore functionality and aesthetics.
At Esquire Dental Centres, we have a whole team of dental surgeons with experience in cosmetic dentistry. Call for a private consultation to discuss how dental crowns or bridges can restore the functionality and appearance of your smile.
Dr. Amir Awadalla
Dr. Mark Awadalla
Dr. Ashraf Awadalla
