Crowns & Bridges in Kitchener-Waterloo
We know how important it is for you to enjoy a healthy long-lasting smile. These full coverage restorations are used to cover damaged, decayed or discoloured teeth. They are used to restore their shape, appearance and function. They increase the lifespan of teeth and are made of ceramic, metal, porcelain or a combination of both. The advancement in technology and materials has made procedures for fabricating these prostheses much simpler than before. We will examine your case to determine which option is most suitable for you.
What Can Crowns & Bridges Do?
Because they cover the entire visible portion of the tooth, crowns and bridges are among the most dependable restorations in dentistry. They are commonly used for:
Protecting a Weakened Tooth
A tooth cracked, fractured or weakened by a large filling or root canal treatment can be covered with a crown, holding it together and preventing further damage.
Restoring a Damaged or Decayed Tooth
Teeth with extensive decay or damage that cannot be fixed with a filling are restored to their full shape, strength and appearance with a crown.
Covering Discoloured or Misshapen Teeth
A crown can cover a tooth that is badly discoloured or poorly shaped, improving both the look and function of your smile.
Bridging the Gap of Missing Teeth
A bridge anchors to the teeth on either side of a gap, using crowns to hold one or more artificial teeth securely in place, restoring your bite and smile.
Benefits of Crowns & Bridges
A crown or bridge does more than repair a tooth. It protects your smile for the long term. Benefits include:
- Restores shape, appearance and function
- Increases the lifespan of a damaged tooth
- Made of ceramic, metal, porcelain or both
- Custom-matched to your natural teeth
- Bridges prevent neighbouring teeth from drifting
- Supported by advances in materials and technology
Replacing missing teeth also maintains the integrity of your smile and facial appearance, and prevents the surrounding teeth from shifting out of position over time.
The Crown & Bridge Procedure
Thanks to advances in technology and materials, the process is simpler than before, typically completed over two visits:
Examination & Treatment Planning
We examine your case to determine which material and design is most suitable for your tooth, your bite and your goals.
Tooth Preparation & Impressions
The tooth is gently shaped to make room for the crown, and detailed impressions or digital scans are taken so your restoration fits precisely.
Temporary Restoration
A temporary crown or bridge protects the prepared tooth while your custom restoration is crafted in the dental laboratory.
Fitting & Placing Your Crown or Bridge
At your final visit, the restoration is checked for fit, comfort and bite, then securely bonded in place.
When your restoration is placed, it will look, feel and function like a natural tooth, letting you eat, speak and smile with confidence.
Caring for Your Crown or Bridge
Crowns and bridges are strong, but the tooth underneath and the gums around them still need daily care:
- Brush twice daily and floss around the restoration
- Use a floss threader to clean beneath a bridge
- Avoid biting directly on hard objects such as ice
- Keep up with regular checkups to monitor the restoration
With good home care and regular visits, your crown or bridge can keep your smile healthy and strong for many years.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crowns & Bridges
What is the difference between a crown and a bridge?+
A crown is a full coverage restoration that covers a single damaged, decayed or discoloured tooth to restore its shape, appearance and function. A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to crowns placed on the neighbouring teeth.
How long do crowns and bridges last?+
With good home care and regular dental visits, crowns and bridges typically last many years, often 10 to 15 or more. Their lifespan depends on the material used, your bite, and habits such as grinding or biting hard objects.
What materials are crowns and bridges made of?+
They can be made of ceramic, metal, porcelain or a combination of both. We will examine your case to determine which option is most suitable, balancing strength, aesthetics and where the tooth sits in your mouth.
Does getting a crown hurt?+
The tooth is thoroughly numbed during preparation, so the procedure is comfortable. Mild sensitivity for a few days afterward is normal and settles quickly.
Why do I need a crown after a root canal?+
A tooth that has had root canal treatment is more brittle and prone to fracture. A crown covers and protects the tooth, holding it together so it can function like a natural tooth for many years.
How do I care for my crown or bridge?+
Treat it like a natural tooth: brush twice daily, floss daily, including under a bridge with a floss threader or interdental brush, and keep up with regular checkups so we can monitor the restoration and the surrounding teeth and gums.
Ready to Restore Your Smile?
Schedule a consultation at Westheights Dental Centre in Kitchener-Waterloo to find out whether a crown or bridge is right for your smile.
Request an Appointment