Restore Strength and Function
Dental Crowns and Bridges in London, ON
What Are Dental Crowns and Bridges?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength. It fully covers the visible portion of the tooth, helping protect and reinforce areas that cannot be restored with fillings or other treatments. In addition to strengthening teeth, crowns made from porcelain or zirconia can also improve the appearance of your smile. Dental bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth. They are supported by crowns placed on adjacent teeth or implants, helping restore function, balance, and appearance.
Crowns can be made from a variety of materials, including metal, porcelain, zirconia, and porcelain fused to metal. Zirconia and porcelain crowns are commonly chosen because they closely resemble natural tooth enamel and are designed to match the colour, shape, and size of your natural teeth for a seamless result. Crowns are durable and designed to last for many years. With proper care and regular dental visits, their longevity can be maintained. Our team at Blue Heron Dental Centre will guide you on how to care for your crown to support long-term success.
When is a Dental Crown Needed?
A dental crown may be recommended when a tooth has been weakened, damaged, or cannot be restored with a filling alone. Because a crown covers the entire tooth surface, it helps protect and stabilize the remaining structure while restoring function and appearance. A dental crown may be used to:
Protect a weakened tooth from breaking
Restore a tooth that is cracked, broken, or worn down
Support a tooth with a large filling when little structure remains
Cover a dental implant or support a dental bridge
What to Expect During Crown Treatment
Dental crown treatment typically involves two appointments. During the first visit, impressions or a digital scan are taken to create a custom crown. The tooth is then prepared by removing any decay and shaping it to properly fit the crown. A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth while your final restoration is being fabricated.
At your second appointment, the temporary crown is removed and replaced with your custom-made crown. The fit, bite, and appearance are carefully checked to ensure comfort and proper function. Once placed, your crown is designed to blend naturally with your surrounding teeth. At Blue Heron Dental Centre, same-day crown technology may also be available in select cases, allowing patients to complete treatment in a single visit.
Benefits of Crowns and Bridges
Dental crowns and bridges help restore both the function and appearance of your teeth. They are designed to provide stability, improve chewing ability, and protect your oral health over time.
- Strengthen and protect weakened teeth
- Restore chewing function and bite alignment
- Improve the appearance of your smile
- Help maintain proper spacing by preventing tooth shifting
With proper care, crowns and bridges can provide long-lasting and reliable results.
Our Cases
At Blue Heron Dental Centre, crowns and bridges are used to restore both function and appearance with personalized treatment planning. In this case, a 59-year-old patient presented with worn restorations, missing teeth, and uneven alignment. After diagnosis, old fillings were removed and the upper teeth were restored with zirconia crowns and bridges. Laser correction of the gum line was completed to improve symmetry, followed by temporary restorations and then final zirconia crowns and bridges. The result improved bite, tooth proportions, and overall smile appearance.
Before
Preoperative scan showing defective fillings, missing teeth, and uneven bite.
After
Final result with zirconia crowns and bridges, restoring strength, alignment, and appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do dental crowns and bridges last?
Dental crowns and bridges are designed to be durable and long-lasting. With proper care, including regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene, they can last many years. However, like all restorations, they may eventually need replacement due to wear or decay around the supporting tooth. Routine visits help monitor their condition and maintain long-term success.
Are crowns and bridges noticeable?
Modern crowns and bridges are designed to closely match the appearance of natural teeth. Materials such as porcelain and zirconia mimic the colour and texture of enamel, making them difficult to distinguish from surrounding teeth. At Blue Heron Dental Centre, each restoration is customized for a natural and balanced result.
Is the crown procedure uncomfortable?
Crown treatment is typically performed under local anesthesia, ensuring a comfortable experience. Most patients feel little to no discomfort during the procedure. Mild sensitivity may occur afterward, but it usually resolves quickly. Our team focuses on gentle care and patient comfort throughout every step.
How should I care for my crown or bridge?
Caring for crowns and bridges is similar to caring for natural teeth. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups are important to maintain oral health. Avoiding habits such as chewing hard objects can help prevent damage and extend the life of your restoration.
Can crowns and bridges improve the appearance of my smile?
Yes. In addition to restoring function, crowns and bridges can significantly improve the appearance of your smile. They can correct issues such as discolouration, uneven shape, or gaps caused by missing teeth. Custom design ensures that the final result looks natural and complements your overall smile.
