Porcelain Crowns in Burnaby

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a custom-made, hollow restoration that fits over a weakened or damaged tooth. It reinforces the tooth’s structure and protects it from further damage. Crowns are used to:

• Cover teeth with large fillings or fractures
• Protect a tooth after root canal therapy
• Restore broken or worn-down teeth
• Improve the appearance of misshapen or discolored teeth
• Support a dental bridge or cover a dental implant

Once placed, the crown becomes the tooth’s new outer surface, blending naturally with your smile.

How Porcelain Crowns Are Placed

Getting a crown usually requires two visits. Here’s what to expect:

Step 1: Tooth Preparation and Temporary Crown

• Your dentist administers local anesthesia to numb the area
• The damaged tooth is gently shaped to make room for the crown
• An impression is taken of the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth
• A temporary crown is placed to protect your tooth until the final crown is ready

Step 2: Final Crown Placement

• Your custom crown is ready within one to two weeks
• The temporary crown is removed
• The dentist checks the fit, shape, and color of the final crown
• Once confirmed, the permanent crown is cemented into place

The crown will be adjusted to ensure a natural bite and comfortable fit. Some patients may require additional procedures such as orthodontic treatment, gum therapy, or a root canal before crown placement.

Types of Dental Crowns

Several materials are used to make crowns. The right choice depends on the tooth’s location, your bite, and your cosmetic preferences. Common options include:

Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns offer the most natural appearance and are ideal for front teeth. They are customized to match your surrounding teeth in shape and color. Porcelain is less durable than metal, so these crowns may chip more easily on back teeth.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns
These crowns combine strength with aesthetics. They have a metal base for durability and a porcelain exterior for a tooth-like look. Depending on gum position, the metal edge may sometimes show over time.

Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia crowns are very strong and offer excellent aesthetics without metal. They are suitable for both front and back teeth and are less likely to chip than porcelain alone.

Metal Crowns
Gold or metal alloy crowns are durable and long-lasting. They are typically used on molars where strength is most important. However, the metallic color makes them less suitable for visible teeth.

Composite Crowns
These crowns look natural and are more affordable, but they may wear down faster and stain more easily compared to porcelain or zirconia options.

Your dentist will recommend the best material based on your specific needs and goals.

Caring for Your Dental Crown

With proper care, crowns can last 10 years or more. To protect your crown:

• Brush and floss daily to keep the gum tissue healthy
• Avoid biting hard objects such as ice, pens, or fingernails
• Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth
• Keep up with regular dental checkups and cleanings

Although crowns are strong, they are not indestructible. Treat them like your natural teeth and avoid using them to open packaging or cut objects.

Schedule a Crown Consultation in Burnaby

If you have a damaged, weakened, or worn tooth, a porcelain crown may be the ideal solution. At Carleton Square Dental Centre, we offer personalized treatment plans to restore your smile and bite with natural-looking, durable crowns.

Contact us today to schedule your dental crown consultation in Burnaby. We’ll help you choose the right crown for your needs and guide you through every step of the process.