A crown covers and protects a tooth that is cracked, weak or heavily filled. A bridge replaces a missing tooth by attaching to the teeth on both sides of the gap. At Brampton Smiles, most crowns take two visits, and we use a digital scanner instead of messy impression trays.
When is a dental crown recommended?
- a fractured or cracked tooth
- a back tooth after a root canal
- a large old filling with thin walls left
- decay that is too big for a filling
- heavy wear from grinding
- a restoration on top of a dental implant
Crown materials
- Zirconia. Very strong. Often used for molars and for people who grind. Newer layered versions look more natural.
- Lithium disilicate (all-ceramic). The most lifelike. Often chosen for front teeth and premolars.
- Porcelain fused to metal. A metal core for strength with a porcelain outer layer.
- Full gold or metal alloy. Rarely requested, but very gentle on opposing teeth and useful when space is tight.
The strongest material is not always the best choice, because thicker materials need more of your tooth removed. Dr. Abbas will recommend what fits your tooth, bite and budget.
Dental bridges
A bridge anchors a replacement tooth to crowns on the neighbouring teeth. It is cemented in place, so nothing is removed for cleaning. The teeth beside the gap need to be healthy and well supported. If those teeth are untouched, an implant is usually considered first. If they already need crowns, a bridge can be a practical choice.
Your crown or bridge: two visits
- Visit 1 (about 90 minutes). Local anesthetic, tooth preparation, a buildup if needed, a digital scan of the tooth, opposing teeth and bite, and a temporary crown.
- Lab time (2 to 3 weeks). Your restoration is made from the scan.
- Visit 2 (about 45 minutes). We remove the temporary, check fit, contacts and shade, adjust your bite and cement the final crown or bridge.
Bite adjustment at the second visit matters. A crown that is even slightly high can cause sensitivity that feels like a bigger problem.
How long do crowns last?
Well-maintained crowns commonly last 10 to 15 years or longer. The biggest factors are the seal at the edge of the crown, the forces on the tooth, and your home care. New decay at the crown's edge is the most common reason crowns fail. If you grind your teeth, a nightguard is recommended.
Cost, insurance and payment
Many extended plans cover crowns and bridges at around 50 percent under major restorative, subject to your annual maximum. There are often limits like one crown per tooth every 5 years. We run a predetermination with your insurer so you know your coverage in writing before treatment. CDCP may partly cover crowns and bridges or need pre-authorization for eligible patients. We direct-bill Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield and CDCP, and offer 0% in-house payment plans. Fees follow the Ontario Dental Association fee guide.
Before Your Visit
- Bring your insurance or CDCP card.
- Tell us if you grind your teeth, have a sensitive tooth or take blood thinners.
- If you plan to whiten your teeth, do it before the crown. Ceramic does not whiten, so we match the shade to your final colour.
- Eat before your visit if you can, since you will be numb for a few hours afterward.
After Your Treatment
- Do not eat until the numbness has worn off. Be careful not to bite your cheek or tongue.
- With a temporary crown, avoid sticky, hard or chewy foods and floss by sliding the floss out sideways, not lifting it up.
- Gum tenderness and cold sensitivity for a week or two are normal.
- If your temporary comes off, call us the same day. Re-cementing is a short appointment.
- With a bridge, clean under it every day with a floss threader, superfloss or a water flosser.
- Call us if your bite feels high after the final crown.
Visit Brampton Smiles
50 Sunny Meadow Blvd, Unit 300, Brampton, ON L6R 0Y7. Phone: (905) 793-8668.
Hours: Mon, Wed, Thu 10 AM to 7 PM. Tue, Fri 10 AM to 5 PM. Sat 9 AM to 2 PM. Sun closed.
Call to book your crown or bridge consultation.
Related pages
Frequently Asked Questions
Does getting a crown hurt?
It feels about like a large filling. The tooth is numbed first. Some gum tenderness and cold sensitivity for a week or two is normal.
How long does a crown take?
Most cases take 2 visits about 2 to 3 weeks apart, with a temporary crown between.
Bridge or implant, which is better?
It depends on the neighbouring teeth, your bone, healing time and your health. We will go through both with you.
How do I clean a bridge?
Brush as normal and floss under the bridge daily with a floss threader, superfloss or a water flosser.
What if my temporary crown falls off?
Call (905) 793-8668 the same day. Re-cementing is quick and often done the same day.
Will my crown match my other teeth?
Yes. We match the shade in natural light. If you plan to whiten, do it first.
Does CDCP cover crowns?
For eligible patients crowns may be partly covered or need pre-authorization. We confirm in writing before treatment.