Dental Crowns North York

What Are Porcelain Dental Crowns/Caps

Dental crowns, also known as “caps,” are placed over a tooth to preserve its functionality, improve its appearance, and restore its shape, size, and strength. Crowns are often used to protect a cracked tooth, restore a tooth that has excessive decay, or replace a pre-existing crown. Once the dental crown has been cemented into place, it will fully encase the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gum line.

North York and Toronto Dentist, Dr. Nubia Díaz provides her patients with a variety of conservative treatment options to restore teeth. Find out whether dental crowns are right for you by calling Stonebrook Dental at (416) 636-4227 and making an appointment today!

What Types Of Dental Crowns Are Available?

There are three predominant types of restorative materials that are used in full coverage crowns:

1. Porcelain-fused-to-metal

2. All-ceramic (all-porcelain)

3. Gold

The material selected is determined by the clinical demands at hand, aesthetic demands of the patient, strength requirements, material durability and the amount of restorative space available.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns and Caps

Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns provide patients with a strong, durable, and more aesthetically-pleasing treatment option. One of the key factors dictating the success of this type of crown is in ensuring the preparation of the underlying tooth structure provides adequate space for the material being used. Additionally, the artistic skill of the laboratory technologist creating the crown will determine its aesthetic appeal. One consideration in the porcelain-fused-to-metal crown is that these crowns may show the underlying metal or gold margin at the gum line as gums recede over time. Patients who opt for this type of crown often replace the crown at a later date in order to maintain this aesthetic benefit. To avoid this issue, we may recommend going with a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown with an all porcelain collar.

All-Ceramic Crowns and Caps

The predominant material used for all-ceramic crowns today is either zirconia or other aluminous materials. They provide a metal-free aesthetic option with a number of benefits. Additionally, the elimination of the metal core allows the tooth to look more natural. All-ceramic crown materials continue to evolve in strength and durability, but caution should still be exercised for areas of the mouth requiring heavy function.

Gold Crowns and Caps

Although not as popular a treatment option for aesthetic reasons, gold crowns are still indicated in some instances. For example, patients with strong bites and those with para-functional habits (such as grinding or clenching) might be better served with gold crowns. This traditional restorative material can provide stronger support to the remaining healthy tooth structure. Gold crowns also offer a level of durability that is appropriate for teeth located in the back of the mouth like molars, where they will not be highly visible and where there is limited occlusal space. Gold crowns can also offer greater longevity and require less preparation than porcelain and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. When chewing, gold tends to be less abrasive to the opposing tooth than porcelain, which helps to prevent wearing of the teeth.

Dental crowns are a common solution for injured, discolored, or cracked teeth. They fit over the affected tooth and protect it from further damage. They can also fill the space left after dental extractions

The Role of Dental Crowns in Restoring Teeth

Dental crowns, also known as caps, are used to restore teeth that have been broken or are at high risk of breaking. They are typically constructed from noble alloys or porcelain and are needed if a significant portion of the tooth is missing.

When might a Dental Crown be Recommended?

• A previous filling has broken or fractured
• Too much of a tooth is lost to decay
• Extensive damage due to decay or breakage
• Tooth sensitivity
• Cosmetic purposes, such as discoloration
• Protection after root canal therapy
• Fractured or chipped surfaces.

The Process of Getting a Dental Crown

The process of getting a dental crown begins with a consultation with one of our dentists. During your first visit, they will prepare your tooth structure and take an impression of the prepared tooth. They will then place a temporary crown on the tooth and send the impression to a dental laboratory to fabricate the crown. At your next visit, the dentist will try-in the crown to ensure a good fit and then cement it in place.

When the procedure is finished, the crown will blend seamlessly with your teeth and restore your all-white smile. It will also return the strength that you need for comfortable oral function.

Here at Stonebrook Dental in North York, we offer crowns and bridge services to our patients. If you have missing teeth, please call us at (416) 636-4227 and book a consultation with our dentist to discuss your options.