Custom-Fit Aesthetic Crowns | Westgate Dental & Implant Centre
Are your teeth compromised by fractures, decay, or severe discolouration? The answer might lie in aesthetic crowns, often referred to as dental crowns, which are custom-made caps placed over damaged or decayed molars.
According to the Canadian Dental Association, caps have become more popular due to advancements in cosmetic dentistry. Studies indicate that over 70% of patients seeking restorations prefer an aesthetic crown with pleasing benefits.
For custom-made prostheses, turn to our clinic in Maple Ridge to maintain your beautiful smile. Let’s quickly address your issues and prevent further damage with our effective treatment options for a healthy mouth.
What are Aesthetic Crowns?
These are prostheses that encase a tooth, restoring its shape, size, and strength. Unlike traditional caps that may be made from metal or metal-based alloys, these are made from materials that resemble the natural appearance of molars and, at times, cover dental implants.
- Used to mend structures that are decayed, fractured, or worn down.
- Designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding natural teeth, addressing discolouration, irregular shape, or damaged tooth that affects our patients’ smiles.
Types
Porcelain
Made from a type of ceramic material known for its appeal—feldspathic porcelain, which is renowned for its translucency to mimic the natural appearance of tooth enamel.
- Ideal for visible anterior.
- Correct cosmetic issues such as discolouration, shape irregularities, or minor structural damage.
Ceramic Crowns
These are made from advanced ceramics—lithium disilicate or alumina. Lithium disilicate, for instance, is known for its high strength and aesthetics, while alumina is used for its durability and resistance to wear.
- Versatile and can be used for both front and back dentures.
- Lithium disilicate caps are suitable for areas subject to occlusal forces, such as molars.
Metal Crowns
These are fabricated from alloys, including gold, palladium, and other base metals. These are combined to achieve a balance of strength, durability, and biocompatibility.
- Used for molars and premolars—less commonly used for anterior due to their unnatural appearance.
- Ideal for our patients who require a long-lasting solution subjected to heavy biting forces.
Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia crowns are a high-strength ceramic material made from zirconium dioxide. It is used in both solid and layered forms, with the latter involving a layer of porcelain for improved appeal.
- Suitable for both front and back teeth due to their strength and appeal.
- Beneficial for areas that experience heavy chewing forces due to their strength and durability.
Hybrid
They combine materials such as zirconia or metal with porcelain or composite resin to leverage the strengths of each material for durability and aesthetics. It is used in various clinical scenarios, including both anterior and posterior teeth.
Fabrication and Placement Process
Consultation and Diagnosis
To prepare a denture for a cap, our dentist removes any decayed or damaged areas and reshapes the remaining structure by:
- Reducing in size to accommodate the thickness of the temporary crown material to ensure it fits properly and aligns with the adjacent teeth in a dental lab.
- In cases where some structure is missing, a build-up material is applied to create a solid foundation in the gum tissue. This is often done with composite resin or dental amalgam.
Our dentists in Maple Ridge begin by having a detailed patient history and a thorough oral assessment for a permanent crown. X-rays or Cone Beam Computed Tomography scans are employed to evaluate the tooth structure, root morphology of the entire tooth, and surrounding bone.
Questions We Ask Our Patients
Medical and Dental History
- Have you had any previous restorations or temporary caps?
- Do you have any allergies to metals or materials?
- Are you currently taking any medications?
Symptoms and Concerns
- Are you experiencing any pain or discomfort in the teeth requiring caps?
- Do you have any preferences regarding the material or appearance of the prosthetics?
Aesthetics
- Are there specific characteristics (colour, shape) you desire?
- Do you have any concerns about the visibility or aesthetics?
Oral Function
- Do you experience any issues with chewing or biting?
- Are there any teeth-grinding or clenching habits (bruxism)?
Tooth Preparation
To prepare a denture for a cap, our dentist removes any decayed or damaged areas and reshapes the remaining structure by:
- Reducing in size to accommodate the thickness of the temporary crown material to ensure it fits properly and aligns with the adjacent teeth in a dental lab.
- In cases where some structure is missing, a build-up material is applied to create a solid foundation in the gum tissue. This is often done with composite resin or dental amalgam.
Impression Taking
We then take an impression to create a mould. There are two primary methods for taking impressions in a dentist’s office:
Traditional Impressions | Using a rubber-like filling material (e.g., alginate or polyvinyl siloxane), a tray is filled and placed in the patient’s mouth to capture an impression of the prepared molar. |
Digital Impressions | Using intraoral scanners, digital impressions are taken to create a 3D model of the prepared molar. |
Design and Fabrication
Using the impressions or digital scans, the dental laboratory or CAD/CAM system designs the cap.
- Computer-aided design (CAD) software creates a digital model for precise customization of its shape, size, and contour.
- Materials such as porcelain, ceramic, or zirconia are selected based on clinical requirements and patient preferences.
They are fabricated using one of the following methods:
- A solid block of material is milled using a computer-controlled milling machine. This process creates a highly accurate and durable crown.
- May be produced using 3D printing technology, which involves layer-by-layer construction based on the digital model.
Before finalizing the crown, a try-in is conducted to ensure proper fit, occlusion, and esthetics. Our dentist assesses:
- If the crown is placed on the prepared tooth. We check for accuracy in fit and margins.
- If adjustments are made to ensure proper alignment with the opposing molars and do not interfere with normal biting or chewing.
- The colour and shape of the crown are evaluated to ensure it matches the adjacent natural dentition.
Final Placement
Once the final adjustments are made, the crown is ready for placement.
- The inside surface of the crown is coated with dental cement or adhesive. It is then positioned over the prepared tooth and pressed into place. The cement sets quickly, securing the crown firmly.
- After cementation, our dentist checks the fit and occlusion once more. We make any necessary final adjustments to ensure optimal comfort and function.
We advise our patients for proper care and maintenance of their new caps by:
- Standard brushing and flossing to maintain the health of the crown and surrounding area.
- Patients should avoid biting hard objects or grinding their teeth to prevent damage to the crown.
- Follow-up visits are scheduled to monitor the condition of the crown and ensure that it is functioning properly.
Curious About Its Benefits?
- According to a study published in the Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry, 93% of patients reported satisfaction with the appearance of their porcelain caps due to their natural aesthetics.
- Moreover, a five-year clinical study found that zirconia had a survival rate of 95%, demonstrating their long-term reliability.
- In terms of durability, a study published in the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry showed that lithium disilicate exhibited minimal wear over a three-year period.
- Prosthetics are also biocompatible. A medical review in the International Journal of Oral Science reported a 98% biocompatibility rate for zirconia, highlighting their safety for use in dental restorations.
But, the most rewarding of them all is enhanced self-esteem—the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics reported that individuals with improved dental aesthetics experienced a 30% increase in positive social interactions and perceived professional success.
Reclaim Your Smile with Dental Crowns
Aesthetic crowns are a cornerstone of cosmetic dentistry, offering benefits in terms of appearance, functionality, and oral health. Westgate Dental & Implant Centre leverages modern technologies for precise customization and optimal fit.
By choosing us, you benefit from our commitment to restoring your damaged dentition and preventing cavities to enhance your smile and improve your lifestyle. We mend cracked, worn, or discoloured teeth and other anterior and posterior restorations.
If you’re ready to transform your smile with aesthetic crowns, contact Westgate Dental & Implant Centre today to schedule a consultation. Let crowns restore your beautiful smile today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can aesthetic crowns be placed over a tooth that has had a root canal?
Yes, they are used to restore molars that have undergone root canal treatment. After a root canal, the tooth may be weakened and require additional support.
An aesthetic crown provides a protective cover that reinforces the tooth’s structure, restores its function, and improves its appearance. Due to their toughness, materials like zirconia and lithium disilicate are effective for these restorations.
What is the typical success rate of different types of aesthetic crowns?
- Zirconia has a reported survival rate of 95% over five years.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal has a slightly lower survival rate of around 90% over ten years.
- Lithium disilicate shows a survival rate of 98% over five years.
How does a dental crown affect bite and chewing efficiency?
They are designed to replicate natural functions, including bite and chewing efficiency. Well-fitted ones can restore up to 90% of natural chewing efficiency. Zirconia and lithium disilicate, in particular, are known for their high strength and resistance to wear. Both are effective for restoring both anterior and posterior.
How does the durability of aesthetic crowns compare to natural teeth?
Zirconia and lithium disilicate are highly durable but do not match the natural enamel’s resilience. Zirconia has a fracture toughness of 9 MPa·m^1/2 and can endure biting forces comparable to natural ones. However, natural enamel can withstand up to 350 MPa before fracturing.