Understanding Dental Crowns in Canada
A dental crown is a custom-made cover that fits over a tooth. Crowns restore strength, protect weakened teeth, and improve appearance. The best results come from a plan that’s built just for you—your bite, habits, smile goals, and overall health.
What is a dental crown and when is it used?
A dental crown is a custom cap that covers a damaged tooth. Dentists use it for cracks, big fillings, after root canals, or on implants. With scans and a personalized plan, it restores strength, looks natural, and protects long term.
What a Crown Does
A crown protects a tooth that’s cracked, worn, or weakened. It can also cover a tooth after a large filling or a root canal, or top a dental implant (the artificial root). Crowns restore chewing, protect against further damage, and blend with nearby teeth.
When a crown is recommended
Your dentist may suggest a crown if you have any of the following:
- A cracked or heavily worn tooth
- A very large filling that leaves thin or weak sides
- A tooth that had a root canal and needs protection
- A dental implant that requires a natural-looking tooth on top
- Cosmetic needs when other options aren’t enough
If you want a deeper dive into timing and reasons, learn more about when and why you need a dental crown.
Crown Materials and How We Choose
Crowns come in several materials. Each has strengths, and the right choice depends on your bite, where the tooth sits, and how you want it to look.
- Porcelain and ceramic: great for front teeth because they look very natural.
- Zirconia (a very strong type of ceramic): ideal when you need both strength and good looks.
- Metal (like gold or other alloys): extremely durable for heavy chewing in back teeth.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal: a blend of strength and appearance.
Matching the material to you
If you grind or clench (called bruxism), your dentist may recommend zirconia or metal and a night guard to protect your crown and natural teeth. If you’re focused on a perfect colour match up front, all-ceramic is often the pick.
Personalized Diagnostics and Planning
A one-size plan can miss important details. Your dentist should start with a full exam, digital X‑rays, and sometimes 3D imaging (CBCT, a three-dimensional dental scan) to find the true cause of the damage—such as grinding, decay, or a bite issue. This prevents quick fixes that don’t last.
Digital scanning and 3D design
With an intraoral scanner (a small camera that creates a 3D model), your dentist designs a crown that fits your tooth and bite precisely. This improves comfort, reduces gum irritation, and lowers the chance of plaque building up around the edges. It also cuts down on re-dos and extra visits.
Step by Step: The Crown Process
1) Exam and plan
Your dentist reviews your health, checks your bite, and discusses material choices, colour, and your goals. If you clench, play contact sports, or drink lots of acidic beverages, the plan will include steps to protect the crown.
2) Tooth preparation and a temporary crown
The tooth is shaped so the crown can fit. A comfortable temporary crown protects it while the lab makes your final crown. You’ll get simple tips to keep the area clean and avoid sticky or very hard foods during this stage.
3) Precision fabrication
A lab uses your scans to craft a crown that matches your bite and smile. Some clinics offer same‑day crowns with in‑office milling, depending on the case and material.
4) Fitting and cementing
Your dentist checks fit, contacts (how teeth touch), and your bite. Tiny adjustments make a big difference for comfort. When everything feels right, the crown is cemented in place.
“Oral health is a key indicator of overall health, well‑being and quality of life.” — World Health Organization
Comfort Options If You Feel Anxious
If dental visits make you nervous, tell your dentist. Many Canadians choose simple comfort supports such as numbing gel, noise‑canceling headphones, or short breaks. Some clinics also offer mild sedation (laughing gas) for an easier visit.
Crowns vs Veneers: How to Decide
Veneers cover the front surface for cosmetic changes. Crowns cover the whole tooth and add strength. If a tooth is cracked, has a large filling, or had a root canal, a crown is usually safer and stronger. Read more on deciding with your dentist about why you might need a dental crown.
Aftercare That Fits Your Life
Good care helps your crown last longer and protects the tooth underneath.
- Brush gently twice daily with a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Clean around the crown edges every day—use floss, floss threaders, or a water flosser.
- Avoid opening packages with your teeth, chewing ice, or biting pens.
- If you grind at night, wear your night guard to protect your crown and other teeth.
- Keep regular checkups so your dentist can spot early wear or gum issues.
Many Canadian dental benefit plans cover major services like crowns at about 50–70% when medically necessary (always check your specific plan). For durability tips, see this guide on how long dental crowns last.
Emma’s Story: A Personalized Crown That Feels Like Her Own
Emma, a 42‑year‑old teacher, cracked a back tooth on a popcorn kernel. She also clenched at night. Her dentist used a scan to map her bite, chose a strong zirconia crown (a hard ceramic), and adjusted the bite so the crown wouldn’t take extra force. Emma also got a custom night guard. At her checkup, she said chewing felt normal again, and the crown looked like the tooth she remembered.
Prevention and Whole‑Patient Wellness
Crowns work best alongside daily habits that protect teeth and gums. Limiting sugary and acidic drinks, using fluoride toothpaste, and staying on top of cleanings reduces the chance of decay sneaking in at the crown’s edge. Your crown is part of a larger plan to keep your mouth—and you—healthy.
Conclusion
A crown can restore strength, comfort, and confidence. The key is a plan that fits you: the right diagnosis, the right material, a precise fit, and aftercare you can actually follow. With that, a crown can serve you well for many years.
FAQ
Is getting a crown painful?
Most people feel little to no pain during the procedure. Your tooth and gums are numbed. Afterward, mild soreness is common for a day or two and is usually manageable with simple pain relief and saltwater rinses.
How long does a dental crown last?
With good care, crowns often last 10–15 years or more. Lifespan depends on the material, your bite, and habits like grinding or chewing ice. Regular checkups help catch small issues early.
What material should I choose?
Front teeth often suit porcelain or ceramic for a natural look. Back teeth sometimes need zirconia or metal for strength. Your dentist will match the material to your bite, habits, and smile goals.
Can a crowned tooth still get a cavity?
Yes. Decay can form where the crown meets the tooth. That’s why brushing, flossing, and regular cleanings matter. Fluoride toothpaste helps protect that edge (called the margin).
How do I care for my temporary crown?
Brush gently, avoid very sticky or hard foods on that side, and slide floss out instead of pulling up. If the temporary comes off, call your dentist. Keep it safe and bring it to your appointment.
Is a crown better than a veneer?
They do different jobs. A veneer is cosmetic and covers only the front. A crown covers the whole tooth and adds strength. If the tooth is weak or cracked, a crown is usually the better choice.
