Dental Crowns and Bridges in NE Calgary

What Are Dental Crowns and Bridges?

Crowns and bridges are restorative dental treatments used to repair or replace damaged or missing teeth. A crown is a custom-made cap that fits over a weakened or decayed tooth to restore its shape, strength and appearance. A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring to the adjacent natural teeth or to implants.

At Rundlehorn Smiles Dental in NE Calgary, our dentists use dental crowns and bridges to help you regain the full function and confidence of a complete, healthy smile. Each one is custom-crafted to match the colour and contour of your existing teeth, so it blends in and feels natural when you chew and speak.

Benefits of Dental Crowns and Bridges

• Restores tooth function: Crowns and bridges help you chew, speak and smile comfortably by replacing missing teeth or reinforcing damaged ones.
• Blends naturally with your smile: Each crown or bridge is custom-crafted to match the colour and contour of your existing teeth for a seamless appearance.
• Prevents shifting of surrounding teeth: Bridges fill the gap left by missing teeth, helping maintain the proper alignment of your natural teeth.
• Long-lasting with proper care: Made from durable materials, crowns and bridges can last many years with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits.

How Dental Crowns Work

A crown covers the entire visible part of a tooth above the gumline. It is most often used to protect a tooth that is too damaged for a filling, such as a tooth with a large cavity, a crack, heavy wear or a weakened structure after a root canal.

Your dentist reshapes the tooth slightly to make room for the crown, takes an impression of it and sends the design to a dental lab, where your crown is custom made. A temporary crown protects your tooth while you wait, and the permanent crown is then fitted and bonded in place.

How Dental Bridges Work

A bridge is made of one or more replacement teeth joined to crowns on the natural teeth or implants on either side of the gap. The crowns hold the bridge in place, and the replacement tooth fills the space.

A bridge restores your ability to chew and speak, fills the visible gap in your smile and stops the neighbouring teeth from drifting into the space over time. Your dentist checks that the teeth or implants on each side are strong enough to support it before recommending a bridge.

Signs You May Need a Crown or a Bridge

You may need a crown if you have:

• A large cavity that is too big for a filling
• A cracked, chipped or badly worn tooth
• A tooth that has had a root canal and needs protection
• An old filling that is failing or has left the tooth weak

You may need a bridge if you have:

• One or more missing teeth
• Trouble chewing or speaking clearly because of a gap
• Neighbouring teeth that have started to lean into the gap

Crown, Bridge or Implant?

A crown protects a tooth you still have. A bridge and a dental implants both replace a missing tooth, but in different ways. A bridge relies on neighbouring teeth for support and is usually completed sooner. An implant replaces the tooth root itself and does not depend on the teeth beside it. Full or partial dentures are another option when several teeth are missing.

The right choice depends on your gums, your bone, the health of the nearby teeth and your budget. We look at each of these, explain the options and costs clearly, and help you choose without pressure.

What Is Included in Your Treatment

• An exam and X-rays to check the tooth, the roots and the bone
• A discussion of materials, colour and your options
• Local numbing so the treatment stays comfortable
• Preparation of the tooth or teeth that will hold the crown or bridge
• A digital impression or mould for your custom restoration
• A temporary crown or bridge to protect your teeth while the permanent one is made
• Fitting, bite check and adjustment of your permanent crown or bridge
• Clear aftercare instructions and a written estimate before treatment begins

What to Expect at Your Visits

1. Exam and plan. We examine the tooth, take X-rays, explain your options and give you an itemised estimate.
2. Preparation visit. We numb the area, prepare the tooth, take an impression and place a temporary crown or bridge.
3. Lab work. Your custom restoration is made to match your natural teeth.
4. Fitting visit. We remove the temporary, check the fit, colour and bite, and bond your permanent crown or bridge in place.
5. Follow-up. We check that everything feels comfortable and show you how to care for it.

Most crown and bridge treatment takes two visits, plus the lab time in between.

Caring for Your Crown or Bridge

A crown or bridge needs the same care as your natural teeth. Brush twice a day and floss daily, and use floss threaders or interdental brushes to clean under a bridge. Avoid chewing ice, hard candy or other very hard foods, and let us know if you grind your teeth at night, because a night guard can protect your restoration. Keep up with regular checkups so we can catch small problems early. If a crown feels loose or your bite feels off, call us at 403-300-2233.

Why Choose Rundlehorn Smiles Dental for Crowns and Bridges

• Four general dentists who explain the why before the what, with no pressure
• Custom crowns and bridges matched to the colour and contour of your teeth
• Most cases completed in-house
• Clear, itemised quotes and flexible payment plans
• Sedation options and a calm pace for anxious patients
• Open seven days a week: Monday to Saturday 8 AM to 8 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM
• Participating CDCP provider with direct billing to most major insurers

Related Treatments

• Dental Fillings: Repair smaller cavities before a crown is needed.
• Root Canal Therapy: Save an infected tooth, often followed by a crown for protection.
• Dental Implants: Replace a missing tooth root without relying on neighbouring teeth.
• Dentures: Replace several missing teeth with a removable option.

Cost of Dental Crowns and Bridges in NE Calgary

The cost of a crown or bridge depends on the material, the number of teeth involved and your individual case. A bridge costs more than a single crown because it replaces more than one tooth. After your exam, we give you a written, itemised estimate before any treatment begins.

We direct bill most major insurers, including Alberta Blue Cross, Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield Canada, Desjardins and iA Financial Group. Many private plans cover part of the cost of crowns and bridges. We are also a participating provider for the Canadian Dental Care Plan, and our team checks your coverage before treatment so you know your portion in advance. Flexible payment options are available. Call us at 403-300-2233 for a personalized quote.

Frequently Asked Questions