Dental Crowns in Coquitlam, BC, Canada
A Prosthodontist Working With
Lifelike IPS e.max® and Zirconia
- Award-Winning Prosthodontist
- e.max + Zirconia Materials
- 9-Language Team
- Evening & Weekend Hours
“Just had my crown done at Vitacare Dental Centre. Dr. Vanessa Lee and Ellie are very professional, gentle, and care. This is the best dental experience for me.”
— Victoria, 5-Star Review
Why Patients Choose Vitacare Dental Centre for Dental Crowns
Prosthodontist-Led Crown Work
Crown work is the core of prosthodontic specialization. Dr. Vanessa Lee is an award-winning prosthodontist, the post-doctoral specialty for fixed prosthodontics (crowns, bridges, veneers). When the case is straightforward, Dr. Alex Wong handles routine crown placement; when the case is intricate, Dr. Lee's training is part of the standard of care here.
The Right Material for Your Tooth
Most of our crowns feature IPS e.max® or zirconia, the two materials that combine durability with natural appearance. Gold and all-ceramic options serve specific cases. Digital iTero impressions replace the goopy tray for a more comfortable and accurate fit. We talk through trade-offs and recommend the material that fits your tooth, not a single default.
We Handle Insurance Paperwork
Crown work shouldn't stall over paperwork. We accept assignment of insurance and most major plans, and we offer flexible financing for the balance, so the money side stays as simple as the clinical side.
What Dental Crowns Cost at Vitacare Dental Centre
Price is the single most common reason patients delay or avoid crown work. Our posture is to make the financial side as frictionless as the clinical side. We take assignment of insurance, which means we file the claim with your insurer directly and accept the insurance payment on your behalf. You see and pay the co-pay; we handle the back-and-forth with the insurance company, so you can focus on the appointment, not the claim form.
Flexible Financing
If you do not have insurance or need more help managing your out-of-pocket expenses, we are happy to discuss flexible monthly payment plans that fit your budget without pushing the work out further than it needs to go.
How Dental Crowns Work
A dental crown is a custom-made tooth-shaped cap. It is used to cover a tooth that has been severely damaged, decayed, or weakened, restoring both appearance and function. The crown wraps the entire visible portion of the tooth down to the gumline, which protects the underlying structure and lets you bite and chew normally again.
Dental Crown Materials:
Understanding Your Options
When you need a crown at our practice, your dentist in Coquitlam, BC, Canada, will take the time to discuss the material options with you. We use e.max and zirconia for most crowns; both are tooth-colored, strong, and well-suited to long-term wear. Gold crowns are still the right answer in certain situations (typically second molars where bite force matters more than aesthetics), and all-ceramic options serve the front-of-mouth aesthetic standard when maximum natural-tooth match is required.
We do not default to a single material for every patient. The choice is yours to make with our guidance, and we will walk through the pros and cons of each option for your specific tooth, your bite, and your goals.
The Dental Crown Procedure
Here's what to expect from the dental crown process at our Coquitlam, BC, office,
from your first consultation through placing the finished crown:
The Benefits of Dental Crowns
Porcelain dental crowns have numerous cosmetic and restorative benefits. Our dentists discuss every option with you during your consultation.
Preserve Your Natural Tooth
Crowns can be an alternative to tooth extraction. Instead of removing a damaged tooth, our dentists can place a crown to preserve the underlying natural tooth structure for years to come. When a tooth cannot be saved, we transition the case to implant dentistry.
Long-Lasting Results
If you practice good oral hygiene and regularly see your dentist in Coquitlam, BC, for checkups and cleanings, your crown can last for many years. The lifespan depends on the material, the bite force on the tooth, and the consistency of daily care.
Resembles Natural Tooth Structure
Today's dental crowns use lifelike porcelain that is virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth. Strangers will not know which tooth has the crown, and you can smile, eat, and speak with full confidence.
Implant-Supported Dental
Crowns for Single-Tooth
Replacement in Coquitlam
In the past, a dental bridge was the primary option for single-tooth replacement. Rather than relying on the adjacent teeth as a bridge does, an implant-supported crown anchors directly into the jawbone, preserving the surrounding teeth and the underlying bone structure. Learn more about our dental implant options.
Unmatched Stability
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is surgically anchored into the jawbone. After the implant has integrated with the bone, a custom crown is attached to the implant via an abutment, which gives the restoration the same bite strength as a natural tooth.
Realistic Appearance
The single-tooth restoration is crafted to closely resemble your surrounding natural teeth. When done well, an implant-supported crown looks and feels like the tooth that used to be there.
We Ensure Your Total Comfort
Despite common misconceptions, getting a dental crown is no more painful than getting a filling. It is a minor procedure that is relatively comfortable with the help of local anesthesia.
Nevertheless, we understand that some patients experience higher levels of sensitivity and discomfort than others. That is why we offer sedation dentistry. Sedation is administered before a dental procedure to induce a state of relaxation and mild drowsiness. It is designed to help patients overcome anxiety, low pain tolerance, and other obstacles that cause them to avoid the dentist.
If you believe sedation can help you feel more comfortable, please ask about your options during your consultation at our Coquitlam practice.
How Long Will My Dental Crowns Last?
The lifespan of a dental crown can vary from patient to patient. Since our crowns are made with the latest materials and bonded by experienced dentists, most patients can expect their crowns to last for many years with proper care. Material choice, bite force on the tooth, and consistency of daily care all factor into the outcome.
Dental Crown Replacement
The replacement process is similar to the initial crown procedure.
The old crown must be removed first. Your dentist will then examine the underlying tooth structure that's been capped and do any additional prep work as needed.
A new impression will be taken of the tooth structure to create the new dental crown. Even if no underlying tooth structure is altered, we'll still take this impression just to ensure the best possible comfort and stability for the new custom restoration.
Once the replacement crown is crafted, you'll return to our Coquitlam dental office to have the permanent crown placed. We'll take special care to ensure comfort and fit before your dental appointment is done.
Alternatives to Dental Crowns
Inlays and Onlays
If your teeth are seriously damaged or decayed but you still have a good amount of healthy structure, inlays or onlays may be the best option. These restorations are used to replace the cusps of the teeth, reducing pain while improving your ability to bite and chew.
Veneers
Veneers are a cosmetic dentistry procedure that can mask all kinds of imperfections that affect the front teeth. Veneers will only be used to treat chips and cracks that are aesthetic in nature rather than damage that compromises overall tooth structure.
Dental Bridges
If an implant-supported crown is not preferred to treat tooth loss, a traditional bridge may be the next best option. Bridges use dental crowns to cover the teeth adjacent to the tooth gap, and support an artificial replacement tooth in between.
Dental Crown FAQ
Can you whiten a dental crown?
Porcelain, IPS e.max, and other natural-looking materials we use to make crowns cannot be altered in color after they are made. On the upside, these materials are less porous than tooth enamel, making your crown resistant to stains and discoloration. However, if you are unhappy with the current shade of your teeth, it is important to undergo teeth whitening, a popular cosmetic dentistry treatment, prior to getting your crown to ensure the proper color consistency. Our Coquitlam practice can whiten your teeth and color-match your crown to create a beautiful, brighter smile.
Can dental crowns get cavities?
It is not possible for your crown itself to get a cavity. However, the underlying tooth is still susceptible to decay and infection. This can occur when bacteria accumulate around the tooth and spread underneath the edges of your restoration. You can prevent this by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing with extra care around your crowned tooth.
What should I do if my crown is damaged or falls off?
Accidents can happen, and they can affect the structure or stability of a dental crown. If your crown is damaged or comes loose, be sure to contact our Coquitlam dental practice. We can attempt to reattach the loose crown or place a temporary fix while we work on a replacement crown.
Can I still get Invisalign if I have a crown?
Yes, you can still undergo Invisalign® clear aligner treatment if you have a dental crown or multiple crowns. The aligners will still be able to gradually improve the position of your teeth regardless of your dental restorations.
