Crowns and Bridges in Kitsilano, Vancouver

If you have one or two missing teeth or have a badly broken or fractured tooth, a dental bridge or crown can help restore your smile. Dental bridges and crowns are fixed prosthetic devices that can improve your oral health and overall appearance. However, these two have different purposes.

Learn about dental bridges and crowns and find out which of these our bridges and crown dentist in Kitsilano can recommend to give you a new smile.

What is a dental bridge?

If you have one missing tooth or up to two adjacent teeth, a dental bridge can help "bridge" the gap to complete your smile. A dental bridge uses at least 2 stable teeth on each side to fix it in place. These are called abutments. Then, the replacement tooth crowns, or pontics, fill the gap between these abutments. Depending on your case, a single dental implant may also be an alternative to replace a missing tooth.

The goal of our bridges dentist in Kitsilano is more than just to enhance your smile. Dental bridges also help maintain the health of the teeth adjacent to and opposite the missing spaces by preventing shifting and spacing. It also provides additional support for biting and chewing. With a complete set of teeth using a dental bridge, we can keep the jaws in optimal health and prevent possible bite problems.

What is a dental crown?

Meanwhile, a dental crown is essentially a cap placed over an already existing tooth. Because a crown is for complete coverage, it improves the functional strength, structural integrity, and overall appearance of the tooth. This is recommended if you have a tooth that has extensive decay or fracture; if you're unsure, see our guide on how to know if you need a crown. It is also the final restoration of choice for root canal treatment and dental implants.`

Types of Dental Bridge and Crown

At Arbutus Station Dental, we have several types of dental crowns and bridges for patients to choose from. We take into consideration the location of the tooth to be restored, the health of the gums, and our patient's smile goals.

These include:

• Porcelain fused to metal – the combination of two materials helps PFM crowns and bridges to be as strong as it is beautiful. Metal is the inner framework which provides strength, while porcelain makes up the outer surface for improved aesthetics.
• All-porcelain – for a crown or bridge to be placed on the front teeth or any area that is visible when you smile, all-porcelain is the ideal material as it looks the most natural. For purely cosmetic changes to front teeth, veneers may also be considered.
• Zirconia – lastly, for superior strength and a metal-free prosthesis, opt for zirconia. This material is known for its durability even with daily wear and tear.

Pricing for Dental Bridges

How much does a dental bridge cost?

A dental bridge in Vancouver typically costs $3,582 to $4,585 for a 3-unit bridge. This is a fixed prosthesis that "bridges" a gap between two teeth caused by a missing tooth. A traditional dental bridge comprises two abutments and a pontic in between. Abutments support the pontic or the artificial tooth in the middle. This 3-unit bridge will effectively fill any missing space to complete your smile.

Understanding Dental Bridge Prices

A dental bridge is recommended as a tooth replacement option for 1 – 2 adjacent missing teeth. Over the years, the market for dental bridges within the Canadian dental industry has steadily grown due to the increase in options for materials you can use. The most affordable material is porcelain-fused-to-metal, while zirconia can be the most expensive option.

As a tooth replacement option, the primary advantage of a dental bridge is the restoration of chewing and speech function. It also offers a natural replacement for tooth loss. And because the gap is filled with an artificial tooth, it prevents consequences such as shifting of teeth and bite problems.

When considering a dental bridge, it is essential to plan for the projected cost of your treatment. The cost typically starts at $3,388 and can increase depending on several factors. So, paying for your dental bridge requires careful planning. Depending on your case, dentures may also be discussed as an alternative.

Here are some considerations that go into the cost of a dental bridge.

Factors that Determine the Cost of a Dental Bridge

• Material Type: Metal-porcelain material is the most affordable option for a dental bridge. Meanwhile, zirconia, which offers superior durability, is the most expensive material.
• Number of Pontics: The more missing teeth to be replaced, the more expensive the treatment is.
• Other Procedures: If needed, a composite build-up can provide additional strength to the abutment. This will improve the long-term reliability of the abutment to support the dental bridge.

How Can I Pay for a Dental Bridge?

• Personal Funds: Arbutus Station Dental accepts dental bridge payments through cash, personal cheques, and debit or credit cards.
• Insurance: Dental insurance can cover some or all of your expenses for a dental bridge. But, it is important to go over your policy to determine your coverage.
• Canada Dental Benefit Program: While this government-sponsored initiative can cover dental treatments for those who are eligible, dental bridge is not considered as part of the service.

Contact Arbutus Station Dental

If you have a decayed, cracked, chipped, or missing tooth, our team at Arbutus Station Dental can help. After understanding your smile needs, we will schedule you for your tooth prep where our crowns and bridges dentist will reduce your tooth and ready it to receive the prosthesis. After a few appointments, you should be able to smile more confidently!

Book an appointment today to learn about the best type of dental bridge or crown for your smile goals!

Pricing for Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a tooth cap that covers the entire tooth. It helps to enhance the structural strength and improve the appearance of your tooth. Ideally, crowns are recommended if there is severe decay or a large fracture. It is also the final restoration of choice after a root canal.

Crown costs in Vancouver typically range from $1,431 – $1,753 per tooth. The cost varies depending on the amount of tooth left, the material to be used for your crown, and additional procedures needed. These are discussed before your crown treatment.

At Arbutus Station Dental, we follow the British Columbia Dental Association (BCDA) Fee Guide. This is a standard guide that lists dental treatments and their corresponding fees.

Dental Crown Pricing Table

Understanding Dental Crown Prices

A dental crown is what your dentist will recommend to save a tooth that has a large decay, fracture, or cavity. If there is a previous dental infection, a crown is advised after getting a root canal treatment — you can review our root canal cost in Vancouver.

Crowns improve the longevity of your tooth. They improve the strength of the existing tooth structure so you can use it for daily functions such as when you eat. It also enhances the appearance of your tooth making it more comfortable for you to smile, talk, and laugh.

There are a lot of factors that go into the pricing of a dental crown. The most significant one is the material for your restoration. With advancements in dental technology, crowns can now be made with all-porcelain or zirconia material. These look more natural and are more durable compared to the standard metal-porcelain material. But these benefits will come at a higher cost. For broader context on pricing, see why dental care can be expensive.

Factors that Determine the Cost of a Crown

• Crown Material: Traditional crowns are made from porcelain and metal. But if you want superior esthetics, you can consider an all-porcelain material. Zirconia can also be recommended for improved strength. These higher material standards can increase the price.
• Crown Build-up: If there is too little tooth structure left, a build-up is necessary to help support the crown. This is an additional cost on top of the crown itself.
• Crown Removal: Also, if you have an existing dental crown, your dentist will have to remove it first before getting a new one done. This is another expense on your end that will increase the total cost. Learn more about replacing a dental crown.

How Can I Pay for a Crown?

• Personal Funds: Arbutus Station Dental accepts several payment methods in the form of cash, personal cheques, and cards.
• Insurance: Some insurance plans may cover your dental crown expenses, whether partial or full. Contact your insurance provider to learn more about your coverage.
• Canada Dental Benefit Program: This government-sponsored initiative helps Canadians receive better access to dental care. If eligible, you can use this service to pay for your crown.

Frequently Asked Questions