At our Guelph dental practice, we continually strive to adopt advancements that enhance patient care and treatment outcomes. One of the most significant evolutions in restorative dentistry has been the integration of digital technology into the process of creating dental crowns. For our patients, this shift from traditional methods to a digital workflow means more than just convenience; it translates directly into a better-fitting, more durable, and aesthetically pleasing restoration. We see firsthand how these technologies are transforming the patient experience and elevating the standard of care for procedures like dental crowns.
Gone are the days of uncomfortable, goopy impression trays that could trigger a gag reflex. Today, we utilize sophisticated digital tools that allow us to design and fabricate crowns with unparalleled precision. This digital approach not only improves the final result but also streamlines the entire process, making it a more comfortable and efficient experience for our patients in Guelph. We believe that understanding these advancements helps you appreciate the quality and care that go into restoring your smile.
The Digital Impression: Precision from the Start
The foundation of a perfect crown lies in the accuracy of the dental impression. Traditional methods involve using a putty-like material to create a physical mold of your teeth. While this technique has served dentistry for decades, it has inherent limitations. The material can distort, and minor inaccuracies can lead to a crown that doesn’t fit perfectly, potentially causing discomfort or creating gaps where bacteria can accumulate.
We have moved beyond these older methods by adopting digital intraoral scanners. This technology allows us to create a highly detailed, 3D digital model of your teeth and gums in just a few minutes. The process is comfortable, fast, and remarkably precise.
How Intraoral Scanning Works
We use a small, handheld wand to scan the inside of your mouth. This device captures thousands of images per second and stitches them together to form a replica of your dental anatomy. You can even watch the 3D model of your mouth appear on the screen in real time. This process eliminates the guesswork and potential for error associated with physical impressions.
The Benefits of a Flawless Model
With a perfect digital blueprint, we can design a crown that fits against the prepared tooth and adjacent teeth with microscopic accuracy. This accuracy eliminates the tiny gaps that can occur with traditional crowns, ensuring a tight seal that protects the underlying tooth from decay. The precise fit also means a more comfortable and natural-feeling bite from the moment the crown is placed.
CAD/CAM Technology: Engineering the Perfect Crown
Once we capture the perfect digital impression, the next step is to design and mill the crown. This step is where Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) technology come into play. This powerful combination allows us to have complete control over every aspect of your new crown’s design, ensuring it meets our exacting standards for function and aesthetics.
The CAD software uses the 3D model from the intraoral scanner to create a virtual proposal for your crown. We meticulously refine the design, adjusting the shape, size, and contact points to ensure it integrates seamlessly with your bite and smile. This level of customization is simply not possible with traditional, manual fabrication methods. We can ensure the cusps and grooves align perfectly with the opposing teeth, preventing bite issues and promoting long-term oral health.
From Digital Design to Physical Reality
After we finalize the design, we transmit the digital file to our in-house CAM milling machine. This unit acts like a robotic sculptor, precisely carving the crown from a solid block of high-quality ceramic material. The milling process is incredibly accurate, replicating the digital design to within a few microns.
Material Strength and Longevity
The ceramic blocks used in CAD/CAM milling are fabricated under ideal industrial conditions, making them denser and stronger than materials layered by hand in a lab. Superior material strength means your new crown is more resistant to chipping, cracking, and wear. A digitally fabricated crown is designed to withstand the immense forces of daily chewing, providing you with a beautiful and durable restoration that can last for many years to come.
The Patient-Centered Advantages of a Digital Workflow
Adopting a fully digital workflow for dental crowns provides significant benefits that our patients notice and appreciate. The entire process becomes more efficient, comfortable, and predictable. For us, the most considerable advantage is seeing our patients leave with a restoration that not only looks great but we have engineered for optimal health and longevity.
The improved fit and function have a direct impact on the lifespan of the crown and the health of the underlying tooth. A perfectly sealed crown prevents bacteria from leaking underneath, which is a common cause of failure in older crowns. Furthermore, a perfectly balanced bite reduces undue stress on the crown, the opposing teeth, and your jaw joint.
The Beauty of a Single-Visit Crown
In many cases, our digital workflow allows us to offer same-day crowns. Because we control the entire process in-house, from scanning to milling, we can eliminate the need for a temporary crown and a second appointment. You can walk into our Guelph office with a damaged tooth and leave a few hours later with a permanent, custom-fitted ceramic crown.
A Better, More Informed Experience
Digital technology also enhances communication. We can display a 3D model of your mouth on a large screen, highlighting specific issues and explaining the treatment plan in detail. Seeing the virtual design of your new crown helps you understand the process and feel more confident in the care you are receiving. This collaborative approach empowers you to be an active participant in your own oral health journey.
Your Smile, Enhanced by Technology
At Bisson Dentistry, we are proud to combine our years of clinical experience with the latest digital tools to deliver exceptional results. The precision of intraoral scanning and the engineering power of CAD/CAM technology allow us to create crowns that offer a superior fit, enhanced durability, and beautiful aesthetics. We invest in technology that directly improves the health and well-being of our patients in Guelph. We believe this modern approach to restorative dentistry provides a level of quality and convenience that sets a new standard for patient care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns
How does a digital crown feel compared to a traditional one?
A digitally fabricated crown generally feels more natural from the start. Because the fit is so precise, there is often little to no adjustment period. The crown’s margins fit snugly against the tooth, and the biting surface aligns perfectly with your other teeth, so your bite should feel comfortable and balanced right away.
Is a same-day crown as strong as a lab-made crown?
Yes, and in many cases, it can be even stronger. Same-day crowns are milled from a solid block of high-strength ceramic that is manufactured under ideal conditions, making it extremely dense and durable. This monolithic structure is less prone to chipping or fractures that can sometimes occur with layered porcelain crowns made in a traditional lab.
At Bisson Dentistry, we have proudly served the Guelph community for the past 40 years, offering a comprehensive range of dental services in a caring and modern environment. We help our patients achieve and maintain optimal oral health through personalized care and advanced technology. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, please contact us.