Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry in Downtown Vancouver

Crowns and bridges solve two different problems: a crown protects one damaged tooth, while a bridge fills the space where a tooth is missing.

• Crown: a custom cap that covers a tooth weakened by a crack, a large filling or a root canal, restoring its strength and natural shape.
• Bridge: one or more replacement teeth held in place by crowns on the teeth on either side of the gap.

Both are crafted from porcelain or zirconia and shade-matched to your smile. Treatment usually takes two appointments: one to shape the tooth and take impressions, and one to bond the finished restoration. For downtown Vancouver patients with a cracked molar or a gap they have been putting off, we explain which option fits your bite, budget and timeline.

Some teeth fall in between. The damage is too large for a filling to hold up, yet a full crown would mean trimming away more healthy tooth than necessary. Inlays and onlays are made for exactly that middle ground. An inlay sits inside the grooves of a back tooth; an onlay extends over one or more of its cusps. Each piece is custom-made in a dental lab from porcelain or composite, then bonded firmly in place. The result is strong, conservative and closely matched to your natural tooth colour, and it can last many years with good care. If you have been told an old filling is failing, ask our downtown Vancouver dentists whether an inlay or onlay could save more of your tooth.

An implant crown is the final, visible part of a dental implant: the tooth you see when you smile. Here is how it comes together at Howe Dental in downtown Vancouver:

• Step 1: once your implant has fused with the jawbone, usually after a few months of healing, we attach a small connector called an abutment.
• Step 2: we take impressions and design a porcelain or zirconia crown shaped and shaded to match your neighbouring teeth.
• Step 3: the finished crown is secured to the abutment and adjusted for a comfortable, even bite.

You brush and floss it like a natural tooth, and the crown itself can't decay. Still planning your implant? Read about implant placement on our Oral Surgery & Periodontics page.

Missing several teeth affects more than your smile. Chewing gets harder. Speech can change. The face may begin to look sunken. Dentures address all three. Complete dentures replace every tooth in the upper or lower jaw, while partial dentures fill the gaps between remaining natural teeth and clip onto them for support, which also stops those teeth from drifting. We build each set from detailed impressions so it fits closely, feels secure and looks natural. Expect a short adjustment period while your mouth gets used to it; follow-up visits let us fine-tune the fit. For adults and seniors in downtown Vancouver looking for a removable, affordable way to replace missing teeth, dentures remain a dependable choice.

Picture this: a front tooth needs to come out, but your implant site needs months to heal. A temporary flipper can help maintain the appearance of your smile while your mouth heals and you prepare for a permanent tooth replacement. It is a lightweight, temporary partial denture that replaces one or two teeth. Made from an impression of your mouth, it clips onto the teeth beside the gap and slips out easily for cleaning. Flippers are affordable and quick to produce, which makes them a practical stopgap while you wait for an implant, a bridge or a permanent partial denture. They are not built for heavy chewing, so we will share a few simple tips for wearing yours comfortably until your final tooth is ready.

Your denture may need attention if it:

• Slips when you talk or eat
• Rubs and leaves sore spots on your gums
• Needs more adhesive than it used to
• Has a crack, a chip or a missing tooth

Gums and jawbone slowly change shape after teeth are lost, so even a well-made denture loosens with time. A reline reshapes the inside surface so it hugs your gums again, restoring comfort and grip; many dentures benefit from one every one to two years. We also repair cracked bases and replace broken or missing denture teeth. Bring your denture to our downtown Vancouver clinic and we will tell you whether it needs a quick repair, a reline or a replacement.

A loose lower denture is one of the most common frustrations among denture wearers, and implant-supported dentures are one of the most effective fixes. Instead of resting on the gums, an overdenture snaps onto two or more dental implants placed in the jaw. Implant-supported dentures offer improved stability and comfort when eating, speaking and smiling, helping patients feel more confident in everyday activities. Dental implants can help preserve the surrounding jawbone by providing support in areas where natural teeth have been lost. Overdentures can be removable for easy cleaning or fixed in place. If you live or work in downtown Vancouver and are tired of a slipping denture, an implant consultation is a smart next step.

Porcelain veneers offer one of the quickest routes to a dramatically refreshed smile. These wafer-thin, custom-made shells are bonded to the front of your teeth to conceal stubborn stains, chips, small gaps, worn edges, or teeth that are uneven in size or shape. The process typically takes two or three visits: we plan your shape and shade together, prepare the teeth as needed, and send impressions to a dental lab where each veneer is carefully crafted. Porcelain reflects light much like natural enamel and resists common stains from coffee and wine. With proper care, veneers can last 10 to 15 years or longer. Visit Howe Dental in downtown Vancouver to discover whether porcelain veneers are right for your smile.

Cosmetic dental crowns restore the appearance, shape and function of teeth that are damaged, heavily filled, discoloured or weakened. Unlike veneers, which cover the front surface, a dental crown fits over the entire visible portion of the tooth, providing protection while improving its appearance. At Howe Dental in downtown Vancouver, we offer custom-made porcelain and zirconia crowns designed to complement your natural teeth. Your dentist assesses the tooth, prepares it as needed, and takes impressions for a personalized restoration. Once ready, the crown is fitted and adjusted for a comfortable bite and natural-looking result. Whether you're restoring a single front tooth or improving several teeth, cosmetic crowns can help create a healthier, more balanced smile.

Coffee, tea, red wine and time can leave visible stains on your teeth. Professional teeth whitening at Howe Dental in downtown Vancouver helps brighten your smile by reducing discolouration more effectively than many over-the-counter products. Our dental team assesses your oral health and recommends an appropriate whitening treatment based on your goals and sensitivity levels.

• In-office whitening: Professional-strength whitening gel is applied under dental supervision to help achieve noticeable results, often within a single appointment. This option is especially convenient before weddings, special events or professional photos.

Before treatment, we check for cavities, gum irritation and existing restorations to ensure whitening is appropriate for you. Since crowns, veneers and fillings do not respond to whitening agents, we also consider these when planning your treatment.

Dental bonding is a simple, minimally invasive cosmetic treatment that can improve the appearance of chipped, stained, uneven or slightly spaced teeth. Your dentist applies a tooth-coloured composite resin directly to the tooth, carefully shapes it, hardens it with a special curing light and polishes it to blend naturally with your smile. Bonding can repair minor chips, reshape short teeth, conceal certain surface imperfections or close small gaps without requiring extensive dental work. Many treatments can be completed in a single appointment, often with little or no enamel removal. Compared with porcelain veneers, dental bonding is generally more affordable and easier to repair, although the material may stain or wear over time. At Howe Dental in downtown Vancouver, we help you determine whether bonding is the right option for your cosmetic goals.

A smile makeover combines personalized cosmetic dental treatments to improve the overall appearance, balance and harmony of your smile. Whether you're concerned about stained teeth, uneven edges, gaps, worn restorations or several cosmetic issues at once, Howe Dental in downtown Vancouver can help you explore a treatment plan tailored to your goals. Depending on your needs, a smile makeover may include porcelain veneers, cosmetic crowns, professional teeth whitening, dental bonding or Invisalign clear aligners. Your dentist begins with a comprehensive assessment of your teeth, gums, bite and facial proportions before discussing suitable treatment options. Some patients achieve their desired improvements with a single procedure, while others benefit from a combination of treatments completed over several visits. Our goal is to help you achieve a natural-looking smile that complements your appearance while maintaining your oral health.

Sometimes, even a small adjustment can make a noticeable difference to your smile. Tooth reshaping, also called enamel contouring, gently removes tiny amounts of enamel to smooth rough edges, correct slightly uneven tooth lengths, soften pointed teeth or improve minor irregularities. The procedure is usually quick, minimally invasive and often requires no local anaesthetic. Your dentist carefully evaluates your enamel thickness and tooth structure before recommending any changes, since enamel does not grow back once removed. Contouring can also be combined with dental bonding to improve tooth shape and create a more balanced appearance. At Howe Dental in downtown Vancouver, we provide personalized cosmetic assessments to help determine whether enamel contouring, bonding, veneers or orthodontic treatment would best address your concerns.

Gaps between teeth, particularly the front teeth, can affect the appearance of your smile and sometimes indicate underlying dental or bite concerns. Howe Dental in downtown Vancouver offers several cosmetic and orthodontic approaches to closing unwanted spaces. Small gaps may be corrected with dental bonding, which uses tooth-coloured resin to reshape the teeth, often in a single appointment. Porcelain veneers may be suitable when gaps occur alongside discolouration, worn edges or uneven tooth shapes. For larger spaces or multiple gaps caused by tooth positioning, Invisalign clear aligners may help gradually move teeth into better alignment. Your dentist will assess the size of the gaps, gum health, bite and overall tooth structure before recommending treatment. Our goal is to improve your smile while maintaining a natural appearance and healthy function.

Howe Dental in downtown Vancouver offers Botox treatments to help enhance facial aesthetics and address certain muscle-related concerns. Botox is an injectable treatment that temporarily relaxes targeted muscles, helping soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for a smoother, more refreshed look. Depending on individual needs, Botox may also be considered for certain dental-related muscle concerns following a clinical assessment. Your visit begins with a personalized consultation to discuss your goals, review your medical history and determine whether treatment is suitable for you. The procedure is minimally invasive, with little downtime for most patients. Results vary, and maintenance treatments may be recommended to help sustain your desired appearance. Our team will explain the procedure, expected outcomes and potential risks so you can make an informed decision with confidence.