Crowns and
Bridges
Crowns and most bridges are fixed restorative devices that replace missing teeth
Crowns and Bridges Melbourne CBD
Unlike removable appliances such as dentures, which you can take out and clean every day, crowns and bridges are fixed onto existing teeth or implants.
How do Crowns Work?
Crowns are used to cover or “cap” a damaged tooth. Besides strengthening a damaged tooth, crowns are used to improve their appearance, shape or alignment.
A crown can also be attached on top of a dental implant to provide a tooth-like shape and structure for full function.
Your Melbourne CBD dentist may recommend a crown to:
- Replace large fillings when there is not enough tooth structure remaining
- Protect a weak tooth from breaking
- Attach a bridge
- Cover a dental implant
- Cover a discoloured or poorly shaped tooth
- Cover tooth that has undergone root canal treatment
How do Bridges Work?
A bridge may be recommended by your dentist if you’re missing one or more teeth. The gap left by missing teeth may cause your remaining teeth to turn or shift out of place, which can lead to a bad bite.
The imbalance can also result in gum (periodontal) disease, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and other problems.
Dental bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth. They fill the space where the teeth are missing.
Bridges are bonded to the natural teeth or dental implants surrounding the empty space. The teeth called abutments, serve as anchors for the bridge.
A replacement tooth called a pontic is attached to the crowns that cap the abutments.
Your Melbourne CBD dentist can help you decide which restoration to use, based on the location of the missing tooth/teeth, its function, aesthetic preferences and cost.
Porcelain or ceramic bridges can be colour-matched to your natural teeth.
How are Crowns and Bridges Made?
Before either a crown or a bridge is made, the tooth/teeth must be reduced in size so that they can fit over it properly.
After reducing the tooth/teeth, your Melbourne CBD dentist will take impressions to provide an exact mould for the crown or bridge.
If porcelain is to be used, your Melbourne CBD dentist will determine the correct shade for the crown or bridge to colour-match your natural teeth.
Using the impression, a dental lab makes your crown or bridge, in the material your Melbourne CBD dentist specifies.
A temporary crown or bridge will be attached to cover the prepared tooth while the permanent crown/bridge is being made in the dental lab.
When the permanent crown/bridge is ready, the temporary crown/bridge is removed, and the new restoration is cemented over your prepared tooth or teeth.
How Long do Crowns and Bridges Last?
To prevent damage to your new restoration, avoid chewing on hard foods, ice or other hard objects.
While crowns and bridges are made durable and long-lasting, they do sometimes come loose or fall out due to several reasons.
The most important measure you can do to ensure the longevity of your crown or bridge is to practice good oral hygiene.
A bridge can lose support if the teeth or the bone holding it in place are damaged by dental disease.
Keep your teeth and gums healthy by brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste twice a day and flossing daily.
Also, see your Melbourne CBD dentist and hygienist regularly for check-ups and professional cleaning.
Crowns and Bridges in Melbourne CBD
Finding your perfect smile shouldn’t be difficult.
There are many different types of dental restorations out there for you to choose from, including crowns and bridges.
Your Melbourne CBD dentist at Art De Dente will work closely with you to find the perfect match for you.
Call us on (03) 9642 8955 or request an appointment online.
We are located at Level 17, 190 Queen Street in Melbourne CBD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will people be able to tell if I have a dental crown or bridge on my teeth?
How long do crowns and bridges last?
On average, fixed restorations lasts 7-15 years.
This time can be reduced if you do not clean the teeth properly and allow gum disease or dental decay to affect the teeth.
Also, trauma can damage restorations in the same way it damages natural teeth.
Who is a good candidate for crowns and bridges?
Since they are only artificial coverings, the inner parts of the tooth have to be healthy to support it.
Your Melbourne CBD dentist must examine the insides of the tooth using X-rays to confirm that the tooth is healthy enough for crowns and bridges.
Patients who have root canal treatment are also candidates for crowns and bridges.