CROWNS AND BRIDGES GOLD COAST & BRISBANE

Crowns and Bridges

Change the look and functionality of your teeth, using dental crowns and bridges to recreate your smile.

What is a dental crown and bridge?

Dental crowns and bridges are both prosthetic devices that are attached to existing teeth in the mouth. They can be used to cover (‘cap’) a damaged tooth or to fill a gap of one-to-several teeth, respectively.

Dental crowns and bridges can provide both cosmetic and functional improvement to the mouth.

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a small cover for an existing tooth. It completely covers the surface and changes its appearance, strengthens the tooth and improves its functionality.

Porcelain or ceramic crowns are a popular choice for the visible front teeth. They can be colour-matched to the existing teeth to achieve a natural result. Your dentist may also suggest an alternative gold alloy option, which is less subtle, but more durable, for a crown on the back teeth.

Is a dental crown necessary?

You may need a crown if you:

A tooth that has decayed, or lost a significant portion of its original structure can become increasingly weak and sensitive, even if a filling has been used. In this case, a dentist may recommend a crown to strengthen a significantly decayed tooth before it collapses.

A dental bridge requires two ‘anchor’ teeth to hold the bridge in place. To do this, the anchor teeth are capped to hold the entire device in place.

A dental implant is essentially an artificial tooth root, used when a tooth has been removed, or has fallen out without a replacement. A dental implant is a titanium screw-like structure, that requires a surgical procedure to insert and secure it in to the jaw. To make it look like a tooth rather than a small metal rod, a crown can be placed over the implant.

A tooth that has undergone root canal therapy is weakened and is more susceptible to damage. Some patients opt to have a crown put on the affected tooth, to strengthen and restore it.

A dental crown can be used for purely cosmetic purposes. Unlike veneers that cover only the front of the tooth, a dental crown covers the entire exposed section of the tooth. Dental crowns can be designed and shaped to create the desired look.

What is CEREC Crown?

Conventional crowns need two trips to a dental practice, but with our advanced CADCAM technology, you can receive your new crowns on the same day in just a single visit. There is no need for a second appointment and no need to wear a temporary crown. Instead, your new crown will be precision-made while you relax in the dental chair. This doesn’t take very long so you will soon be on your way with a beautiful new crown firmly in place.

Our practice has a CEREC machine that allows us to custom-design and make restorations while you wait. Your tooth is prepared as normal, but instead of having a conventional tray impression, your tooth is scanned with a tiny camera, taking many images each second. These images create a virtual 3D model of your teeth so our dentist can design your crown. Next, it is made by our on-site milling machine from a solid block of pre-shaded porcelain, utilising sophisticated CADCAM technology. After being hand-finished, it is ready to be fitted.

What is a dental bridge or ‘tooth bridge’?

A tooth bridge or dental bridge is quite literally as the name suggests; a tooth ‘bridge’ between two existing teeth across an area of missing teeth. The ‘anchors’ of the bridge are dental crowns placed on to the two existing teeth at either end, with one or more false, ‘abutment’ teeth that are creating the bridge between them.

How is a dental bridge applied?

There are three main steps to achieving your new, functional smile.

The first and perhaps most important step is the initial consultation with your dentist. They will assess and examine your mouth for any problems and discuss the types of dental bridges that are available.

The second step involves taking moulds and impressions of the teeth. These will be used to create the dental bridge. The existing teeth surrounding bridge will be prepared to have the crowns placed and temporary crowns will be applied.

Once the bridge has been made, it is time for it to be placed and for your new smile to emerge. The dental bridge will be bonded carefully on to the surrounding teeth, ensuring that it is comfortable, functional and aesthetically pleasing.

To make a dental crowns and bridges appointment with Complete Dental in Coorparoo or Elanora, please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team!