Think of crowns like a protective helmet over weakened teeth. Besides a reduction in fracture risk, a dental crown can also improve the aesthetics of teeth by improving the shape, colour and length of your teeth. It can also close gaps between teeth and improve chewing capabilities. Bridges connect two crowns together.
Dental crowns are basically replacement caps for your teeth. The most popular types of crowns are made of porcelain, shaped and shaded to match your other teeth.
Bridges consist of two crowns connected with a tooth replacement in the middle. The function of a bridge is to replace a missing tooth/teeth. An ideal scenario where a bridge is indicated is when there is a missing tooth with both neighbouring teeth also requiring dental crowns.
When do I need a Dental Crown or Bridge?
If you have a broken tooth or otherwise have most of the tooth missing, such as after a root canal treatment, you most likely need a dental crown. They can also be used to strengthen a tooth if it is weak from breaking. Another reason would be to cover a tooth that is shaped badly.
Crown procedures are usually done over 2 visits: initial visit is when we remove decay and/or cracks and prepare the tooth to receive a crown. You will walk away from that appointment with a temporary crown. Your 2nd visit would be approximately 2-3 weeks away which allows time for our Australian trained dental technicians to fabricate/personalise your dental crown to your teeth.
What if I want to completely replace one or more teeth?
Alternatives to crowns and bridges are dental implants. Find out more about dental implants.
Maintenance and Aftercare of Bentleigh East Dental Crowns
Although nothing lasts forever, porcelain crowns and bridges should last for 10-15 years if they are well taken care of. Regular dental checkups are recommended and good dental hygiene such as brushing and flossing especially around the margins where decay is more likely to occur.
