Dental Crowns and Bridges
Crowns and Bridges restoring strength, integrity and function to your teeth.
Dr Chris Hart Prosthodontist offers dental crowns as part of our restorative dental treatments. A dental crown, also called a ‘cap,’ may be needed when a tooth has suffered damage, decay, or trauma and a regular dental filling will not suffice. A crown can restore strength, integrity and function to a tooth.
A dental crown may also be used for cosmetic purposes. It has the capability to completely transform the aesthetics of a smile. These include changing the shape of a damaged, discoloured or misshapen tooth, or covering a dental implant to discreetly and seamlessly fill the gap left by the previously missing tooth.
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a ceramic restoration which covers the entire visible surface of the damaged or weakened tooth. Each dental crown is carefully designed, shaped and coloured to match your existing teeth. A well designed crown will complement your smile.
What is a dental crown made from?
A dental crown is usually made from porcelain. Sometimes they may have a metal frame for extra support and strength. All ceramic crowns are fast becoming a popular option. They are durable and can be colour-matched to your existing teeth to create a natural-looking result. Gone are the days when dental restorations had to be noticeable and unsightly.
Most of our ceramic crowns are made in our state-of-the-art laboratory. Our technicians are skilled in traditional artisan techniques as well as making full use of CADCAM technologies.
How long does a dental crown procedure take?
The treatment procedure for dental crown usually takes two appointments. In your first appointment, your tooth will be prepared and shaped for the crown. A temporary crown is usually made to protect the tooth and keep you smiling. This ensures both that the crown will stay secure, and that it doesn’t look bulky or unnatural. Molds will then be taken of your teeth to be used by the on-site laboratory when they custom-create your dental crown.
Dr Chris Hart always works closely alongside his patients to decide the shape and colour of the crown based on the surrounding teeth. This is to ensure that cosmetic (as well as functional) needs are met.
The next appointment is usually two to three weeks later to ensure the laboratory has time to meticulously create and perfect your crown. Dr Chris Hart will provide you with a temporary crown between appointments, both to protect the shaped tooth and for cosmetic reasons.
When you return, small colour or shape changes may be made to your preference and the crown will be fitted and secured.
Is a crown permanent?
A dental crown is not technically permanent, though they certainly are long-lasting. Your mouth constantly endures many different conditions, temperatures and pressures every day and certain combinations of these can cause dental crowns to become dislodged, damaged or to need to be replaced. It is therefore difficult to say how log your particular crown will last. If looked after properly, a dental crown can last over 30 years.
Dental Bridges
Dr Chris Hart Prosthodontist offers dental bridges as an effective and conventional way to replace one or more missing teeth.
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed form of tooth replacement. They are made from two or more crowns fused together and connected to the adjacent existing teeth. It is, as the name suggests, a ‘tooth-bridge’. Acting as ‘anchors’, the two outer teeth are capped to secure the middle ‘bridge’ tooth (the tooth over the gap) in place. The design is an effective and efficient way to replace missing teeth, or to fill the gap left by a missing tooth.
What are dental bridges made from?
Dental bridges are made using fused crowns, so are generally made of porcelain or ceramic, or of porcelain fused to metal.
What types of dental bridges may be recommended?
There are several types of bridges to suit each individual case:
- A conventional fixed bridge (the bridge is secured by the two adjacent teeth)
- A cantilever bridge (the fake tooth is supported by just one anchor tooth)
- A Maryland resin-bonded bridge (the fake tooth is supported by two wing-like structures secured behind the adjacent existing teeth)
Dr Chris Hart will assess each individual case thoroughly and with the utmost levels of care to determine the best option, and select the material and aesthetic for your mouth.
Can a dental bridge be removed? Is a dental bridge permanent?
Much like dental crowns, dental bridges aren’t permanent, but are long-lasting if cared for properly. Certain factors can damage your dental bridge, but your prosthodontist will walk through its proper care with you.
A dental bridge cannot be removed by anyone other than a dental professional, as it is securely bound to your existing teeth. There is generally no need to have a bridge removed, as it has been custom designed for your mouth and should fit comfortably.
If you are interested in dental crowns or dental bridges, or just want to find out more, please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team: 03 9663 5264.