Crowns and Bridges

Common Names for Crowns and Bridges

You may have heard different terms used to describe dental crowns and bridges, such as caps, porcelain jackets, or fixed partial dentures. Regardless of the name, they all serve the same purpose: restoring and enhancing your smile.

Who is Suitable for Crowns and Bridges?

If you have teeth that are too damaged to be restored with fillings or other types of restorations, crowns may be a viable option. Similarly, if you have missing teeth that need to be replaced, bridges can help restore your ability to chew and speak properly and prevent the remaining teeth from shifting out of position.

However, not everyone is a good candidate for crowns and bridges. Your dentist will evaluate your dental health, overall health, and aesthetic goals to determine your best treatment plan.

Benefits of Crowns and Bridges

• improve the appearance and functionality of your teeth
• protect the remaining teeth from further damage, decay, and infection
• restore your ability to speak and chew comfortably and confidently
• maintain the shape and structure of your face
• A crown protects and strengthens tooth structure that cannot be restored with fillings or other restorations.

Types of Crowns and Bridges

• Ceramic: These crowns and bridges are made entirely of porcelain and are the most natural-looking option. They are ideal for front teeth but may not be as durable as other types.
• Porcelain fused to metal (PFM): These crowns and bridges have a metal base with a porcelain coating. They are strong and durable, but the metal base may be visible at the gumline.
• Gold: Gold crowns and bridges are strong and durable, ideal for back teeth. However, they are not as aesthetically pleasing as other options.
• Zirconia: Zirconia crowns and bridges are made of a strong, biocompatible material resistant to cracking and chipping. They are also more natural-looking than metal-based options.

Full Porcelain Crowns

Family Dental Practice specialises in highly aesthetic porcelain crowns that can appear almost identical to natural teeth. Crowns are more durable and long-lasting than fillings, and porcelain crowns often give a more nuanced, natural look rather than using a composite resin material.

A crown may be recommended to you to:

• restore a tooth that is worn down or broken
• safeguard a weak tooth from breaking
• hold together a cracked tooth
• strengthen a tooth that has had large fillings or root canal treatment
• help place a dental bridge
• cover and support a dental implant
• improve the appearance of your smile

We work with highly skilled technicians and take comprehensive shade guides that account for the natural gradient of shading that appears in your existing teeth. The translucency of porcelain helps us achieve the appearance of natural teeth. Porcelain can be formed into a natural tooth shape, which we will match to the anatomical appearance of your existing teeth. This means your porcelain crown will seamlessly blend with your smile and be virtually undetectable.

Porcelain crowns are made of a biocompatible material, which means the material cannot cause an allergic reaction. For people sensitive to allergens, porcelain crowns are an excellent choice.

​​How is my Tooth Prepared for a Dental Crown?

Crowns require two appointments. At the first appointment, we take photographs and work with shade guides to ensure we match the colour and gradient of your natural teeth and take an impression of your natural teeth and a bite registration to see how your teeth meet together. Our dentist will then carefully shape the tooth, removing a small amount on the top and sides of the tooth to allow the cap to fit over the tooth. More impressions are taken, and then a temporary tooth-coloured crown is fitted. 

The crown prep appointment takes around an hour – if you have trouble sitting in the chair for long periods of time, we can use happy gas to make your visit more comfortable. The impressions are then sent to the laboratory, where they craft a highly realistic porcelain crown.

At the second appointment, the temporary crown is removed, and your porcelain crown is cemented. Your bite is carefully checked and adjusted if needed.

Aesthetic Crowns & Bridges

Aesthetic crowns and bridges, also known as porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) or metal-ceramic restorations, are made of a combination of porcelain and metal materials. They offer a balance between aesthetics and functionality, providing the following benefits:

• Aesthetic appearance that mimics the colour and shape of natural teeth while offering better durability and strength than full porcelain crowns.
• A stronger and more stable foundation that can withstand heavy biting forces and prevent fractures or chipping.
• Flexibility in design and customisation, allowing for different shades and levels of translucency to match the surrounding teeth.

Aesthetic crowns and bridges are suitable for patients needing restoration that can withstand high-pressure areas or grinding habits, such as molars or back teeth. They are also more cost-effective than full porcelain crowns, making them a popular choice for patients with budget constraints.

Family Dental Practice provides crown, bridge and implant work focusing on function and high aesthetics. We pride ourselves on restorative work that looks natural and blends seamlessly with your existing teeth.

We only use Australian-based local technicians and ceramists to ensure that all our restorations meet safety standards set out by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration.

Which One is Right for You?

The choice between full porcelain crowns and aesthetic crowns & bridges ultimately depends on your individual needs, preferences, and budget. Your dentist will evaluate your dental health, aesthetic goals, and functional requirements to recommend the best option for you. Factors to consider include:

• location and function of the affected teeth (e.g., front or back teeth, biting force, chewing habits)
• extent and severity of the damage or decay
• level of aesthetic and functional demands
• cost and insurance coverage

Alternative Options to Crowns and Bridges

While crowns and bridges are effective solutions for dental restorations, alternative options may be suitable depending on your needs. These include:

• Dental implants: Artificial tooth roots surgically placed into the jawbone to support a crown, bridge, or denture.
• Dentures: These are removable appliances that are used to replace missing teeth. They come in different types, including partial dentures and complete dentures.
• Dental bonding: A cosmetic procedure that uses a tooth-coloured resin to repair chips, cracks, and other imperfections in teeth.
• Veneers: Thin shells of porcelain or composite material placed over the front surface of the teeth to improve their appearance.

What to Do Before Crowns and Bridges Procedure? 

Before the procedure, your dentist will perform a comprehensive dental exam. They may also take x-rays and impressions of your teeth to create custom-fit crowns and bridges that match your natural teeth in shape, size, and colour. You may need to avoid certain medications and supplements that can increase bleeding, such as aspirin or fish oil, for a few days before the procedure. You should also avoid eating or drinking for a few hours before the appointment, wear comfortable clothing, and arrange for someone to drive you home afterwards.

What Happens During Crowns and Bridges Procedure? 

The procedure for crowns and bridges typically involves two visits to the dentist. During the first visit, the dentist will prepare the tooth or teeth that will receive the crown or bridge. This may involve removing a portion of the tooth's structure to make room for the crown or bridge. If the tooth is severely damaged or decayed, the dentist may need to perform a root canal before placing the crown.

Once the tooth or teeth are prepared, the dentist will take impressions of your teeth and send them to a dental laboratory where the crown or bridge will be custom-made. The dentist may place a temporary crown or bridge to protect the tooth while you wait for the permanent restoration.

During the second visit, the dentist will remove the temporary restoration and place the permanent crown or bridge. They will check the fit and adjust it as needed before cementing it in place.

What to Expect After Crowns and Bridges Procedure? 

After the procedure, you may experience some sensitivity, swelling or discomfort in the treated tooth or teeth. This is normal and can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers, ice packs, and a soft diet for a few days. You should avoid chewing hard or sticky foods for a few days and practise good oral hygiene to prevent infection or further damage to the tooth.

Prognosis of Crowns and Bridges

With proper care and maintenance, crowns and bridges can last many years, even up to 15 years or more. However, this depends on various factors, including the type of material used, the location of the crown or bridge in the mouth, and your oral hygiene habits. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are essential for maintaining the longevity of your crown or bridge.

Risks of Crowns and Bridges

As with any dental procedure, there are some risks associated with crowns and bridges. These may include:

• Infection
• Sensitivity
• Allergic reactions
• Damage to neighbouring teeth
• Crown or bridge failure

What if a Crowns and Bridges Procedure is Delayed?

If you need a crown or bridge but delay the procedure, the damage to your tooth or teeth may worsen, leading to more extensive and costly dental work. Additionally, delaying the procedure can cause pain, discomfort, and increased risk of infection. It's important to follow your dentist's recommendation for treatment and schedule the procedure as soon as possible.