Dental Crowns and Bridges Willetton

dentist checking if either dental crowns and bridges are needed

Dental Crowns and Bridges in Willetton

Restore the function and appearance of broken, missing or decayed teeth with custom crowns and bridges at Herald Avenue Dental Centre.

Dental Crowns

A crown is a tooth shaped covering made of ceramic, porcelain or precious metal that is permanently cemented on top of a tooth. It is usually used on teeth that have a very large filling and at risk of fracture. They are also often used on broken or discoloured teeth, as well as those that have had root canal treatments.

Reasons for Getting Dental Crowns

They are commonly used to:

Protect a weak or cracked tooth from breaking apart under the pressure of chewing.
Restore a tooth that is already severely broken, fractured, or worn down over time.
To support a tooth with a very large filling when there is little natural tooth structure remaining.
Strengthen and protect a tooth that has recently undergone a root canal treatment.
Act as strong anchors to hold a dental bridge securely in place.
Top and complete a newly placed titanium dental implant.
Cosmetically improve the appearance of deeply discoloured or poorly shaped teeth.

Types of Dental Crowns

The main kinds of crowns used in dentistry:

Ceramic – these crowns are made with porcelain which can be matched exactly with your original tooth colour and are highly aesthetic
Porcelain fused to metal – these crowns have underlying metal with porcelain veneered over the top
Gold alloys – a mixture of gold, copper and other metals make this crown strong, durable and fracture resistant

Process for Getting a Dental Crown

The process of getting a dental crown typically involves several steps, including tooth preparation, impressions, temporary crown placement (if needed), crown fabrication by a dental laboratory, and final cementation of the permanent crown onto the tooth.

Advantages of Dental Crowns

Crowns look just like your original teeth
Very high long term success rate
Restores the function of the tooth by replacing it’s missing or broken structure

Dental Crown FAQs

What exactly is a dental crown and why would I need one?

A dental crown is a custom-made protective cap that covers a damaged, decayed, or weakened tooth. You might need one to prevent a cracked tooth from breaking, to restore a tooth with a large filling, or to protect a fragile tooth after a root canal treatment.

How many appointments does it take to get a dental crown?

Getting a dental crown typically requires two visits. During the first appointment, we gently prepare your tooth, take detailed impressions, and fit you with a temporary crown. You will return a couple of weeks later once our dental laboratory has crafted your permanent crown so we can securely bond it into place.

Will the procedure to get a dental crown hurt?

Your comfort is always our top priority. We use local anaesthetics to completely numb the tooth and surrounding gums before we begin, so the procedure feels very similar to getting a standard filling. You may experience some mild sensitivity for a few days afterwards, but this subsides very quickly.

How long can I expect my new dental crown to last?

With daily brushing and flossing, along with regular checkups at our Willetton clinic, a high-quality dental crown can easily last between ten and fifteen years. Treating your crowned tooth just like a natural tooth is the best way to maximise its lifespan.

5 Year Warranty

At Herald Avenue Dental Centre in Willetton, all crowns and bridges are covered by a 5 year warranty. If your crown or bridge breaks, we will replace it free of charge*.

*Providing you’ve had regular maintenance appointments to check for any defects.

Dental Bridges

Bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth. They are made with porcelain, ceramic or precious metals and are fixed to the teeth either side of the gap. This requires shaping of the neighbouring teeth to allow the bridge to be permanently attached.

Reasons for Getting Dental Bridges

They are commonly used to:

Beautifully restore your complete smile by filling the gaps left by missing teeth.
Regain your full ability to chew your favourite foods and speak with complete clarity.
Help maintain your natural facial shape and prevent the premature sagging that occurs with missing teeth.
Properly distribute biting forces across your jaw, relieving unnecessary stress on your remaining teeth.
Prevent your remaining natural teeth from shifting, tilting, or drifting into the empty space.

Types of Dental Bridges

There are three main types of bridges used in dentistry:

Traditional bridges – a crown is attached to the teeth either side of a missing tooth/gap, with a pontic or replacement tooth in the middle.
Cantilever bridges – Used when the pontic is only attached to a crown on one side of a gap.
Maryland bonded bridges – the pontic is bonded onto the existing teeth on either side of the gap.

Process for Getting a Dental Bridge

The process typically involves an initial consult, tooth preparation, impressions, temporary bridge (if needed), bridge fabrication by a dental laboratory, and then final placement of the permanent bridge.

It’s important to note that the process may vary slightly depending on the type of bridge being used and the specific circumstances of your case.

Advantages of Dental Bridges

Bridges replace missing teeth, preventing the need for implants, a gap between teeth or having to wear a plate
Ceramic bridges look just like regular teeth
Very high long term success rate

Dental Bridge FAQs

What is a dental bridge and how does it actually work?

A dental bridge is a permanent restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth. It works by placing a custom artificial tooth in the empty space, which is anchored securely in place by dental crowns fitted over the healthy natural teeth or implants on either side of the gap.

Why is it important to replace a missing tooth with a bridge?

Leaving a gap in your smile can cause your remaining natural teeth to shift, drift, or tilt into the empty space, leading to bite alignment issues and jaw pain. A bridge prevents this shifting, restores your ability to chew your favourite foods, and helps maintain the natural shape of your face.

How do I clean and care for my new dental bridge?

While the artificial tooth itself cannot decay, the natural anchor teeth supporting the bridge are still vulnerable to cavities and gum disease. Our Willetton team will show you how to use special floss threaders or interdental brushes to effectively clean underneath the bridge and around your gum line to keep it healthy.

How many years does a dental bridge typically last?

A well-maintained dental bridge can last up to fifteen years or more. Its longevity depends heavily on the strength and health of the supporting teeth and gums, which is why maintaining excellent at-home oral hygiene and attending regular checkups at Herald Avenue Dental Centre is so important.

Herald Avenue Dental Centre

7 Herald Avenue, Willetton 6155

For appointments, information or dental emergencies:

CALL 9259 5774

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