Crowns & Bridges

Crowns and Bridges – Brisbane Southside dentist

As you get older, you may find that, like the rest of your body, your teeth are subject to wear and tear. Missing teeth, broken fillings, discoloured teeth, extensive decay and cracked teeth are just some of the issues that can lead to large scale problems and discomfort if left untreated.

What is a crown?

If the surface of your tooth is severely damaged, but the root system is still intact, a crown may be the best solution to save your tooth.

A crown is commonly used in the restorative dentistry (fixing problems) as well as in cosmetic dentistry (making your smile look its best) because it does both functions.

Not only does a crown restore the structure of damaged, chipped and decayed teeth, it also cosmetically enhances the appearance of the tooth, by resurrecting a life-like tooth of natural colour, form and function.

Are crowns the same as caps?

Crowns are sometimes referred to as ‘caps’. However, many patients don’t realise that these ‘caps’ are simply white fillings.

Full crowns are usually made of full porcelain, porcelain fused to a metal inner layer, or full metal. Porcelain fused to metal crowns have been the “gold standard” for a number of years, however, full porcelain crowns are now becoming more popular, as this technology improves.

The crown or ‘cap’ fits over a carefully prepared existing tooth. Single crowns are advised when a large portion of the tooth has been damaged by decay.

Full porcelain crowns have the ability to replicate natural tooth structure in form, function and appearance.

Which crown option and material is best for me?

With so many options when it comes to crowns it is best to discuss these options with your dentist and together decide which material would be most suitable for you and your budget.

What is a bridge and how is it different to a crown?

Whilst crowns are effective for restoring a damaged tooth, bridges might be the right option for you if you are missing a tooth.

A bridge is a custom device that is anchored to adjacent teeth and can replaces one or more missing teeth.

Why involve neighbouring teeth with a dental bridge?

Losing a permanent tooth, whether it’s due to dental decay, gum disease or trauma, can cause serious issues to neighbouring teeth.

The remaining teeth may begin to shift, due to altered forces which might cause further spacing. The surrounding teeth may also deteriorate faster, due to the increase in load on them. A bridge helps to replace the space, by re-distributing the biting load and stabilising the teeth again.

The replacement tooth (or teeth) and crowns are fabricated and placed in the mouth as a single non-removable unit, called a fixed bridge.

Considering a dental crown or bridge?

If you have damaged teeth but want to keep them or are looking for an affordable way to replace a missing tooth then a crown or bridge might be the right solution for you. We are here to help you understand the options available to you, the pros and cons of each option and which solution would suit you and your budget.

Call us today on 3343 2100 or book your appointment online. If you have questions about crowns or bridges, we are more than happy to help. Contact us, chat with us online or get a quote today.