Crowns and Bridges

Restoring a Smile with Crowns and Bridges

A crown is a single prosthetic that resembles the visible part of a tooth. This ‘cap’ is placed just above the gum line completely covering the existing tooth. The function of the crown is to enhance its strength, appearance and structure and can be used:

• To protect a tooth that has been severely decayed or broken.
• To strengthen and cover a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment.
• To restore a tooth that has been fractured due to damage or trauma.
• To cover a dental implant.
• To cover a tooth that is discoloured or ill shaped.
• As part of a bridge which replaces more than one missing tooth.

A dental bridge is one or more prosthetic teeth that fills the gap left by a missing tooth or multiple teeth. Bridges are attached to existing healthy teeth on each side of the gap using crowns. A dental bridge can be a suitable treatment solution when dentures are loose, uncomfortable or lacking aesthetically, or when dental implants are not a viable option.

Our experienced dentists in East Victoria Park can provide you with a high quality, natural looking crown or bridge to rstore your smile. To find out more, call 08 9470 3944 or book online.

Crown and Bridge Tooth Materials

Crowns and bridges can be made of various materials depending on which tooth needs replacing and where it's located in the mouth. If a front tooth needs replacing, it’s important that it's made from translucent material that can blend in with existing teeth for a natural look. If it’s a molar, strength and durability are the more important factors for withstanding biting and chewing.

• Acrylic or composite resin is used temporarily during the healing process for immediate dental implant placement only. After three or four months when the mouth has healed, this initial crown is replaced with a permanent, more durable and aesthetic looking crown made from porcelain or zirconia layered with porcelain.
• Zirconia is a durable and biocompatible material that has the combined strength of metal and the aesthetics of porcelain. Zirconia is five times stronger than porcelain and is commonly used for making permanent crowns and bridges.
• Porcelain is another popular material because it provides the most natural looking result. The translucency of porcelain allows the new crown or bridge to perfectly blend in and look just like your natural teeth. Porcelain may be layered over zirconia for added strength and can be used for both front and back teeth.

Who is Suitable for a Crown or Bridge

A dentist can assess your suitability for a crown or bridge during a comprehensive examination. First the dentist reviews your medical history to rule out any systemic conditions that might compromise treatment and then they’ll check your teeth, gums and soft tissues and take some diagnostic radiographs for a better picture of your oral health.

Process for placing a Crown

There are a number of steps involved in placing a crown, like all other treatment options we begin by confirming your suitability, then:

• Having x-rays taken of your mouth
• Preparing and filing your tooth down to shape to allow the ‘cap’ like crown to be placed over the top (If the tooth has nerve damage or dental pulp is infected, your tooth structure is first restored with root canal therapy and filled before the crown can be placed)
• Having an impression or digtial scan taken and a provisional crown placed, while you wait for your final crown to come back from the lab
• Around 10 days later, your final crown is then cemented into place

Process for placing a Bridge

The process for placing a bridge begins similarly to placing a crown, starting with your suitability, then:

• Having x-rays taken of your mouth
• Preparing and filing down the two healthy teeth on either side of the gap for crowns
• Having an impression or digital scan taken and provisional crowns placed, while you wait for your final bridge to come back from the lab
• Around 10 days later, your final bridge is cemented firmly into place over the crowns which act as an anchor for the bridge

Dental bridges can last on average between 5 to 15 years depending on the level of wear and tear, your oral health habits and how well you're able to maintain your oral hygiene.

If you want to know more about crown and bridge treatments, our experienced dentists in East Victoria Park can recommend the most suitable options for you. Call 08 9470 3944 to schedule a consultation or book online.

Other missing tooth solutions

The cost of bridges or good quality partial dentures are comparatively inexpensive to dental implants, although dental implants are considered the preferred option for replacing missing teeth. Each treatment option has pros and cons to consider, so it’s important to see a dentist to understand whether a crown or bridge is the right treatment choice for your needs or whether another treatment option may be more suitable. Other missing tooth solutions include:

• Dental implants for a single tooth
• Fixed implant bridges for multiple teeth
• Partial dentures for multiple teeth

Contact our team today to find out whether you might be a candidate for a crown or bridge or if you could benefit from other missing tooth solutions.

Taking Care of Crowns and Bridges

Once your smile has been restored with a crown or bridge, it’s important to keep a good oral hygiene routine to maintain your oral health. This includes getting the right tools, using a fluoridated toothpaste, keeping regular check-ups, avoiding smoking and consuming foods and drink that can stain teeth.

• Get the right tools - Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles and dental floss or an interdental brush that's been recommended by your dentist.
• Use a good quality toothpaste - The ADA recommends brushing with a fluoridated toothpaste using a pea-sized amount. Fluoride helps stop decay and protects tooth enamel for longer.
• Visit your dentist for regular check-ups - This way your dentist can spot any signs of decay early and your teeth and gums can be professionally cleaned and scaled.
• Avoid Smoking - Smoking decreases blood flow around the gums and soft tissues in the mouth and can increase your risk of developing gum disease and eventually tooth loss. 
• Avoid food and beverages that stain - Coffee, red wine and dark-coloured drinks, as well as sweets, blueberries and raspberries are known for staining teeth. Protect teeth from stains by drinking through a straw and rinsing your mouth with water afterward.

Book a Cosmetic Consultation in Victoria Park

To book an appointment with one of our experienced cosmetic dentists in Perth, call our team at EVP Dental on 08 9470 3944 or book an appointment online.