Dental Crowns & Bridges at Verve Dental

A beautiful and functional smile is desired by most of us. At Verve Dental, we use the latest technology and techniques to provide our patients with the best possible dental care. One of the many services we offer is dental crowns – a popular choice for individuals who want to improve their oral health and overall appearance.

A dental crown, also known as a tooth crown, is a special type of restoration done to either repair damaged teeth, improve their appearance or both. The procedure of placing a dental crown is relatively simple, and it is a cost-effective way to preserve your natural teeth. The crown is placed over the existing tooth, giving it the strength and protection to function normally.

Dental Crown Materials

Many choices are available for the dental crown’s material, including gold, precious metals, porcelain and resin. Often, dental crowns are made from a combination of these materials to improve strength and durability. Today, the most common material used for dental crowns is porcelain. This option provides the ideal combination of strength, durability, and lifelike tooth appearance. Highly skilled ceramic dental technicians often complete the making of porcelain crowns to recreate the texture and colour of real teeth. Quite often, porcelain crowns can be difficult to distinguish from the neighbouring teeth.

Why Choose A Dental Crown?

Over the years, teeth can sustain damage for a variety of reasons, such as decay, fracture, or discolouration. In addition, over the lifetime of a tooth, fillings may progressively become larger, resulting in less and less natural tooth remaining. All these reasons and more may mean a dental crown is the best choice to preserve what is left of the tooth.

How Long Does It Take To Get A Dental Crown?

At Verve Dental, we like to make the process as convenient and efficient as possible for our patients. In most cases, we use our state-of-the-art CEREC technology to provide dental crowns in one visit, especially for molars and other back teeth. This technology allows us to create and place a custom-made crown in a single appointment, saving you time and hassle.

However, in some cases, when the appearance of the crown is critical, we recommend two appointments, which allows us to be sure of obtaining the best possible outcome from our highly trained ceramic technician. During the first appointment, we take impressions of the tooth and create a temporary crown, which we place over it while the final crown is being made. On the second visit, we remove the temporary crown, check the fit and colour of the final crown, and then bond it in place.

Is A Dental Crown The Same As A Bridge?

No, they are different. A crown is a cap that is placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength. A bridge, on the other hand, is used to replace one or more missing teeth.

What are Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges are prosthetic devices used to replace missing teeth by bridging the gap between two healthy teeth. They consist of two or more crowns on either side of the gap, with a false tooth (or teeth) in between. Bridges can be classified into several types:

• Traditional Bridges: These involve anchoring the bridge to adjacent teeth with crowns.
• Cantilever Bridges: Used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the gap.
• Maryland Bridges: These utilise a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth.

Bridges help restore chewing function and prevent the remaining teeth from shifting out of position, which can lead to further dental issues.

The Procedure for Crowns and Bridges

The process for obtaining crowns and bridges typically involves multiple visits to the dentist:

1. Initial Consultation: The dentist assesses the condition of the teeth and discusses treatment options.
2. Preparation: For crowns, the affected tooth is filed down to create space for the crown. For bridges, adjacent teeth may also be prepared.
3. Impressions: The dentist takes impressions of the prepared teeth to create a custom crown or bridge.
4. Temporary Restoration: While waiting for the permanent restoration, a temporary crown or bridge may be placed.
5. Placement: Once the permanent crown or bridge is ready, the dentist will remove the temporary one and fit the new restoration.

Benefits of Crowns and Bridges

The advantages of dental crowns and bridges are numerous:

• Restoration of Functionality: They enable patients to chew and speak properly.
• Aesthetic Improvement: Crowns and bridges can significantly enhance the appearance of a smile.
• Durability: With proper care, crowns and bridges can last many years.
• Prevention of Further Dental Issues: By filling gaps and protecting damaged teeth, they help preserve overall oral health.

In summary, dental crowns and bridges play a crucial role in restorative dentistry, providing solutions for damaged and missing teeth. Their ability to restore functionality, improve aesthetics, and maintain oral health highlights their importance in dental care. Patients considering these options should consult with their dentist to understand the best solutions tailored to their individual needs. With advancements in dental technology, crowns and bridges are more effective and aesthetically pleasing than ever before, making them a popular choice in modern dentistry.

How Much Does A Dental Crown Cost?

The cost varies depending on the material used. However, it is important to note that the price may also vary depending on the case’s complexity and the tooth’s location.

If you’re considering dental crowns in Melbourne, we recommend that you schedule a consultation with us. During the consultation, our dental professionals will examine your teeth and recommend the best course of treatment. Call us or book online to schedule your appointment.