Crowns & Bridges
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Crowns and bridges are restorations that correct dental conditions while protecting and strengthening your teeth.
A dental crown is custom-made to fit over a damaged natural tooth. It is designed to restore the function of the tooth and provide strength and support. Dental bridges replace missing teeth.
Crowns and bridges are usually made of porcelain because of its natural appearance and durability.
Everyone wants a healthy, complete smile, and crowns and bridges may help, depending on your needs. Updated techniques and treatments have made placing crowns and bridges more efficient than in years past.
When Are Dental Crowns and Bridges Used?
Dental crowns have many applications and can be used to correct a number of problems:
- Severely decayed teeth
- Teeth weakened by root canal treatment
- Fractured or broken teeth
- Broken fillings
- Large, unattractive fillings
A dental bridge is used to fill the space left by a missing tooth. The bridge is usually made as a single unit that is held in place by crowns on adjacent teeth. A dental bridge improves the appearance of your smile and also prevents surrounding teeth from shifting out of place and moving into the space left by a missing tooth.
What Does Placing a Crown or Bridge Involve?
A dental crown or bridge can usually be placed in two or three visits. First, we prepare your natural tooth to receive the restoration, and then impressions are taken of your teeth. The impression accurately represents the position of your natural teeth so that your restoration fits correctly.
The impressions are sent to a special dental lab, where they are used to create your permanent restoration, which usually takes about two weeks. Before you leave our practice, we fit you with a temporary bridge or crown that you wear while the new crown or bridge is designed.
Once the restoration is finished, we will book an appointment for you to return to our clinic. At that time, we check the final restoration for proper fit, making adjustments as necessary. Finally, the restoration is cemented securely into place.
Before you leave our surgery, we will give you instructions on caring for your new restoration. The restoration is fully functional, but you should remember that it requires special care to prevent damage and the need for replacement. If you practise proper oral hygiene and schedule regular dental cleanings, your new restoration will last for many years.
Call to Arrange an Evaluation
Are you troubled by a damaged or missing tooth? Please contact us to arrange an appointment and learn more about your options!
Frequently Asked Questions
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Modern dental materials and technology have dramatically improved the appearance of dental crowns and bridges. The porcelain used in today’s crowns and bridges can be colour-matched to blend perfectly with the shade of your natural teeth. With proper placement, your dental restoration should be virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth.
Meet Our Doctors:
Dr Jean-Luc Allas BMedSci BDent (USyd)
Dental Practitioner
Dr Allas graduated from North Sydney Boys' High School (1998), studied at The University of Sydney, graduating in Medical Science (2001) and Dentistry (2005).
In 2007, Dr Allas commenced work ...
Dr Changho (CJ) An BOHDSc, MDent (Griffith Univ)
Dental Practitioner
Dr. Changho An received his Bachelor of Oral Health in Dental Science and a Masters of Dentistry from Griffith University. Changho joined Gentle Dental Practice in 2020 and has been ...
Dr Young (John) Moon BDS (Otago Univ NZ)
Principal Dentist
Dr Young Moon received his Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Otago in 2004.
He is a principle dentist at Gentle Dental Practice in Ulladulla, where he leads the team and oversees ...