Dental Crowns and Bridges in Malvern East

Dental crowns can protect and restore damaged teeth, while dental bridges can replace one or more missing teeth.

At The Tooth Doctor, we assess the condition of your teeth, bite and gums before explaining whether a crown, bridge or alternative treatment may be suitable.

CALL (03) 9569 3221

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a custom-made restoration that covers an existing tooth. A crown may be considered when a tooth:

  • Is significantly weakened by decay

  • Has a large or failing restoration

  • Is cracked or broken

  • Has undergone root canal treatment

  • Has lost substantial tooth structure

  • Requires restoration of its shape or function

  • Has appearance concerns that cannot be managed conservatively

Crowns may be made from materials including ceramic, zirconia, metal alloy or combinations of materials. The appropriate choice depends on the tooth, bite, appearance requirements and clinical situation.

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge is a fixed restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth. A conventional bridge generally uses crowned teeth on either side of the space to support an artificial replacement tooth.

Other designs include resin-bonded bridges and implant-supported bridges. Not every design is suitable for every patient.

Unlike a removable denture, a fixed bridge is cemented in position and is not removed for daily cleaning.

Who may benefit from a crown or bridge?

A crown may be suitable if you have:

  • A heavily restored tooth

  • A cracked, broken or weakened tooth

  • A tooth treated with root canal therapy

  • A restoration that repeatedly fractures

  • A tooth requiring significant reconstruction

A bridge may be considered if you:

  • Have one or more missing teeth

  • Have suitable supporting teeth

  • Prefer a fixed option

  • Are not suitable for—or do not wish to have—implant treatment

  • Want an alternative to a removable partial denture

An examination is required to determine whether the supporting teeth and gums are healthy enough for treatment.

What happens during crown treatment?

Assessment

Your dentist examines the tooth, gums and bite. An X-ray may be recommended to assess the tooth and surrounding structures.

Tooth preparation

Local anaesthetic may be used. Damaged or weakened areas are managed and the tooth is shaped to create room for the crown.

Scan or impression

A digital scan or impression records the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth. This information is used to produce the custom crown.

Temporary crown

When laboratory fabrication is required, a temporary crown may be placed while the final restoration is being made.

Crown placement

At the fitting appointment, the crown’s fit, contact, bite and appearance are assessed before it is cemented in place.

What happens during bridge treatment?

The supporting teeth and gums are assessed first. For a conventional bridge, the supporting teeth are prepared and a scan or impression is taken.

A temporary bridge may be fitted while the final restoration is made. At the subsequent appointment, the bridge is checked and cemented into position.

More than one appointment is usually required.

Benefits of crowns and bridges

Depending on your circumstances, crowns may:

  • Protect a weakened tooth

  • Restore tooth shape and function

  • Rebuild a significantly damaged tooth

  • Improve the appearance of a suitable tooth

  • Support a tooth following root canal treatment

Bridges may:

  • Replace one or more missing teeth

  • Restore chewing function

  • Provide a fixed replacement option

  • Reduce movement of nearby teeth into an unfilled space

  • Improve appearance and speech in some situations

Results and longevity vary according to the supporting teeth, oral hygiene, bite forces, diet and regular maintenance.

Alternatives

Alternatives to a crown may include:

  • Monitoring the tooth

  • Repairing or replacing a filling

  • A direct bonded restoration

  • An inlay or onlay

  • Extraction when the tooth cannot be restored

Alternatives to a bridge may include:

  • Leaving the space untreated

  • A removable partial denture

  • A dental implant

  • A resin-bonded bridge

  • Orthodontic space closure in selected cases

Your dentist will discuss the reasonable options, including their limitations and costs.

Risks and limitations

Possible complications can include:

  • Temporary or persistent sensitivity

  • Crown or bridge loosening

  • Fracture or chipping

  • Decay affecting the supporting tooth

  • Gum inflammation

  • Bite discomfort

  • The need for root canal treatment

  • Failure of a supporting tooth

  • Eventual repair or replacement

Preparing a tooth for a conventional crown or bridge is generally irreversible. Effective cleaning and ongoing examinations remain essential.

Caring for a crown or bridge

  • Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.

  • Clean between the teeth every day.

  • Use floss threaders, superfloss or interdental brushes beneath a bridge as instructed.

  • Avoid using teeth to open packaging or bite very hard objects.

  • Wear an occlusal splint if recommended for grinding or clenching.

  • Attend regular dental examinations and professional cleaning.

  • Contact the practice if the restoration becomes loose, painful or damaged.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a crown or bridge last?

A crown or bridge may function for many years, but longevity cannot be guaranteed. Oral hygiene, decay risk, bite forces, grinding, supporting-tooth health and maintenance influence its lifespan.

Is crown treatment painful?

Local anaesthetic is generally used when preparing the tooth. Temporary sensitivity or gum tenderness can occur following treatment.

Why might a root canal be needed?

A heavily damaged tooth may already have an inflamed or infected pulp. Occasionally, the pulp can become symptomatic after restorative treatment. Root canal treatment may then be required.

Can a crown develop decay?

The crown itself cannot decay, but the natural tooth can develop decay where it meets the crown. Daily cleaning and regular examinations are important.

Can a bridge be flossed?

Ordinary floss cannot pass vertically between joined bridge units. Specialised floss, a floss threader or an interdental brush may be needed to clean beneath the replacement tooth.

Is a bridge better than an implant?

Neither option is automatically better for every patient. A bridge uses supporting teeth, while an implant is placed into the jawbone. Suitability, treatment time, health, costs and maintenance requirements differ.

How much do crowns and bridges cost?

Fees depend on the number of teeth, materials, supporting-tooth condition and treatment complexity. An individual treatment plan and estimate will be provided after assessment.

Arrange a crown or bridge consultation

Visit The Tooth Doctor at 221 Waverley Road, Malvern East VIC 3145.

CALL (03) 9569 3221

Related treatments

This information is general and does not replace an individual dental assessment.

Clinically reviewed by Dr Jim Androutsopoulos — [07/26].