Crown and Bridges at Geelong West Bright Smiles Dental
Welcome to Geelong West Bright Smiles Dental, where your dental health is our top priority. We know the value of a beautiful smile and are dedicated to offering excellent restorative care in Geelong, Victoria. Among our range of dental services, our crown and bridge treatments stand out for how effectively they restore and enhance your teeth.
4–5 days of turnaround time for crowns and bridges, from preparation to fitting
A crown is a cap that covers a damaged tooth, restoring its shape, size, strength and appearance. Crowns are typically used when a tooth is severely decayed, cracked or worn down, and can be made from a range of materials including porcelain, ceramic and metal. At Geelong West Bright Smiles Dental we offer crowns that blend with your natural teeth for a discreet, pleasing result.
Dental Bridges
Bridges replace one or more missing teeth. They consist of two or more crowns placed on the teeth either side of the gap, holding a false tooth or teeth — called pontics — in between. Pontics can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain or a mix of materials, and are anchored by the natural teeth or by implants. A bridge helps maintain the shape of your face, prevents the remaining teeth from drifting out of position, and restores your ability to chew and speak properly.
The Process of Getting Crowns and Bridges
Initial Consultation
It begins with an initial consultation at Geelong West Bright Smiles Dental. Our dentist checks your teeth and gums, takes X-rays and discusses your dental history and concerns, which helps us determine whether a crown or a bridge is the right solution for you.
Treatment Planning
Once we have a clear understanding of your dental health, we prepare a personalised treatment plan. It outlines the steps involved in your crown or bridge procedure, the number of visits required and the materials we recommend.
Tooth Preparation
For a crown, the affected tooth is reshaped so the cap fits properly, which involves removing a portion of the tooth enamel. For a bridge, the abutment teeth are prepared in the same way. We take digital impressions with a 3Shape TRIOS intraoral scanner to create a precise model, which is used to fabricate your custom crown or bridge.
Temporary Restoration
While your permanent crown or bridge is being made, we place a temporary restoration to protect the tooth and maintain your smile. Following our care instructions keeps the temporary restoration securely in place.
Fitting the Permanent Crown or Bridge
Once the custom crown or bridge is ready, you return to the clinic for fitting. Our dentist checks the fit and appearance of the restoration and makes any adjustments needed. When everything is right, it is permanently placed.
Follow-Up Care
After the procedure we provide detailed aftercare instructions. Regular check-ups and good oral hygiene are crucial to the longevity of your restoration, and our team is always here to answer questions and provide ongoing support.
Benefits of Crowns and Bridges
Restored Functionality
Crowns and bridges restore your smile and let you speak, chew and smile comfortably. They are built to withstand the forces of biting and chewing, making them a durable solution for damaged or missing teeth.
Enhanced Aesthetics
Our crowns and bridges are made to match the appearance of your real teeth, so they blend seamlessly into your smile and improve your overall appearance.
Improved Oral Health
Replacing missing teeth with a bridge maintains the alignment of your remaining teeth and prevents problems like tooth shifting and bite issues. Crowns protect and strengthen damaged teeth, reducing the risk of further decay or injury.
Long-Lasting Solution
With the right care, crowns and bridges can last many years, offering a long-term solution for dental restoration. Regular dental visits and good oral hygiene are the key to maintaining their durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What exactly are dental crowns and bridges, and how do they function?
A crown is a cap placed over a broken or decaying tooth to restore its strength, size and shape. A bridge closes the space left by one or more missing teeth: it is made up of one or more prosthetic teeth secured to the neighbouring natural teeth or implants with crowns. Both help preserve the structure of your jaw and mouth for speaking and chewing.
2. What is the lifespan of dental crowns and bridges?
Crowns and bridges can last 10 to 15 years, and longer with the right upkeep. Their lifespan depends on habits such as grinding your teeth or biting hard objects, the material used, the position in the mouth, and your oral hygiene routine.
3. What materials are used to make crowns and bridges?
Porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys and composite resin are all used. Porcelain and ceramic are popular because they resemble the colour and look of real teeth, while metal alloys offer strength. Sometimes a combination of materials is used to get the advantages of both.
4. What is the process for getting a crown or bridge?
Treatment usually starts with a consultation. At the first appointment the dentist removes some enamel to make room for the crown or bridge and takes impressions for a precise fit, then fits a temporary restoration to protect the prepared teeth. At the second appointment the temporary is removed, any fitting adjustments are made, and the permanent restoration is set in place.
5. Are there any risks or complications related to crowns and bridges?
Crowns and bridges are safe and successful in the vast majority of cases. Possible issues include pain or discomfort, sensitivity to heat or cold, chipping or loosening of the restoration, or a problem with bite alignment. In rare cases an allergic reaction to the materials can occur.
6. How should my crowns and bridges be maintained?
Good oral hygiene is what keeps them in shape: brush twice a day, floss daily and use an antiseptic mouthwash. Avoid biting hard objects such as ice or hard sweets, and keep up regular dental check-ups for a thorough clean and assessment.
We acknowledge the Wadawurrung People as the Traditional Owners of the Land, Waterways and Skies. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. We acknowledge all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are part of our community today.
