Your teeth endure a lot of stress every day. Over time, decay, injury, or wear can compromise their strength.
At Sundial Dental, we offer high-quality crowns and bridges to restore not just the look of your smile, but the structural integrity of your bite. Available across our Mid North Coast clinics, these treatments are designed to be durable, comfortable, and indistinguishable from your natural teeth.
What Are Crowns and Bridges?
While they are often mentioned together, these two treatments serve different purposes in restorative dentistry:
Crowns (Caps)
A crown is a protective cover that is placed over an entire existing tooth. It is used when a tooth is damaged or weakened but still has a viable root. The crown encases the tooth to restore its original shape, size, and strength.
Bridges
A bridge is a fixed dental appliance used to replace one or more missing teeth. As the name suggests, it “bridges” the gap. It consists of an artificial tooth (pontic) held in place by crowns attached to the healthy natural teeth or implants on either side of the space.
How the Treatment Works
Gone are the days of waiting weeks with a temporary cap. At Sundial Dental, we have invested in modern digital technology to streamline the process for your comfort and convenience:
- Preparation: We gently shape the supporting tooth (or teeth) to ensure the new restoration will fit perfectly without altering your bite.
- Digital Scan: Instead of uncomfortable physical impressions, we often use a digital scanner to create a precise 3D model of your mouth.
- On-Site Milling: For many cases, we can design and mill your custom crown on-site within minutes using our in-house CEREC technology. This allows us to often place the final restoration in a single appointment.
- Placement: The crown or bridge is permanently bonded to your tooth using high-strength dental cement.
Who Is This Treatment For?
Restorative dentistry is about function as much as aesthetics. You may be a suitable candidate for a crown or bridge if:
- You have a broken or cracked tooth: A crown holds the tooth structure together to prevent further breakage.
- You have had a root canal: Teeth become brittle after root canal therapy; a crown protects them from fracturing.
- You have a large filling: If a cavity is too large for a standard filling, a crown offers better support.
- You are missing a tooth: A bridge prevents remaining teeth from shifting into the gap and restores your ability to chew properly.
- You want to improve appearance: Crowns can be used to correct the shape or colour of severely discoloured or misshapen teeth.
Long-Lasting Restoration
With proper care, crowns and bridges are a long-term investment in your oral health. By maintaining good hygiene and avoiding hard foods that could chip the ceramic, your new smile can last for many years.