Losing teeth can be one of the most noxious things to happen to you. The reason behind it is mostly a painful experience, such as blunt force impact or gum diseases. Teeth are made to be dependent on each other, so that removing one or more may potentially lead to the collapse of the entire dental structure. 

If you have one or more missing teeth, your dentist may recommend that you get an artificial replacement (there isn’t a natural replacement for natural teeth). 

Some of the most popular options are dentures, which you can easily take out and clean whenever you don’t need them. However, these products aren’t fixed and can shift, slide around, or even fall out. 

The most preferred options are crowns and bridges, which function (and look) just like your natural teeth.

What are crowns?

A dental crown covers or ‘caps’ a single tooth with a root canal performed on it. This keeps it covered and protected while giving the person a good look. It helps restore the tooth to how it used to look before while also performing the proper functions of a healthy tooth. 

It would be prudent to note that a crown only covers an individual tooth and not multiple teeth. This means that you can only have multiple individual crowns.

Signs that you need a crown

  • A cracked tooth without any symptoms of an infection.
  • Whenever you feel sensitivity due to bite pressure and also have a negative reaction toward temperature, particularly cold temperatures.
  • Once the patient has undergone or needs root canal treatment
  • After excavation due to deep cavities (or caries), a crown helps in the restoration process. Not only does it strengthen the tooth, but it also protects it.

Benefits of dental crowns

  • You don’t feel the pain or sensitivity brought about by a cracked tooth
  • You prevent a cracked tooth from causing further damage, such as affecting the nerve of the tooth
  • Improves the aesthetics of damaged teeth

What are dental bridges?

As the name indicates, a bridge ‘bridges’ the gaps between one tooth and the next. It is an ideal method of replacing missing teeth that either fell out or were extracted. Think of them as two or more crowns connected and attached to either side of teeth (whether natural or implants). 

Unlike crowns which are often placed on implants or natural teeth, dental bridges are not usually long-lasting or secure. However, they are more affordable and usually get the job done for a short period.

Signs that you need dental bridges

  • You have more than one missing teeth.
  • When you have dentures but looking for a more permanent solution. 

Benefits of dental bridges

  • Dental bridges help to promote a balanced bite, reducing bite pressure on adjacent teeth.
  • It helps to maintain the patient’s dental structure
  • It prevents adjacent teeth from shifting.

Crowns vs. bridges: Which is the best for you?

Both crowns and bridges are essential components of cosmetic dentistry. Our dentists at Central Dental Elsternwick will take you through each procedure while advising you on the best route to take. 

You’ll first undergo a series of tests before your dentist recommends the right procedure for you to undergo. Fortunately, you can easily get dental crowns and bridges in Elsternwick, Melbourne, without any hassle. Reach out to us today and let us help you restore your perfect dental structure. 

Meet Our Dentists In Elsternwick

  • Crowns And Bridges Crowns And Bridges

Dr. Leanne Le Anh Tran
BDSc (Melb)

  • Crowns And Bridges Crowns And Bridges

Dr. Wei-Jin Tay
BDS (PERTH)

Dr Peter Sicklemore
BDSc (Melb) LDS (Melb)

Dr Brendan TOOHEY
BDSc (Melb)