Crowns and Bridges
The crowning glory
Dental crowns have been used for many years to cover a weakened or damaged tooth. This is done to restore its natural appearance, give the tooth strength, and prevent further deterioration. Crowns can be made from various materials, including:
• Ceramic
• Porcelain fused to metal (PFM)
• Base metal alloys and…
• Gold alloys
If you’re seeking front tooth replacement options, then ceramic gives you the better aesthetic look as it has a natural luminosity and can be coloured to blend in seamlessly with your other teeth. PFM and base metal alloy crowns provide strength and are better used in the back (posterior) teeth which are used for chewing. Alternatively, gold alloys are a mix of metals including gold and copper and won’t fracture.
Fitting may take several appointments but the process is quick and easy and once in place can last on average 10-15 years.
Bridging the gap with a dental bridge
For those with missing teeth our team may suggest a dental bridge. As the name suggests it consists of a framework connected to an artificial tooth which spans the gap where a tooth once was. This can either be
• Conventional in form – Whereby adjacent natural teeth either side of the gap are used to support the framework for the connecting prosthetic tooth
Or, when two or more adjacent gaps are present…
• Implant-based – A dental implant is anchored into position in the first gap which is then used to support the artificial tooth spanning the second gap.
The main advantage of an implant-retained bridge is that no natural teeth are touched as the implant itself provides the support. Whereas, with a conventional bridge, adjacent healthy teeth will need to be reshaped to take the supporting framework. That said, conventional bridges don’t require invasive surgery and have been used successfully for years.
Constructing Smiles, Rebuilding Confidence
Now you know how bridges and crowns can be used to solve your ugly or gappy smile situation, isn’t it about time that you talked to Ava Maria Dental to discuss your options? Call our friendly team on (03) 8790 2500 today.
Achieve The Oral Health You Desire!
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Have Some Questions?
What Insurances Do You Accept?
We prefer Medibank, HCF, Smile.com and NIB.
What Other Forms of Payment Do You Accept?
Along with insurance, we accept cash, credit card and financing (Mysmileplan).
Is there on-site parking?
Ava Maria Dental has convenient parking on-site, so you can just drive straight in!