Dental crowns and bridges in Newport
Newport Family Dentist provides dental crowns in Newport, VIC, along with bridges, inlays and onlays, to repair damaged teeth and replace missing ones.
Crowns, bridges, inlays and onlays in Newport
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap. Your dentist places it over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its shape, size, strength and appearance. It completely covers the visible part of the tooth above the gumline.
Crowns for front teeth
A crown may cover a front tooth that is broken, heavily filled, discoloured or weakened after root canal treatment. Tooth-coloured materials can be shaded to suit other teeth. Depending on the tooth, a veneer or bonded filling may be alternatives. Your dentist explains preparation, risks and costs.
What is a dental onlay and inlay?
Dental onlays and inlays are indirect restorations that repair damaged or decayed teeth. They differ in their coverage and application:
Inlays
Inlays fit inside the cusps (pointed edges) of a tooth and repair the chewing surface between them. Dentists typically use them when damage or decay is too extensive for a filling but does not need the coverage of a crown. A dental lab custom-makes the inlay, and your dentist bonds it securely to the tooth.
Onlays
Onlays, sometimes called partial crowns, are larger indirect restorations that cover one or more cusps (pointed edges) of a tooth. Dentists use them when damage or decay extends beyond the chewing surface and may involve one or more cusps. An onlay aims to restore the tooth's shape, size and strength while preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible. As with inlays, a dental lab custom-makes the onlay, and your dentist bonds it to the tooth.
Inlays and onlays can restore damaged or decayed teeth when a direct filling is not suitable. Your dentist will discuss the tooth preparation, materials, risks and maintenance for each option.
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a custom-made dental appliance that replaces one or more missing teeth. Crowns or implants on either side of the gap anchor the artificial teeth (pontics). These crowns or implants act as supports, or abutments, to hold the bridge in place. The traditional design is a three-unit bridge. However, other designs allow your dentist to tailor the bridge to your appearance and functional needs.
How many visits do I need for any indirect restoration?
Placing porcelain or metallic (gold or silver) indirect fillings or bridges typically involves two appointments. During the first appointment, the dentist numbs the area around the tooth and removes the decayed or damaged part. The dentist then takes an impression of the prepared tooth and sends it to a dental laboratory. The laboratory custom-makes the filling or bridge to fit the tooth’s dimensions and contours. In the meantime, your dentist may place a temporary filling to protect the tooth.
At the fitting appointment, your dentist removes any temporary restoration, then fits and secures the laboratory-made restoration. They adjust and polish it and check your bite. Tooth-coloured materials are shaded to suit the other teeth.
Book a consultation to discuss which option suits your tooth.
Frequently asked questions
How many visits does a crown take?
Laboratory-made crowns usually take two visits. The dentist prepares the tooth and takes an impression or scan; a dental laboratory makes the crown. At the fitting visit, the dentist checks the restoration and bite before securing it. Ask what protection your prepared tooth will need between appointments.
Can you put a crown on a front tooth?
A crown may be suitable for a front tooth that is broken, heavily filled or weakened, including after root canal treatment. Tooth-coloured materials can be shaded to suit other teeth. Depending on the tooth, a veneer or bonded filling may be alternatives. Your dentist assesses preparation, risks and suitability.
What’s the difference between an inlay, an onlay and a crown?
An inlay repairs the chewing surface between the cusps of a back tooth. An onlay also covers one or more of the cusps. A crown covers the whole visible part of the tooth. The dentist suggests the option that keeps as much healthy tooth as possible while restoring its strength.
What is a dental bridge?
A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth with a false tooth held in place by crowns on the neighbouring teeth, or by dental implants. It’s fixed in place, so you don’t take it out. The dentist checks whether the neighbouring teeth and gums are healthy enough to support one.
Crown lifespan and costs
How long do crowns last?
Crowns may need repair or replacement over time. Their lifespan depends on the tooth, material, bite, grinding and care of your teeth and gums. Regular reviews help your dentist check for wear, decay at the edges or a loose crown. Contact the practice if a crown feels loose or painful.
How much does a crown cost?
Costs depend on the restoration and any treatment the tooth needs first. We discuss the proposed treatment and its costs after examining your teeth. A written quote is available on request. Ask your health fund what benefit applies to your cover.