Porcelain
Cosmetic, Dental & Hygiene
Improve | Brighten | Maintain | Smile
COSMETIC & GENERAL DENTISTRY | BALWYN NORTH
Porcelain
Cosmetic, Dental & Hygiene
Improve | Brighten | Maintain | Smile
BEAUTIFUL DENTAL CARE | BALWYN
Porcelain Crowns in Balwyn
Porcelain crowns | At a glance
Right after
10+ years
1 hour
Low
Complete Comfort +
2 visits
Our cosmetic dentists
Same day
Top Questions
Which teeth need crowns?
Can I just have fillings instead of a crown?
What are porcelain crowns?
Where are your crowns made?
How long do crowns last?
How do implants replace teeth?
Porcelain crowns overview
Crowns
Sometimes, teeth can be very weak from decay, large old fillings or just wear that leads to cracks. Teeth like this are fragile and with future use will likely fracture uncontrollably. So at iDental we intervene to stop this end cycle by placing a porcelain crown, also known as a cap, over the tooth.
Crowns are sometimes advised when a filling is not suitable due to the weakness of remaining tooth structure.
The process is simple, and our crowns are made in a state-of-the-art porcelain facility located in Kew. We work directly with the laboratory to produce a beautiful, natural looking result for you. And we never, ever send our work to facilities outside of Australia, so that we can guarantee the quality of the end result.
Porcelain bridges
By using a number of crowns that are joined together, we can replace a number of missing teeth. There are some crowns that fit over teeth like regular crowns, and then some artificial crowns that replace the actual missing teeth. Bridges are fixed in the mouth and are very useful for patients that prefer non-surgical treatment, with a shorter time for replacement, as there are usually only two appointments needed.
A Cantilever bridge is just one kind of bridge that may be constructed.
What is the crown process?
Step One - Health of your tooth.
The first thing we need to do, is to make sure that your tooth is healthy before we begin. We need to make sure that there is no decay or infection associated with the tooth. This is because we value the investment you are making in your health, and we want the lifespan of the crown to be as expected.
To check the tooth, we will perform a dental examination, and usually take an X-ray of the tooth if we do not have a recent image. We will check the bone levels around the tooth and make sure that the tooth is healthy enough to proceed.
Step Two - Preparation
A tooth that needs a crown usually has a large filling in it. Our aim is to replace the weaker filling material with the much more robust porcelain. After numbing the area, the tooth will be shaped into the right contours for a crown to be made.
A digital scan of the tooth (yes, no more impressions!) will be made and instantly sent to our local porcelain laboratory. In the meantime, we will make you a temporary crown out of acrylic. This will look tooth coloured and perform just like a tooth whilst we wait for the stronger porcelain to be made for you.
Step Three - Between visits
Your crown will be made especially for you and this takes some time, usually about 10 days. There is digital planning and manufacture to be done, along with hand crafting of the colour and glaze for the crown.
Whilst you are waiting for your crown, you can return to normal activities between visits. We would ask that you do not eat anything very sticky like mentos or minties on your temporary crown. The glue holding the temporary in place is designed to be dislodged, but we don't want you to do this for us. It is also important that you clean your teeth well and floss, so that the gums are healthy for your next visit.
Step Four - Crown placement
When you return to have the porcelain crown placed in position, we will have already checked the crown and ensured that we are highly satisfied with the result.
We will lift the temporary crown off your tooth, clean the area of any temporary cement, and then check the porcelain crown looks and feels right. Only after all of these checks will we cement the porcelain crown into position. Your crown should look natural and invisible. After your appointment, you can return to normal activities immediately.
How do implants replace teeth?
Implants have been used since the 1970's, but are technologically superior to their early counterparts. Modern innovation means that implants are highly successful, and appear just like a natural tooth.
Dental implants can be used to replace any number of missing teeth. A fine titanium rod or screw is placed precisely into the jawbone, and once in place it naturally bonds with the bone, perfectly replicating a missing tooth root. A connector is then attached to the screw, to which a new porcelain tooth (or crown) can then be secured, permanently.
Dental implants can be used in many different combinations, to replace any number of teeth. Implants at iDental are managed between our dentists and our highly skilled specialist team that we regularly work with.
Which teeth need crowns?
Dental crowns can completely alter the appearance of a tooth. They are used most commonly on teeth that are broken, damaged or weakened. They can also be used to improve the appearance of teeth that are misshapen or discoloured.
Your crown may last for 10 to 20 years with good dental care.
Dental crowns can be used for:
1. Teeth with large fillings
2. After root canal treatment
3. Worn or broken teeth
4. On dental implants
What Are Dental Crowns Made Of?
Dental crowns are available in a variety of materials including porcelain, ceramic, zirconia (a diamond glass), or a combination of materials.
Each type of material comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. It is recommended that you discuss your options with your dental practitioner to evaluate which is the most suitable for you.
Can I just have fillings instead of a crown?
Fillings are not as strong as crowns. Let's look at when crowns work best:
+Your tooth is cracked. A crown can help extend the tooth’s life. A cracked tooth won’t heal and a crown is the best way to hold the tooth together so it won’t breakdown further.
+A large portion of the tooth needs filling. A filling doesn’t always protect the tooth over the long term. If a big portion of the tooth needs filling, a crown might be a better option. The filling can act like a wedge when you chew, putting pressure on the tooth and causing fractures. Placing a crown earlier might save you additional visits and cost later.
+Your tooth is weak. The crown can prevent it from cracking and weakening further, so you can avoid dental implants and dentures if possible.
+You want to cover a discolored or misshapen tooth. A crown looks like a regular tooth. The dentist will match the color, size and shape so that it’s aesthetically pleasing as well as functional.
How long do crowns last?
The answer to this question can never be precise, as there are quite a few factors that need to be considered. These include:
+ Location of the tooth (rear, front)
+ Condition of the original tooth under the crown
+ Grinding or clenching
+ Oral hygiene and care of the crowned tooth
+ Harmful habits (chewing ice, fingernails, removing bottle caps)
+ Periodontal health (gum disease)
+ External trauma (accidents)
Most crowns will last around 10 years, and some much longer.
What is an dental implant?
A dental implant is a piece of titanium or other materials that looks like a screw. It is put into the jaw where the missing tooth’s roots were. Over time, bone grows around the implant, which helps to hold it in place.
An artificial tooth, or crown, is then attached to the metal to fill in the gap left by the missing tooth. The crown is specially made to look like the other teeth in size, shape and colour.
Dental implants can also be used to hold a dental bridge or dentures in place.
It is important to remember that the clients shown in the pictures above all have their own individual features and concerns, which may be different to yours. It is always important to seek a second opinion from a suitably qualified person. We work with each person to identify the best treatments for you so that we can achieve a result that you are happy with and looks good for you. Our aim is to naturally enhance you, whilst making you look like the best version of yourself.
Let's meet
If you need to book a dental check-up and clean in Melbourne, or require support with any other aspect of your oral health, we’d love to chat. Rest assured, we’re here to listen and understand. We are committed to taking the necessary time to examine, diagnose and comprehensively plan your treatment, for a beautiful smile!
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iDental | Balwyn
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FIND US | 3 BELMORE RD, BALWYN NORTH VIC 3104