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Dental Bridges and Crowns in Keysborough

Dental crowns and bridges are custom-made restorations designed to fit over prepared natural teeth or dental implants. They may be used to restore function, protect remaining tooth structure, or address aesthetic concerns only where clinically appropriate. 

Patients seeking dental crowns or bridges in Keysborough can attend a consultation at Keys to Smile to assess suitability and determine the most appropriate treatment option.




    Crowns vs Bridges: What’s the Difference?

    Although often discussed together, crowns and bridges serve different purposes. The choice of restoration depends on individual clinical needs. 

    Dental Crowns

    Dental crowns are full coverage restorations designed to protect or restore the function of teeth that are weakened, damaged or heavily restored.

    Crowns may be considered to:

    • Protect weakened or fractured parts of teeth
    • Restore tooth shape, strength and function
    • Support teeth with large fillings or following root canal treatment
    • Improve bite stability and chewing efficiency
    • Enhance appearance where colour or shape is affected

    Common crown materials include:

    • Porcelain or ceramic for natural aesthetics
    • Metal or porcelain fused to metal for durability
    • Zirconia for strength combined with aesthetics

    Patients considering dental crowns in Keysborough require a consultation to determine clinical suitability.

    Dental Bridges

    Dental bridges are fixed restorations used to replace one or more missing teeth by spanning the gap between adjacent teeth or dental implants.

    Bridges may help with:

    • Restoring chewing function
    • Improving speech and smile appearance
    • Preventing neighbouring teeth from shifting
    • Supporting balanced bite alignment
    • Providing a fixed alternative to removable dentures

    Types of dental bridges include:

    • Traditional bridges supported by natural teeth
    • Implant supported bridges for enhanced stability
    • Cantilever bridges supported by a single adjacent tooth

    Patients considering dental bridges in Keysborough require a full assessment to evaluate bone health, bite forces and long-term prognosis.

    How Is the Most Suitable Restoration Selected?

    The selection of dental crowns and bridges depends on multiple clinical factors, including:

    • Remaining tooth structure
    • Gum and bone health
    • Occlusion and functional forces
    • Location of the tooth or missing space
    • Aesthetic considerations
    • Long term maintenance requirements

    No single treatment option is suitable for all patients, and treatment outcomes cannot be guaranteed.

    What Can You Expect During the Treatment Process?

    Each treatment plan is personalised, but the general process may include the following stages.

    Assessment and Planning
    • Comprehensive oral examination
    • Dental imaging where clinically indicated
    • Review of bite and gum health
    • Discussion of treatment options, benefits and limitations
    Tooth Preparation
    • Crowns involve reshaping compromised tooth structure
    • Bridges involve preparation of supporting teeth
    Impressions and Temporary Restorations
    • Accurate impressions for laboratory fabrication
    • Temporary restorations may be placed where required
    Laboratory Fabrication
    • Custom-made restorations designed to suit your bite and anatomy
    Placement
    • Removal of temporary restorations
    • Assessment of fit, comfort and bite
    • Final bonding or cementation
    Possible Risks and Limitations

    While these restorations can provide functional and aesthetic benefits, it is important to understand potential risks and limitations.

    Possible risks include temporary tooth sensitivity, gum irritation or fracture of the restoration.

    Limitations include that restorations do not prevent underlying dental disease, are not permanent and may require replacement over time.

    Individual suitability and longevity depend on factors such as remaining tooth structure, bite forces, gum and bone health, and the materials used.

    A thorough consultation with your dental professional is essential to determine the most appropriate option and to discuss personalised risk management.

    Aftercare and Ongoing Review

    The lifespan of fixed dental restorations depends on appropriate care and regular review, including

    • Consistent oral hygiene practices
    • Routine dental examinations
    • Monitoring of bite and gum health
    • Avoidance of habits that place excessive stress on restorations

    Individual aftercare advice is provided following treatment.

    Guidance at Keys to Smile

    If you are considering dental crowns or bridges in Keysborough, a consultation allows you to explore clinically appropriate options based on your oral health, goals and diagnostic findings.

    All treatment decisions remain informed, considered and patient led. 

    Areas We Serve: Braeside, Dingley Village, Springvale, Noble Park, Aspendale Gardens, Chelsea Heights, Chelsea.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. Which is better, crowns or bridges?

    There is no single best option. Each treatment serves a different purpose, and suitability depends on your teeth, bite and overall oral health. 

    2. Are dental crowns painful?

     Treatment is usually comfortable with local anaesthetic. Mild sensitivity afterwards may occur but is generally short term. 

    3. Can poor oral hygiene affect a dental crown?

    Yes. While the crown itself does not decay, the tooth and gums around it can be affected if oral hygiene is poor. 

    4. Are crowns and bridges suitable for everyone?

    No. A clinical assessment is required to determine suitability. 

    5. Do I need special maintenance after treatment?

     No special maintenance is required beyond daily brushing, flossing and regular dental check-ups.