Crowns & Bridges
Rebuilding teeth that have been through a lot.
Cracked teeth, deep decay, old metal fillings failing after decades of service, missing teeth leaving a gap — crowns and bridges are how we bring those teeth back to full strength, so you can eat, smile and talk without thinking about them.
Why it matters
A weak tooth is a tooth on borrowed time
When a tooth has a large old filling, a crack or has had a root canal, it's structurally weaker than the ones around it. One unlucky bite on a hard olive pit or a piece of bone can split it below the gumline — at which point your options narrow to extraction. A crown wrapped around the tooth acts like a helmet, holding it together so you keep your own tooth for decades longer.
What's involved
Crowns and bridges, step by step
A crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers and protects a weakened tooth. The dentist gently shapes the tooth, takes a digital scan, fits a temporary crown, and bonds the final lab-made crown at a second visit. On the day, it's a straightforward appointment under local anaesthetic.
A bridge uses the same idea to fill a missing tooth — two crowns on either side, with a replacement tooth connecting them. It's fixed in place, looks natural, and restores your bite. Bridges are a great option when an implant isn't suitable, or when you want a faster timeline.
We use tooth-coloured ceramic materials for both, so nothing flashes when you smile.
How we do it at Austral
Save the tooth first — always
Our first question is never "should we crown it?" — it's "is there a simpler, smaller, less invasive option that will last?" Because we practise a minimally invasive philosophy, we'll only recommend a crown when a filling genuinely won't give the tooth enough strength.
When a crown is the right call, you'll get a clear, written quote before we start. You'll know exactly what's included, what your health fund is likely to cover, and what your out-of-pocket looks like — no surprises at the front desk.
FAQs
Questions people usually ask
Do I need a crown, or is a filling enough?
Fillings work when there is enough healthy tooth left to hold them. When decay is deep, a tooth has cracked, or a filling has become very large, a crown protects what's left from breaking. We will walk you through x-rays and explain where you sit.
What is a bridge?
A bridge fills a gap from a missing tooth by crowning the teeth on either side and connecting a false tooth in the middle. It is a fixed, long-lasting solution — an alternative to a dental implant when an implant isn't the right fit.
How long do crowns and bridges last?
Modern crowns and bridges typically last 10 to 15 years, often longer with good care. Regular check-ups help us spot small issues early before they become expensive ones.
Do crowns look natural?
Yes. We match the shape and shade to your surrounding teeth so they blend in. On front teeth, we take extra time on the aesthetics so they don't stand out when you smile.
Book a restoration consult
Tell us what's been bothering you and we'll work out the most conservative option that will genuinely last.
Call 02 9606 0553