Crowns & Bridges in Hilbert
Porcelain, zirconia, and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns and bridges — custom-fabricated to restore damaged or missing teeth. CBCT-guided precision planning at Sienna Smiles.
Two treatments, different purposes
Crowns and bridges are both fixed restorations — cemented permanently to your teeth. They serve different purposes depending on whether a tooth is damaged or missing.
Dental Crown
Restores a damaged tooth
A dental crown is a custom-fitted cap that covers the entire visible surface of a tooth above the gumline. It is recommended when a tooth is severely decayed, cracked, or weakened — particularly after [root canal treatment](/restorative-dentistry/root-canal-treatment) — and a [filling](/restorative-dentistry/dental-fillings) alone would not provide adequate protection.
Cracked, severely decayed, or root canal treated teethDental Bridge
Replaces a missing tooth
A dental bridge spans the gap left by one or more missing teeth. It consists of two crowns placed on the natural teeth either side of the gap, with a false tooth (pontic) suspended between them. Unlike a denture, a bridge is permanently fixed and does not need to be removed for cleaning.
One or more adjacent missing teeth with healthy supporting teethThree material options, tailored to your tooth
The material your dentist recommends depends on the location of the tooth, the bite forces it bears, and your aesthetic preferences. Each option has clinical strengths suited to different situations.
Material recommendation depends on individual clinical assessment. Your dentist will discuss which option is most appropriate for your specific situation.
Porcelain (All-Ceramic)
Highest aesthetic result
- Translucent, natural-looking finish that closely mimics tooth enamel
- Excellent colour matching — virtually indistinguishable from surrounding teeth
- Well-suited to front teeth where aesthetics are the primary concern
- Adequate strength for normal bite forces; may be less suited to heavy grinding
Zirconia
Highest strength
- Extremely strong and fracture-resistant — well-suited to posterior teeth
- Good aesthetic result with modern translucent zirconia formulations
- Commonly recommended for patients who grind or clench their teeth
- Biocompatible and metal-free — a versatile option for many situations
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM)
Traditional option
- Metal core provides structural strength; porcelain exterior provides aesthetics
- Long clinical track record — used in dentistry for decades
- The metal margin may become visible at the gumline over time as gums recede
- Less commonly placed today as all-ceramic and zirconia options have improved
CBCT imaging for precise preparation
Sienna Smiles uses Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) — a 3D imaging system that captures detailed views of your teeth, bone, and surrounding structures. For crown and bridge work, CBCT scanning enables your dentist to map the tooth in three dimensions before any preparation begins.
This level of imaging supports more accurate preparation, which can contribute to a better-fitting restoration and fewer chairside adjustments. The scan takes approximately 15 seconds and uses significantly less radiation than a standard medical CT scan.
CBCT imaging is used at your dentist’s clinical discretion — not every crown case requires a 3D scan. When indicated, it adds a layer of precision to the planning process that traditional 2D X-rays cannot provide.
The crown and bridge process
Most crown and bridge treatments at Sienna Smiles require two appointments, spaced 7 to 14 days apart while your restoration is fabricated in an external dental laboratory.
Assessment and Treatment Planning
Your dentist examines the tooth, reviews X-rays (and CBCT imaging where indicated), and discusses the treatment plan including material options, timeline, and cost. A written treatment plan is provided before any work begins.
Tooth Preparation
At the first treatment appointment, the tooth is carefully reshaped under local anaesthetic to accommodate the crown or bridge. In some cases, [laser-assisted preparation](/laser-dentistry) may be used for soft tissue management around the crown margin. Digital or physical impressions are taken and sent to the laboratory.
Temporary Restoration
A temporary crown or bridge is placed to protect the prepared tooth while the permanent restoration is fabricated. Your dentist will provide care instructions for the temporary.
Permanent Placement
At the second appointment, the temporary is removed and the permanent crown or bridge is tried in. Your dentist checks the fit, colour match, and bite before permanently cementing the restoration.
Review
A follow-up review may be scheduled to confirm comfort and check the bite after the restoration has settled. Regular six-monthly check-ups monitor the long-term health of the crown or bridge.
Crowns & bridges answered
Restore what’s been damaged or lost
Whether you need a crown to protect a weakened tooth or a bridge to replace a missing one — book a consultation at Sienna Smiles. Your dentist will assess your situation, explain the material options, and provide a written cost estimate before any treatment begins.