Cosmetic Dental Treatments: Crowns, Bridges, and Veneers
Cosmetic dental treatments can improve both the function and appearance of your teeth. Whether you're restoring damaged teeth or looking to enhance your smile, options like crowns, bridges and veneers can offer long-lasting results. These treatments are available from general dentists and dental specialists known as prosthodontists. At Empire Dental Care in Bicton, Western Australia, we offer tailored cosmetic solutions to help you smile with confidence.
What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?
While the term “cosmetic dentist” is often used, it is not a recognised dental specialisation in Australia. Cosmetic procedures are performed by qualified dentists or prosthodontists, and they involve elective treatments designed to restore damaged teeth or enhance aesthetics.
Dental Crowns
Crowns are tooth-shaped covers placed over damaged, cracked, or decayed teeth. They are especially common for teeth that have had root canal treatment, providing strength and protection.
Materials: Porcelain, zirconia, gold alloy, or a combination of porcelain and metal. Porcelain and zirconia can be colour-matched to your natural teeth.
What to Expect:
Visit 1: The tooth is reshaped, and an impression or 3D scan is taken. A temporary crown is fitted.
Visit 2: The custom crown is cemented into place.
Same-day crowns may be available in some clinics.
Dental Bridges
A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring a false tooth between two crowns on the surrounding teeth. Like crowns, bridges are made of strong, tooth-coloured materials and usually require two appointments.
Other options to replace missing teeth include:
Partial dentures
Dental implants
Your dentist will help determine the best solution for you.
Dental Veneers
Veneers are thin shells applied to the front of teeth to improve their shape, size or colour. They’re ideal for:
✔ Closing small gaps
✔ Covering stained, chipped or slightly crooked teeth
✔ Improving the appearance of peg-shaped or discoloured teeth
Types of Veneers:
Composite Resin Veneers: Applied directly to the tooth and shaped in the chair; usually completed in one appointment.
Porcelain Veneers: Made in a dental lab based on impressions or 3D scans; typically completed over two visits.
Caring for Crowns, Bridges and Veneers
To extend the lifespan of your dental work:
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
Clean between teeth daily
Use superfloss, floss threaders or interdental brushes to clean around bridges, as floss cannot pass between joined crowns
Will I Need More Treatment in Future?
Crowns, bridges, and veneers are durable but not permanent. You may need future treatment if:
The restoration chips, fractures or loosens
Tooth decay develops around or under the restoration
Colour mismatches occur over time
Ready to Improve Your Smile?
If you’re considering crowns, bridges, or veneers, the team at Empire Dental Care in Bicton can help. Book a dental check up today for a personalised consultation to explore your options and receive personalised advice tailored to your needs.