The material used for your crown will be discussed based on the location of the tooth, the biting forces it sustains, aesthetic considerations, and your individual clinical circumstances. Common crown materials include:

Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM)

A ceramic outer layer bonded to a metal substructure. PFM crowns offer a combination of strength and aesthetics and have a long clinical track record. A thin dark line may be visible at the gumline as gums recede over time — your dentist will discuss this where relevant.

Full ceramic (all-porcelain or zirconia)

Tooth-coloured ceramic crowns offer strong aesthetic integration with natural teeth. Zirconia crowns are particularly durable and are increasingly used for posterior teeth where strength and aesthetics are both required. Suitability depends on bite forces and individual clinical factors.

Full metal (gold or base metal alloy)

Metal crowns are highly durable and require minimal tooth preparation. They are typically considered for posterior teeth where aesthetics are less of a priority and longevity under high bite forces is a primary clinical concern.

A dental bridge is a fixed restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth by spanning the gap between adjacent teeth — known as abutment teeth — which are prepared to support the bridge. The artificial tooth (or teeth) suspended in the gap is referred to as a pontic.

Types of dental bridges:

Traditional (conventional) bridge
The most common bridge design, where the pontic is supported by crowns placed on the natural teeth on either side of the gap. The abutment teeth require preparation — a process that involves removing a portion of enamel — to accommodate the crown components of the bridge.

Cantilever bridge
Supported by a crown on only one adjacent tooth, used in specific clinical situations where only one abutment tooth is available or appropriate. Suitability is assessed carefully due to the biomechanical forces involved.

Resin-bonded (Maryland) bridge
A more conservative option where the pontic is supported by metal or ceramic wings bonded to the backs of adjacent teeth, without full crown preparation. Appropriate in carefully selected clinical situations and subject to individual assessment.

Implant-supported bridge
Where implants — rather than natural teeth — serve as the abutments for the bridge. This avoids the need to prepare adjacent healthy teeth and may be discussed where multiple teeth are missing.

A dental bridge is a fixed restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth by spanning the gap between adjacent teeth — known as abutment teeth — which are prepared to support the bridge. The artificial tooth (or teeth) suspended in the gap is referred to as a pontic.

Types of dental bridges:

Traditional (conventional) bridge
The most common bridge design, where the pontic is supported by crowns placed on the natural teeth on either side of the gap. The abutment teeth require preparation — a process that involves removing a portion of enamel — to accommodate the crown components of the bridge.

Cantilever bridge
Supported by a crown on only one adjacent tooth, used in specific clinical situations where only one abutment tooth is available or appropriate. Suitability is assessed carefully due to the biomechanical forces involved.

Resin-bonded (Maryland) bridge
A more conservative option where the pontic is supported by metal or ceramic wings bonded to the backs of adjacent teeth, without full crown preparation. Appropriate in carefully selected clinical situations and subject to individual assessment.

Implant-supported bridge
Where implants — rather than natural teeth — serve as the abutments for the bridge. This avoids the need to prepare adjacent healthy teeth and may be discussed where multiple teeth are missing.

Crown and bridge fees vary depending on the material selected, the number of units in the restoration, laboratory fabrication costs, and clinical complexity. At Sunbury Dental Group:

– Written fee estimates are provided before treatment proceeds, with the cost of the temporary and permanent restoration outlined separately where applicable

-Private health fund cover — many extras policies include benefits for crowns and bridges; individual rebates depend on your fund, level of cover, applicable waiting periods, and annual limits; we recommend confirming your entitlements with your fund directly

-No hidden fees — all costs including preparatory appointments, temporaries, laboratory fees, and cementation are itemised in your treatment estimate

Implant-supported restorations — where an implant is being used to support a crown or bridge, implant placement fees are separate and will be outlined in a comprehensive treatment plan

Individual out-of-pocket costs will depend on material selection, restoration complexity, and health fund entitlements. Please contact our practice to discuss fees specific to your circumstances.