Crowns and Bridges
Custom-made restorations for damaged or missing teeth — strong, natural-looking, and built to last.
What You Need to Know
When a tooth is too damaged for a filling, a crown covers and protects it, restoring its shape, strength, and appearance. When a tooth is missing, a bridge fills the gap by anchoring to the teeth on either side. Both are custom-made to match your natural teeth.
Why Patients Choose Us
Custom-Made for You
Every crown and bridge is designed to match the colour, shape, and size of your natural teeth. The result looks and feels completely natural.
Strong & Durable
Made from high-quality ceramic or porcelain-fused materials, our restorations are built to withstand normal biting forces for years.
Digital Technology
We use digital scanning to take precise impressions — no messy putty required. This means a better fit and faster turnaround.
Protect Weak Teeth
A crown acts as a helmet for a weakened tooth, preventing further cracking or fracture. It’s often the best way to save a tooth that’s had root canal treatment.
Replace Missing Teeth
A bridge fills the gap left by a missing tooth, preventing neighbouring teeth from shifting and restoring your ability to chew comfortably.
Common Questions About Crowns and Bridges
What’s the difference between a crown and a bridge?
A crown covers and strengthens a single damaged tooth. A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to the natural teeth on either side.
How long do crowns and bridges last?
With good care, crowns and bridges typically last 10-15 years, and many last much longer. Regular check-ups, good brushing, and flossing around the margins are key to longevity.
Does getting a crown hurt?
No — we numb the area completely with local anaesthetic. You’ll feel pressure but no pain. Some mild sensitivity for a few days after is normal and settles quickly.
How many appointments do I need?
Typically two visits. At the first, we prepare the tooth and fit a temporary crown. At the second (usually 2 weeks later), we fit your permanent crown or bridge. Same-day crowns may be available for some cases.
Can I eat normally with a crown?
Yes — once your permanent crown is fitted, you can eat normally. Avoid biting very hard things (ice, hard nuts) directly on the crown, just as you would with natural teeth.
What are crowns made of?
We use high-quality porcelain and zirconia that are colour-matched to your natural teeth. These materials are strong, durable, and look completely natural.
Is a crown better than a large filling?
For heavily damaged or weakened teeth, a crown provides much better protection and longevity than a large filling. It distributes biting forces evenly and prevents the tooth from cracking.
What happens if I don’t get a crown when recommended?
A weakened tooth without a crown is at risk of cracking or breaking further, which could lead to pain, infection, or even losing the tooth entirely. A crown is preventive — it’s easier and cheaper than dealing with a broken tooth later.
How much does a porcelain crown cost in Darwin?
A non-metallic porcelain crown at Compass Dental Care is $2,402 (ADA code 613). Across all materials we offer, crowns range $767–$2,541. Bridges cost more depending on the number of teeth involved. HICAPS on the spot, and Zip Pay/Zip Money payment plans available.
Do you make crowns in-house or send them to a lab?
We take a digital scan in the chair (no messy putty) and send it to a local Australian dental lab. Your permanent crown takes about 2 weeks to come back, during which you wear a temporary crown. You get the benefit of a skilled master ceramist shaping your crown rather than an in-house milling machine.
Is getting a crown painful?
We use local anaesthetic to numb the tooth completely — you'll feel pressure but no pain. Some mild sensitivity for 1–2 days afterwards is normal and settles quickly. If you're anxious, happy gas ($144 per 30 minutes) is available to help you relax during the appointment.
Can a bridge replace a back tooth?
Yes, bridges can replace back teeth. However, depending on your situation, we may also discuss dental implants as an alternative — they don’t require modifying the adjacent teeth.
Need a Crown or Bridge?
Book a consultation and we’ll assess the damage, explain your options, and give you a clear cost estimate.
