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Restorative

Restore your tooth with a crown or bridge.

Same-day CEREC crowns at Smile Spot Mawson Lakes restore damaged teeth in a single visit — no temporary crown and no second appointment. When a tooth is too damaged for a filling, a crown returns its full function, strength, and appearance.

Dental crowns and bridges at Smile Spot Mawson Lakes
Same-day option CEREC crowns in one visit
Natural look Tooth-coloured ceramic
Crowns & bridges Single teeth and spans
Evening hours Mon–Thu until 7pm

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over the entire visible portion of a damaged tooth, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are recommended when a tooth has been significantly weakened by decay, a large crack, or a fracture, and there isn't enough sound tooth structure remaining to support a filling. They are also routinely placed after root canal treatment to protect the treated tooth from fracture.

At Smile Spot Mawson Lakes, we offer tooth-coloured ceramic crowns that closely mimic the look of natural tooth enamel. For eligible patients, we can design, mill, and fit your crown in a single appointment using CEREC technology — ideal for busy northern Adelaide families and professionals who find it difficult to schedule multiple visits during standard business hours.

Same-day crowns with CEREC technology

CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) is a digital system that allows us to create a permanent ceramic crown right here in the practice, while you wait. The process replaces the traditional two-visit workflow — no messy impression trays, no temporary crown to manage between appointments, and no waiting one to two weeks for a laboratory to return your restoration.

How same-day crowns work

After preparing the tooth, we use a small intraoral scanner to capture a precise 3D digital impression. The scan data is used to design your crown on screen, then the design is sent to our in-practice milling unit, which carves the restoration from a solid block of high-quality ceramic in approximately 15 to 20 minutes. The crown is colour-matched to your natural teeth, adjusted for your bite, and bonded into place in the same appointment.

With our evening hours — open until 7pm Monday to Thursday — you can book a CEREC crown appointment after work and leave with your permanent restoration the same evening.

When is a crown needed?

  • A tooth with extensive decay that cannot be restored with a filling
  • A cracked or fractured tooth at risk of splitting further
  • After root canal treatment to protect the remaining structure
  • A severely worn tooth due to grinding or acid erosion
  • To support a dental bridge on either side of a gap
  • To improve the appearance of a misshapen or badly discoloured tooth

Dental bridges — replacing missing teeth

A dental bridge is a fixed restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth. The artificial tooth (or teeth) in the middle — called a pontic — is anchored to crowns placed on the natural teeth on either side of the gap. The bridge is cemented permanently into place and functions much like natural teeth for eating and speaking.

Bridges are an established alternative to dental implants for patients who are not suitable for implant surgery, or who prefer a fixed restoration that doesn't require surgical placement. The supporting teeth (abutments) do need to be prepared to accept the crowns, which is worth factoring into your decision. We'll discuss all options with you so you can make an informed choice.

If you've lost a tooth and live in Mawson Lakes or nearby suburbs like Ingle Farm or Para Hills, it's worth addressing the gap sooner rather than later. Neighbouring teeth can gradually drift into an unfilled space over time, making replacement more complex.

Caring for your crown or bridge

Crowns and bridges are cared for much like natural teeth — brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste, floss daily (around bridges, use a floss threader or interdental brush to clean under the pontic), and attend regular check-ups. Avoid chewing on very hard objects, which can chip even strong ceramic. If you grind your teeth at night, a night guard can help protect your restoration from excessive wear. With good oral hygiene and routine professional care, crowns and bridges can serve you well for many years.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

How long does a dental crown last?

With proper care — regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups — a well-fitted crown can last many years. Longevity depends on factors including the material used, where in the mouth the crown is placed, your oral hygiene routine, and whether you grind your teeth. Your dentist can give you a more specific expectation based on your individual situation.

What is the difference between a crown and a bridge?

A crown covers a single damaged tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance. A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth (pontics) to crowns placed on the natural teeth either side of the gap. Both restorations are fixed in place and function like natural teeth.

Can I get a crown in one visit?

For eligible cases, yes. Our CEREC technology allows us to scan, design, and mill a ceramic crown in the practice on the same day — no temporary crown and no second appointment needed. Not all clinical situations are suitable for same-day crowns; your dentist will assess whether CEREC is appropriate for your tooth at your consultation.

Will my crown look natural?

Modern ceramic crowns are designed to match the colour, translucency, and shape of your surrounding natural teeth. We colour-match the restoration carefully so it blends in. The crown replaces the visible portion of the tooth, and most people cannot tell the difference from a natural tooth.

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Ready when you are

Need a crown that fits your schedule?

Book an evening appointment at Smile Spot Mawson Lakes and find out whether a same-day CEREC crown is right for you. No time off work required.

See our special offers for new patients →

(08) 8258 06501/3 Coventry Street, Mawson Lakes SA 5095 Mon–Thu 10am–7pm · Fri 9am–2pm · Sat–Sun Closed