Dental Crowns and Bridges in Balwyn
If you have a broken tooth or a gap in your smile, Dr Steven Rostkier can help. We'll discuss your options and look at how to keep as much healthy tooth as possible.
In practice
Onlays where they'll do the job
Images sent to our lab
Plans available; HICAPS claiming
Dental Crowns Balwyn - When a Crown Is the Right Choice
If a tooth is badly broken down or has a large filling, a crown can restore its shape and protect the tooth that remains. A crown, also called a cap, fits over the visible part of the tooth and is usually made of porcelain.
We may recommend a crown when a tooth:
- has more filling than natural tooth left
- is badly broken down by decay or wear
- has a crack that could spread
- needs protection after root canal treatment
Crowns can also improve the appearance of a misshapen or discoloured tooth, or replace the visible part of a tooth on top of a dental implant. For other teeth, a filling or veneer may be an option, depending on what the tooth needs.
Dental Crown or Onlay? Keeping More of Your Natural Tooth
If a back tooth is damaged, a full crown isn't always needed. An onlay is a porcelain restoration that covers the damaged part of the tooth, such as a broken chewing edge, while leaving more of the healthy tooth in place.
Dr Rostkier takes a conservative approach and recommends an onlay where it will do the job. Removing less healthy tooth can reduce the risk of sensitivity afterwards. If you've been told you need a crown on a back tooth, it's worth asking whether an onlay would be suitable.
If the tooth is too broken down for an onlay, he'll explain why a crown is the better choice for you.
Dental Bridges to Replace Missing Teeth
If you’re missing a tooth, a bridge can fill the gap and help you chew more comfortably and smile with confidence. A conventional bridge holds one or more artificial teeth in place with crowns on the teeth either side. It’s fixed in place, so there’s nothing to take out at night.
A bridge can be a good option when the teeth beside the gap already have large fillings or need crowns of their own. The health of those supporting teeth and their gums also matters, so we check them when considering a bridge. If the neighbouring teeth are healthy, an implant may be preferable because it doesn’t involve them.
If you’re missing several teeth, an implant-supported bridge may be an option. Dental implants are used to hold the bridge in place, so it doesn’t rely on the teeth beside the gap.
If you’re in Balwyn, Deepdene or nearby, you’re welcome to book an assessment with us in Balwyn.
What to Expect With a Crown or Bridge
Your first visit starts with a conversation. Dr Rostkier spends 10 to 15 minutes finding out what’s bothering you and what you’d like to achieve. He then checks your teeth, gums, jaw muscles and bite, with digital X-rays to see what’s happening beneath the surface.
We’ll discuss your options and give you a written estimate before treatment begins. Once you’re ready to go ahead, treatment generally follows these steps:
Step 1
Tooth Preparation
We use local anaesthetic to numb the area. Dr Rostkier removes any decay or old filling material that needs replacing, then prepares the tooth. For a conventional bridge, he prepares the teeth that will support it.
Step 2
Digital Scanning
We use a 3D intraoral scanner to create a detailed digital model of your teeth and gums.
Step 3
Temporary Restoration
We may fit a temporary crown or bridge to protect the prepared teeth while yours is being made.
Step 4
Laboratory Fabrication
We send the scan to our technicians, who make your crown, onlay or bridge to fit and match your other teeth. For a lab-made crown, you usually return around two weeks later for fitting.
Step 5
Fitting and Final Checks
We place the crown, onlay or bridge on your teeth and check the fit and your bite. You’ll also be able to see how it looks in the mirror before it’s secured in place.
Book Your Crown or Bridge Assessment
Cost and Health Fund Rebates
The cost depends on what your tooth needs, the material and how many teeth are involved. After your assessment, you’ll receive a written, itemised estimate before any treatment begins, with time to consider your options.
Crowns, onlays and bridges are usually claimed under major dental cover. Your rebate depends on your health fund and level of cover. You can claim on the spot with HICAPS, and payment plans are available. We also accept major credit cards and cash.
Meet Dr Steven Rostkier
“My approach to dentistry is achieving high quality, precision results using the latest technology, but no gimmicks. All to achieve your individualised goals.”
Dr Steven Rostkier grew up in Doncaster, just up the road, and wanted to be a dentist from a young age. He graduated from the University of Melbourne in 1999, spent 18 months working in England to broaden his experience, and has looked after patients in Balwyn since 2006. Since graduating, he has trained further in implant, cosmetic and sedation dentistry, and in endodontics (root canal treatment).
A father of four, he’s at ease with children and families, and outside the practice you’ll find him on the golf course or tennis court, travelling, or barracking for Carlton.
Our Friendly Dental Team
From the moment you walk in, our team will make sure you feel welcome and well looked after, and our hygienists will help keep your teeth and gums healthy between visits.
Visit Us in Balwyn
You'll find us at Century Dental, 2a/379-381 Whitehorse Road, on the north side between Balwyn Road and Yerrin Street, near the Balwyn Library and the Palace Balwyn cinema.
Opening Hours
Monday: 8:30am to 7pm
Tuesday to Thursday: 8am to 5pm
Friday: 8am to 4:30pm
Saturday and Sunday: closed
We run on time 95% of the time. On the rare occasion we’re behind, we’ll let you know before you arrive.
Getting Here
By car: there’s parking at the rear of our building, and street parking on Mangan Street and nearby side streets (check the signs for time limits). Call us and we’ll tell you the best spot for that time of day.
By tram or bus: take the 109 tram to Stop 47 (Balwyn Rd/Whitehorse Rd). It’s a two-minute flat walk to our door. The 285 bus from Camberwell or Doncaster also stops nearby.
Questions before you book?
Call us on (03) 9831 3272. We’re happy to talk through the process, the cost or how to find us.
Questions About Crowns and Bridges
We numb the area before preparing your teeth. You may feel pressure, but if anything feels uncomfortable, let us know so we can help. Your teeth or gums may feel tender for a few days afterwards; if that doesn't settle, give us a call.
Crowns often last around 8 to 10 years, and many conventional bridges last 10 years or longer. The lifespan varies with the restoration, the supporting teeth and gums, and how well they're cared for. A tooth beneath a crown can still develop decay, so daily cleaning and regular check-ups matter. Our guide explains more about how long dental crowns last.
Where a damaged tooth can be restored, keeping it may be a good option. If it can't be saved, we'll explain why and talk through the choices for the gap, which may include a bridge or an implant.
Most of the crowns we make are porcelain, which can be matched to your other teeth. We'll discuss which material suits your tooth and how you use it when you bite and chew.
It depends on the tooth and how much of it remains. Back teeth do a lot of the chewing, so a crown or onlay is often recommended to help protect the remaining tooth structure. We'll explain what's suitable for yours.
Yes. A bridge may suit you if the neighbouring teeth already need crowns, or if an implant isn't suitable for your circumstances. We'll explain the options after looking at your teeth and gums.
Brush it like your natural teeth, and clean under the artificial tooth every day with floss threaders or small interdental brushes. Our hygienists can show you how at your next clean.
Call us so we can advise you and arrange an assessment. If it has come out, keep it somewhere safe and bring it with you; don't try to glue it back in yourself. If you're in pain or need urgent help, ask us about emergency dental care.
Book Your Assessment
Dr Steven Rostkier will look at your tooth or the gap, explain your options and give you a written estimate. You can take the time you need to decide. We see patients from Balwyn, Balwyn North, Deepdene, Canterbury and nearby suburbs.