Crowns, Bridges And Veneers
Crowns
Sometimes when a tooth is heavy broken down a crown is required to protect the remaining tooth. This is essentially a cap, which is usually tooth coloured, placed over the remaining prepared natural tooth giving protection, strength and improves the appearance. This is done over 2 visits, at the 1st appointment we will prepare your natural tooth, make you a temporary crown and take some impressions to send to our dental laboratory where a skilled dental technician will make your crown. This is then sent back to us for the 2nd appointment where we will cement this. Crowns are available in tooth coloured porcelain or ceramic materials or also available in various precious or non precious metals, such as gold.
Dental Bridge
A fixed dental bridge is a non removable way of replacing a small number of missing teeth. It involves preparing the teeth next to the gap and cementing onto these a unit which involves artificial teeth in the middle to replace this gap. Due to the nature of the preparation on the teeth either side, this is only a good option if these teeth have been heavily restored or have crowns currently as we would like to be conservative with our approach and not trim away healthy tooth.
There is also another type of bridge called a Maryland bridge, this replaces a missing tooth with an artificial tooth with “wings” which are cemented to the back of the adjacent teeth. This requires very little and in some cases no preparation to the natural teeth, however these can sometimes be less successful depending on factors like a strong bite.
Veneers
Veneers are used to improve the appearance of teeth. Whether it is the shape, colour or position. Usually veneers are used for front upper teeth. Veneers are a thin covering which is bonded directly to the front surface of your teeth, meaning in most cases very little preparation to your natural tooth and in some cases no preparation at all is required. Veneers can also be used to fill gaps between teeth, and in this case are bonded to the front and side of the tooth. Veneers are not always suitable for everyone and this can be assessed by one of our dentists.
FAQ
A crown can help support a tooth with a weakened structure or significant damage, and prevent further decay, preserving your natural tooth for the future. Crowns can also improve the appearance of a tooth that is chipped or stained, restoring the tooth to its usual shape and colour.
As long as you take proper care of your teeth, a dental crown can last for years. Your dentist will advise you on how long you can expect your crown to last and how to maintain it.
Dental bridges offer a permanent solution for missing teeth. Unlike dental implants, bridges can replace missing teeth without surgery. And with porcelain finishes available, your new tooth could be almost indistinguishable from the natural teeth surrounding it.
Having a dental bridge can boost your confidence in your smile and make day to day activities such as eating and talking easier. Replacing a missing tooth can also help protect your remaining teeth. When you have gaps, remaining teeth may lean over or move into the space, affecting the way you bite. Food can also get trapped in spaces, increasing your risk of tooth decay.
Dental bridges are an investment in your confidence, quality of life and oral health.
Veneers are a popular treatment for improving the appearance of teeth. A thin covering is bonded directly to the front surface of your teeth, or in some cases can be used to fill gaps between teeth.
Veneers can greatly improve your appearance. They hide imperfections and you lose very little natural tooth material.
Veneers also protect teeth from any more damage. Tooth surface can be dissolved away by acid in the mouth (usually from too frequent consumption of certain kinds of food and drink); this can make teeth very sensitive to hot and cold. In this situation, veneers can protect teeth
If the tooth is strong, a veneer is often a better option than a crown for improving a tooth’s appearance.