Crowns, Bridges And Veneers

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When a situation arises that you need a single tooth or multiple teeth replaced or restored, as a patient there are many options.

Crowns

A restoration may involve a dental crown – a material which covers over and encases the natural tooth and is designed to look like a real tooth. Dentists use crowns when rebuilding broken or decayed teeth or to improve the cosmetic appearance of a tooth. Crowns are made in a dental laboratory by a dental technician who uses moulds of your teeth made by your dentist. The type of crown your dentist recommends will depend on the tooth involved and your preference. Materials available include porcelain bonded to metal, gold alloy and metal-free zirconia.

Bridges

Depending on your situation, a bridge may be required. A bridge is an appliance permanently fixed in the mouth to replace missing teeth. It uses remaining teeth to support the new artificial tooth or teeth. In order to fix the replacement tooth (known as a pontic) in place, two crowns are placed on the teeth on either side of the gap (these are called the abutment teeth.)

Other options are also available depending on your situation, including implants and partial or full dentures. It is best to discuss these concerns with your dentist and make a decision based around your individual situation.

Veneers

Veneers are thin, tooth-coloured porcelain or glass/plastic layers fixed onto the front of your teeth that can be a suitable option if you have teeth with gaps, that are stained, discoloured, broken or chipped, oddly-shaped or badly-aligned.

Make sure you consider the following:

How much will it cost?
Will it be comfortable to use?
What effect will it have on my everyday lifestyle (eating, sleeping, talking etc)?
Will my teeth look completely natural?
What sort of maintenance is required?
How long will the procedure take?