Crowns, Bridges and Veneers
Crowns
By restoring your old teeth, crowns preserve functionality and improve your smile.
Crowns are commonly known as caps because they sit over your existing teeth.
Why might I need crowns?
- If your tooth is decaying and there is not enough structure left to support a filling
- If your tooth has been fractured beyond repair composite bonding will not work
- If you have a large cavity and need additional protection
- As part of a dental implant treatment
- As part of a root canal treatment
- If your teeth have eroded the only option might be to crown them
- To improve your smile
Are dental crowns the best option?
Crowns should not be the first choice because a large part of teeth has to be removed in order to perform the treatment. Veneers or dental bonding restorations might be a less invasive option.
However, crowns are required when extra strength is needed. Veneers and dental bonding restorations are only as strong as the tooth.
What materials can crowns be made from?
There are a few crown materials available to choose from including full gold, metal porcelain, and a combination - metals fused to a porcelain outer shell.
Porcelain or ceramic crowns are the best choice for a natural cosmetic look.
How long do crowns last?
It depends on how well you look after your teeth. They require the same amount of care as your natural teeth.
Bridges
Bridges are false teeth, anchored onto neighbouring teeth. The false tooth is known as a pontic and is fused in between two crowns that serve as anchors by attaching to the teeth on each side of the false tooth - bridging them together.
What are dental bridges made of?
- Gold, alloys, porcelain or a combination of these materials
- Two crowns - serving to anchor the false tooth in place
When are dental bridges needed?
- Improve your smile and appearance
- Help you have an even bite
- Improve your speech
- Improve the shape of your face
- Help reduce the rate of gum disease and tooth decay as a result of food accumulated in the gap.
Types of bridges
There are three main types of dental bridges:
1. Traditional fixed bridge
The most commonly used bridge, fixed bridges, cannot be removed. They consist of the tooth being fused between two porcelain crowns that are anchored on neighbouring teeth or implants.
2. Resin-bonded bridges or Maryland-bonded bridges
These are chosen when the teeth on either side of the missing tooth are strong and healthy. The false tooth is made of plastic and is fused to metal bands that are bonded to the adjacent teeth using resin that is hidden from view.
3. Cantilever bridges
These might be chosen if the missing tooth in at the front. Cantilever bridges are used when there are teeth present on only one side of the space, where the false tooth is anchored to one or more adjacent teeth on one side.
Veneers
Used for the ultimate smile makeover, veneers transform crooked, stained, damaged or badly worn teeth into a brand new, straight, white smile.
Veneers are thin laminates, or shells, of tooth-coloured material - either porcelain, ceramic or composite bonding material.
The dental veneers are fitted to the front surface of teeth to improve appearance.
When are dental veneers appropriate?
Stained teeth - Cover any existing stains on your teeth
Damaged teeth – Hide teeth that have become badly worn, chipped or broken
Gaps – Close spaces or gaps between your teeth, giving you a better smile
Which are better: composite or porcelain veneers?
Porcelain is a strong and durable material, whereas composite veneers are prone to staining and don’t last as long. Porcelain veneers also look more natural.
Composite veneers are much cheaper than porcelain veneers in general, but could end up costing more in the long run.
How long do dental veneers last?
Veneers will eventually need to be replaced after five to ten years. To make your veneers last longer, have regular checkups and follow good oral hygiene.
