Crown
A crown is an artificial restoration that fits over the remaining part of a prepared tooth, making it strong and giving it the shape of a natural tooth. A crown is sometimes known as a 'cap'.
Crowns are an ideal way to repair teeth that have been broken, or have been weakened by tooth decay or a very large filling. A crown could be used for a number of other reasons. You may have a discoloured filling and would like to improve the appearance of the tooth. You may have had a root filling and need a crown to protect what is left of the tooth.
Crowns can also be used to help with slightly crooked teeth, by giving them a much straighter appearance and closing up any obvious gaps.
Bridge
A dental bridge is a permanent appliance that replaces a missing tooth or missing teeth. It's made up of several pieces that are fused together to fit into the open space where your tooth or teeth used to be.
Dental bridges are an alternative to partial dentures. They serve both practical and aesthetic purposes, enabling you to eat and speak better as well as restoring your teeth's appearance.
The bridge may be made of several different types of material, including gold, alloys, or porcelain. When replacing a front tooth, porcelain is most often the material of choice because it can be matched to your natural tooth colour.
Porcelain Veneers
Dental veneers, are ultra-thin shells created from porcelain which are bonded to the front of your teeth in order to improve the aesthetics of your teeth.
Veneers are an increasingly popular method to quickly improve the appearance of teeth which have become damaged through a range of issues. Veneers are commonly used to treat chipped or damaged teeth, teeth which are worn down, and stained or discoloured teeth. Your teeth are prone to becoming discoloured if you ingest certain substances such as red wine, coffee, tea or cigarette smoke. In cases such as this teeth whitening is not always enough to restore their natural colour so dental veneers provide a great alternative to covering up discolouration and stains.
Veneers can also be used to help with slightly crooked teeth, by giving them a much straighter appearance and closing up any obvious gaps.
Composite Veneers
Composite bonding can usually be carried out in just one visit to the dentist. It’s a fast and effective way to fix minor cosmetic issues. The composite is hardened using UV light as soon as it’s applied, resulting in a tooth that can comfortably bite down by the end of the appointment.
Bonding is also a non-invasive procedure. With alternatives such as crowns and veneers, part of the tooth is permanently removed. For composite bonding to be applied, the surface of the tooth only has to be roughened to help the resin to bond, meaning the structure of the tooth remains intact.
Composite bonding can make cosmetic improvements to your smile quickly, without causing further damage to your teeth.
Composite bonding can be a cheaper alternative to crowns or veneers. It’s also a less invasive process and can be completed in just one appointment. And with regular brushing and good oral hygiene, your composite bonds should last for years.
