Crowns, bridges and veneers
Crowns and bridges
A crown involves capping a tooth or dental implant. They are often needed when a significant cavity threatens the structural integrity of a tooth. A bridge replaces a missing tooth by joining an artificial tooth permanently to adjacent teeth or a dental implant.
Crowns are usually bonded to the tooth with a type of dental cement. There are three basic types of crowns: 1. Porcelain outer surface with a metal base crown. 2. Pure porcelain or composite crown. 3. All metal crown, which is usually gold. They all differ in durability, strength, appearance and cost.
The materials used for the bridges include porcelain fused to metal, or sometimes only porcelain. Usually, the neighbouring teeth are reduced in size to accommodate the material used to restore the missing tooth. The amount and type of reduction done depends on the material used.
Veneers
Veneers cover the visible face of your teeth with a thin layer of porcelain ceramic or composite resin that is designed to change the colour, texture, shape and in some cases, the alignment of your teeth. Veneers are typically used when your teeth are otherwise in great condition but you’re unhappy with the way they “look”.
Porcelain veneers
A porcelain veneer is a semi-transparent tooth shaped “shell” that is custom-made to fit over the face of each of your teeth usually in a dental laboratory. Veneers are permanently bonded to your natural teeth. Porcelain veneers are typically completed in two appointments. During the first appointment, your teeth are cleaned and prepared and an “impression” is taken that is used to make a model of your teeth. This is used by the dental laboratory to make your veneers. At the second appointment, your veneers are set in place.
Composite veneers
Your teeth can also be veneered using composite resin, which is applied to the surface of your teeth as a paste, sculpted to the required shape and then “set” using a light activation system that makes it rock hard. Composite veneers can typically be completed in one appointment.
Contact us and we will be happy to advise you of any expected expenses. Don’t forget we offer payment plans to help you manage crown, bridges and veneer costs and you can also consider Supercare.