A veneer can make a chipped tooth look intact again. The
porcelain covers the whole of the front of the tooth with
a thicker section replacing the broken part.
Bonding: sometimes instead of a porcelain veneer, a natural
colour ‘composite’ material is used instead
of porcelain. A natural-coloured filling material can
be used for minor repairs to front teeth like chipped or broken tooth corners.
CROWNS & BRDIGES TO REPLACE MISSING TEETH
Crowns
Crowns, or caps for teeth are custom-made for each patient and fitted onto a tooth, covering its entire surface. They are made of variety of different materials for example porcelain, ceramic etc.
Crowns can reinforce weak or cracked teeth and also change the look of teeth that are awkwardly shaped or discoloured. Crowns are also used for cases of teeth with large fillings, where a tooth has been subject to a fracture or after a root canal treatment.
A crown could be used for a number of other reasons, for instance:
you may have discoloured fillings and would like to improve the appearance of the tooth
you may have had a root filling which will need a crown to protect it
it may help hold a bridge or denture firmly in place.
Besides having a dental implant, there are two main ways to replace missing teeth. The first is with a removable false tooth or teeth – a partial denture. The second is with a fixed bridge.
Bridges
Missing teeth can cause problems in biting, chewing and even speaking. Not least a missing tooth doesn’t do a great deal for your appearance. Bridges are artificial teeth held together at both ends by crowns. They are a quick solution to filling the gaps left by missing natural teeth. Each bridge is customised for a patient, ensuring a comfortable and long lasting fit.
A bridge is usually used where there are fewer teeth to replace, or when the missing teeth are only on one side of the mouth. Bridges are usually made of a precious metal base.
If the bridge will show, porcelain is then bonded to the base. Sometimes, there are other non-precious metals used in the base to reduce the cost.
You should replace missing teeth for a number of reasons. Your appearance is one reason.
Another is that the gap left by a missing tooth can mean greater strain is put on the teeth at either side.
A gap can also mean your ‘bite’ is affected, because the teeth next to the space can lean into the gap and alter the way the upper and lower teeth bite together.
This can then lead to food getting packed into the gap, which causes both decay and gum disease.
Implants are a more robust treatment for missing teeth and depending on your particular circumstances, our specialists can advise you on whether you should consider this option. Our implantology section tells you more.
Online Leaflets Want general information on a condition or treatment?
Visit the British
Dental Health Foundation where they have over 40 online
leaflets.
Online Resource Want to find out about dental treatment? Want
to know how to look after your teeth better?
Visit the new BDA
Smile web site.
3D Education Want to learn about dental anatomy, conditions,
treatments and good oral health?
Visit the BDA's cutting edge 3D Educational web site.
