Crowns

Crowns are the best option when a tooth has lost over one-third of its structure.

To fit a crown, we remove at least 1–2mm of tooth tissue under local anaesthetic and then take an impression using a rubber-like material. This is sent to our laboratory along with accompanying photos to illustrate the exact shade and surface detail required. This gives you a truly unique crown that will naturally blend in with your other teeth.

While the crown is being constructed, you will normally be fitted with a temporary restoration. We will discuss your preference of a crown with you at length and decide on the material of choice together depending on your circumstances.

Crowns give a beautiful appearance and provide added strength to the weakened tooth structure beneath. They look very natural and can even be used to change the lip position and alter tooth proportions in addition to masking unsightly teeth.

What happens in a crown preparation?
To prepare for a crown we remove at least once 2 mm of two tissue under local anaesthetic and then either take an impression using a rubber like material or scan the tooth using our latest itero hi definition, intraoral scanner. This is sent to our laboratory along with accompanying photos to illustrate the exact shape and surface detail required. This gives you a unique crown or blend in naturally with the other teeth.
While the crown is being constructed you’ll be fitted with a temporary restoration. This temporary is very vulnerable and can be broken or lifted off the tooth.
Therefore you should be very careful eating on the temporary restoration avoiding to sticky or hot and avoid flossing in between the temporary crown and the adjacent teeth. Normal gentle brushing around the tooth Will maintain the gum health, until your permanent crown is fitted at the next appointment.
If you do lose or fracture your temporary crown, please call us immediately, as without the crown in place, the teeth either side or opposing can move meaning that the permanent crown will no longer fit.

Bridges

Bridges follow exactly the same principal as crowns, and can be used when there is a gap adjacent to a suitably strong tooth that requires a crown.

Bridges are ideal for people who only have one or two teeth missing and would prefer not to get dentures.

Conventional bridges are constructed by crowning a tooth adjacent to a gap. The crown is constructed with a false tooth attached to it. This means that when the bridge is fitted it looks like a natural tooth.

Adhesive bridges are another way of bridging a gap and normally do require the removal of any tooth tissue. This type of bridge relies on a wing cemented to the back of the adjacent tooth. They are a fantastic option for children with missing teeth as well a temporary solution to pre-implant placement.