_edited.png)
Dental Crowns
A dental crown, sometimes called a cap, is a custom-made restoration that fits over a
tooth to restore its shape, strength and appearance. Crowns may be recommended for
teeth that are weakened, heavily filled, damaged or treated with root canal treatment.
At College Road Dental Practice, we’ll assess your tooth and explain whether a crown
is a suitable option for you.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A crown covers the visible part of a tooth above the gumline. It is designed to protect
the remaining tooth structure and restore its function, while blending in with your
natural smile. Crowns can be made from different materials, depending on the position
of the tooth, your bite and your individual needs.
When Might I Need a Crown?
Your dentist may recommend a crown if:
-
A tooth has been weakened by extensive decay or a large filling.
-
A tooth is cracked or significantly damaged.
-
A tooth needs additional protection following root canal treatment.
-
You want to restore the shape or appearance of a damaged tooth.
-
Your dentist will explain the available options and whether a crown is the most appropriate treatment.
What Does the Treatment Involve?
Crown treatment usually involves at least two appointments. During the first visit, the tooth is prepared and an impression or digital scan is taken so your custom-made crown can be produced. A temporary crown may be fitted while your permanent crown is being made.
At a later appointment, your dentist will check the fit and appearance of the finished crown before securing it in place.
How Do I Look After My Crown?
Good oral hygiene is essential for keeping the tooth and gums around your crown healthy. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, clean between your teeth daily and attend regular dental check-ups.
Crowns can last for many years, although their lifespan varies depending on factors such as oral hygiene, bite forces and the material used.
Provide excellent protection for weakened or damaged teeth, preventing further decay or fracture.
Restore the shape, size, and function of a tooth
Seamless blend with your smile
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth. It fills the gap with a replacement tooth, helping restore the appearance of your smile and improve chewing function.
At College Road Dental Practice, we can assess your teeth and discuss whether a dental bridge is a suitable option for replacing missing teeth.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A bridge consists of one or more replacement teeth supported by neighbouring teeth or, in some cases, dental implants. The most appropriate design depends on the position of the gap and the condition of the surrounding teeth.
What Types of Dental Bridges Are Available?
There are different types of dental bridges, including:
-
Traditional bridges: Replacement teeth supported by crowns fitted to neighbouring teeth.
-
Adhesive bridges: Replacement teeth attached to supporting teeth using a bonded framework, often requiring less alteration of the supporting teeth.
Your dentist will explain which options may be suitable for your individual situation.
What Are the Benefits of a Dental Bridge?
-
Fills gaps: Replaces missing teeth to help restore your smile.
-
Supports chewing: May improve your ability to bite and chew comfortably.
-
Restores appearance: Replacement teeth are designed to complement your natural teeth.
-
Fixed solution: A bridge is secured in place rather than removed daily like a conventional denture.
What Does the Treatment Involve?
Treatment usually requires more than one appointment. Your dentist will assess the area, prepare the supporting teeth if needed, and take impressions or a digital scan. A temporary restoration may be provided while your permanent bridge is made.
At a subsequent appointment, the bridge will be checked for fit and appearance before being secured in place.
How Do I Look After a Dental Bridge?
Brush carefully around the bridge and clean underneath the replacement tooth using suitable interdental cleaning tools. Your dentist or hygienist can show you how to keep the area clean and advise you on ongoing maintenance.
Restore your smile
Preserve jaw structure by preventing teeth moving into an empty space
Improved stability and chewing ability
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are thin, custom-made coverings bonded to the front
surface of teeth to improve their appearance. They may be used to
address concerns such as discolouration, small chips, uneven edges or
minor differences in tooth shape.
At College Road Dental Practice, we can discuss your smile goals and
help you understand whether veneers are an appropriate option.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Veneers are designed to complement your natural teeth and create a more even-looking smile. They can be made from materials such as porcelain or composite resin, depending on the treatment selected.
What Can Veneers Help With?
Veneers may be suitable for improving the appearance of:
-
Discoloured teeth that have not responded sufficiently to whitening.
-
Small chips or worn edges.
-
Minor irregularities in tooth shape or size.
-
Small gaps between certain teeth.
Suitability depends on the condition of your teeth, your bite and your individual expectations.
What Does Veneer Treatment Involve?
Your dentist will assess your teeth and discuss the results you hope to achieve. Depending on the type of veneer, some enamel may need to be removed to create space for the restoration.
For porcelain veneers, impressions or a digital scan are taken so the veneers can be custom-made. Temporary veneers may be provided where appropriate before the final veneers are fitted. Composite veneers may sometimes be completed in fewer appointments.
Are Veneers Right for Me?
Veneers are not the only way to improve the appearance of your smile. Depending on your needs, alternatives may include professional teeth whitening, composite bonding or orthodontic treatment.
Your dentist will explain the benefits and limitations of each option so you can make an informed decision.
How Do I Look After Veneers?
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, clean between your teeth daily and attend regular dental check-ups. Avoid biting hard objects with your front teeth, as veneers can chip or become damaged.
Cosmetically enhance your smile by hiding the stains, chips, gaps
Natural Appearance
Highly stain-resistant material
Minimal tooth alteration