Veneers, Crowns and Bridges Compared
Dental crowns, bridges and veneers are often mentioned together as they fall under the category of dental repair and restorative work. However, it is important that each of these techniques is only opted for when appropriate. Always consult your dental health professional for a thorough consultation before a treatment is commenced.
Crowns and Bridges
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that completely covers every part of a damaged or misshapen tooth. Crowns are made of different materials, such as metal, porcelain, resin, or pressed ceramic, each of which have their own unique advantages.
A crown is often the best option for restoring a tooth if treatments like fillings and dental bonding are not sufficient. A crown may also be needed when protecting a tooth from decay, breakage due to cracking, or to support a tooth that requires a large filling. Crowns are also used to cover dental implants, severely discoloured teeth, and recent root canals.
In order to cover up more than one missing tooth, a dental bridge is a better option. Custom designed to fit your gums, uneven gaps can be filled with one or more artificial teeth. Dental bridges are helpful when dealing with missing teeth due to severe tooth decay, gum disease or traumatic injury. A dental bridge requires healthy teeth to be on either side of the missing teeth.
Types of dental bridges include:
Traditional fixed bridge:
Traditional fixed bridges are the most common type in use, and usually have two or more crowns connected to ‘filler’ teeth. The crowns act as anchors that keep the bridge in place. Traditional bridges are commonly made of metal, porcelain and metal, or ceramics.
Cantilever bridge:
With this type of bridge, the pontic (or false tooth) connects to one abutment (supporting) tooth. This option is used for people who have a supporting tooth on one side of a gap.
Resin-bonded bridge:
This type of bridge is used to replace missing front teeth. These bridges are made of porcelain and metal fused together, or ceramic teeth supported by a frame. The bridge has wings on each side of the bridge, allowing it to bond to your existing teeth.
Implant supported bridge:
Similar to a traditional fixed bridge, but is held in place by implants, rather than being cemented to the teeth.
Dental Veneer:
Dental veneers, also called laminates, are extremely thin, custom-made shells made from a colour that matches the tooth. They are designed to “patch up” the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. The purpose of veneers is to change the colour, shape, or size of damaged teeth.
To apply a veneer to a patient’s teeth, a dentist will first reshape the surface of the tooth to match the thickness of the veneer. Following this, a model, or impression of the tooth is made, then sent to a lab where the veneer is made. A dentist may apply temporary veneers to the teeth while the veneer is prepared, which may take some time. Enquire today about veneers which can help fix even minor cosmetic problems.
Choosing the Right Treatment For You
Each of these dental techniques is tremendously useful to treat specific conditions. Contact Northern Beaches Dental today at 02 9190 6925 to book a consultation with our team of experts who will help you choose the most appropriate, painless and cost-effective treatment for your requirement.