Today, we’re delving into the world of dental restorations – specifically, crowns, caps, and bridges. At Solutions Dental Clinic, we believe in providing our patients with comprehensive information about all their treatment options. If you have damaged, weakened, or missing teeth, these restorative treatments could be the key to regaining your confident smile. Let’s explore these options and how they can benefit you.
First, let’s clear up a common confusion: crowns and caps are actually the same thing! These terms are used interchangeably in dentistry.
A crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that’s placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns can also be used on top of dental implants to replace missing teeth.
Crowns might be recommended in several situations:
1. To protect a weak tooth from breaking
2. To restore a broken or severely worn-down tooth
3. To cover and support a tooth with a large filling
4. To hold a dental bridge in place
5. To cover misshapen or severely discoloured teeth
6. To cover a dental implant
A dental bridge is a fixed appliance used to replace one or more missing teeth. It consists of one or more false teeth (called pontics) held in place by dental crowns on either side.
At Solutions Dental Clinic, we offer several types of bridges:
1. Traditional Bridges: These involve creating a crown for the teeth on either side of the gap, with a false tooth in between.
2. Cantilever Bridges: Used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth.
3. Maryland Bridges: These use a metal or porcelain framework bonded onto the backs of the adjacent teeth.
4. Implant-Supported Bridges: These use dental implants instead of crowns or frameworks for support.
When you choose to get a crown or bridge at our Winchester clinic, here’s what you can expect:
1. Initial Consultation: We’ll examine your teeth and discuss the best options for your specific case.
2. Preparation: If you’re getting a crown, we’ll prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping it to fit the crown. For bridges, we’ll prepare the adjacent teeth to support the bridge.
3. Impressions: We’ll take detailed impressions of your teeth to create your custom crown or bridge.
4. Temporary Restoration: While your permanent crown or bridge is being made, we’ll fit you with a temporary one.
5. Fitting: Once your permanent restoration is ready, we’ll remove the temporary one and carefully fit and adjust your new crown or bridge.
6. Follow-up: We’ll schedule a follow-up appointment to check the fit and your bite.
We offer a variety of materials for crowns and bridges, each with its own advantages:
1. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal: Durable and natural-looking.
2. All-Ceramic or All-Porcelain: The most natural-looking option, ideal for front teeth.
3. Zirconia: Extremely strong and natural-looking, suitable for both front and back teeth.
4. Gold Alloys: Highly durable and gentle on opposing teeth, often used for back teeth.
These restorations offer numerous advantages:
1. Restored Functionality: Allows you to chew and speak properly again.
2. Improved Aesthetics: Enhances the appearance of damaged or missing teeth.
3. Durability: With proper care, can last many years.
4. Prevent Shifting: Bridges prevent remaining teeth from shifting out of position.
5. Boost Confidence: A restored smile can significantly improve self-esteem.
To ensure the longevity of your restoration:
1. Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brush twice daily and floss, paying extra attention to the area around the crown or bridge.
2. Avoid Hard Foods: Be cautious with very hard or sticky foods that could damage your restoration.
3. Use a Night Guard: If you grind your teeth, a night guard can protect your restoration.
4. Regular Check-ups: Visit us at Solutions Dental Clinic for regular check-ups and professional cleanings.
At Solutions Dental Clinic, we’re committed to providing top-quality restorative treatments to our Winchester community:
1. Experienced Team: Our dentists, including Dr. Kate and Dr. Riz Syed, have extensive experience in crafting beautiful, functional crowns and bridges.
2. Advanced Technology: We use digital scanning and CAD/CAM technology for precise, custom-fitted restorations.
3. Quality Materials: We use only the highest quality materials to ensure durability and natural aesthetics.
4. Personalised Care: We tailor each treatment plan to the individual patient’s needs and preferences.
Let’s compare crowns and bridges with other tooth replacement options:
Crowns/Bridges
Dental Implants
Dentures
Here’s what some of our Winchester patients have to say about their crown and bridge treatments:
“I was so self-conscious about my chipped front tooth. The crown I got at Solutions Dental Clinic looks so natural, I forget it’s not my real tooth!” – Sarah M., 35
“After losing two teeth, I was struggling to eat properly. The bridge Dr. Kate fitted has made such a difference. I can enjoy all my favourite foods again!” – John T., 52
If you have damaged, weakened, or missing teeth, a crown or bridge could be the perfect solution to restore your smile and oral function. These tried-and-true restorative treatments have helped countless patients regain their confidence and quality of life.
Why not take the first step towards a fully restored smile? Book a consultation with us at Solutions Dental Clinic by calling 01962 864 655. We’ll assess your oral health, discuss your goals, and help you decide if a crown or bridge is the right choice for you.
Remember, at Solutions Dental Clinic, we’re not just restoring teeth – we’re restoring smiles.
Just a quick note to say a huge thank you for all your great work, I really never thought I could have a smile like the one you have given me, unless of course I spent a lot more money than I have.
Having reached the end of my major implant treatment I must compliment you both, and your staff, on the excellent standards of patient care that you have provided.
Thank you for my new dentures, made and fitted with a minimum of appointments,
excellent service and attention, highly recommended, money and time well spent.
Firstly thank you so very much for my new dentures which will completely transform my life going forward. Having completely given up on dentist after many a bad experience it came to the point where I needed to find a solution as my teeth became loose and we're falling out, this coupled with being very very nervous led me on my search.
