Crowns, Bridges and Veneers
Crowns
Under the NHS tooth-coloured crowns are routinely provided for front teeth.
The appearance is very satisfactory. These crowns are normally very durable as they contain a metal substructure. The shaping of the tooth for this type of crown involves removing about 1.5mm from the sides and top of the tooth, to create a surface that the crown can then fit onto.
On molar (back) teeth under the terms of the NHS we will normally provide metal crowns, as these require less tooth reduction, and tend to have wear characteristics which more closely mimic those of a natural tooth.
Privately, there are other types of crown available – ask your dentist about these. Some can be completely metal free and can better appearance.
Bridges
A bridge can be used to replace a missing tooth. It uses the tooth next to the gap to hold the bridge (or sometimes both teeth either side of the gap).
NHS bridges can either be:
- Adhesive, which means they are bonded (attached) to the supporting tooth. This means that less tooth can be removed. They can be very successful – but this depends on many factors, such as if the tooth is not filled and how powerful your bite is. Adhesive bridges can get dislodged and need re-cementing back in place.
- Traditional cantilever, which means the supporting tooth (or teeth) are trimmed down and the bridge fits over this.
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Tooth Care
View our resources to find out best ways to care for your teeth and others.
Veneers
Porcelain veneers are very thin pieces of porcelain, which are custom made to fit over a tooth. It’s a little like a false finger nail for a tooth, as opposed to a crown, which is like a thimble which fits over the tooth.
Veneers on the NHS are usually provided on front teeth to restore the appearance of one or more upper teeth. They are generally indicated for use when the tooth is not badly broken down. If a tooth is badly broken down a crown is the treatment of choice.
A veneer is often used to mask discolouration, caused by internal staining of the tooth. They are less destructive to the tooth than a crown and may involve no preparation of the tooth. Usually a layer about 0.5mm thick is taken off the front of the tooth, to allow for the thickness of the finished veneer. An impression is taken after preparation, the veneer is then custom made to the required size, shape and colour. This typically takes one week; the veneer is then permanently bonded to the front surface of the tooth.
This bonding to the tooth is different from normal “glue”. It is much harder and stronger, and after fitting the tooth is as strong as it was before the veneer was fitted.
They will last for many years, but this depends on how you look after them. It is important not to forget that they are only very thin layers of porcelain attached to the front surface of the tooth.
They are more resistant to staining than simple fillings and are more resistant to chipping than fillings. It is important to maintain good oral hygiene and avoid things such as trying to bite hard sweets or nibbling on your finger nails with the treated teeth. In normal usage breakage is very rare.
Sports injuries can cause breakage, which is why we recommend a custom made mouth guard is worn if you have veneers and you play contact sports. These are not expensive and will protect your teeth and gums very well.
Porcelain veneers do look cosmetically excellent, and even a slight change in your smile can alter how you feel about yourself. Imagine smiling and, instead of having chipped or discoloured teeth, you had a nice smile.!
As with most things however you have choices in the materials they can be made from. They are available within the NHS (normally for upper front teeth only). They are a band 3 charge.
There is also a Private option, where better quality porcelains are used, these do cost more and range from £350.00 to £500.00 but we believe the finished result is well worth it.
If you would like to ask any more questions about veneers please feel free to chat with your dentist.