Patients Information

What is a Crown?

A crown is an artificial restoration that fits over the remaining part of a prepared tooth, making it strong and giving it the shape of a natural tooth. It can be placed on vital and non-vital teeth.

Why do I need a Crown?

Crowns are an ideal restoration for teeth that have been broken or have been weakened by decay or a very large filling. A crown could be used for a number of other reasons, for instance:

1. you may have discoloured fillings and would like to improve the appearance of the tooth
2. you may have had a root filling which will need a crown to protect it
3. it may help hold a bridge or denture firmly in place.

What is a Veneer?

A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain made to fit over the front surface of a tooth, it's like a false fingernail fits over a nail. Sometimes a natural colour ‘composite’ material is used instead of porcelain.

What is a Bridge?

A prosthetic appliance that is permanently attached to remaining teeth and replaces a missing tooth or teeth.

What is a Denture?

People wear dentures to replace lost or missing teeth so they can enjoy a healthy diet and smile with confidence. Dentures are made of either acrylic (plastic) or metal. A 'complete' or 'full' denture is one which replaces all the natural teeth in either the upper or lower jaw.

What is a Partial Denture?

A 'partial' denture fills in the spaces left by lost or missing teeth. It may be fastened to your natural teeth with metal clasps or 'precision attachments'.

What are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a (titanium) metal rod which is placed into the jawbone. It is used to support one or more false teeth. In practice, both the false teeth and their supporting rod are known as ‘implants’.