WHITE FILLINGS

DESCRIPTION - A filling replaces part of a tooth that has been lost because of decay or accidental damage.

Unlike silver (amalgam) fillings, white fillings stick to teeth so they can be used to repair teeth (especially front teeth) which have been chipped, broken or decayed. They can sometimes be used in back teeth if there is not too much decay or damage.

You will probably hear the dentist talk about 'composite' or 'glass ionomer' - these are just different types of white filling.

BENEFITS - White fillings are the same colour as teeth. They come in a range of shades so they can be matched to the colour of your own teeth - in most cases making it impossible to see the filling at all.

White fillings are sticky so they can be used to reshape and rebuild broken edges or worn teeth. They can also be used to cover marks (discolouration) if they can't be removed by cleaning.

A tooth needs less preparation for a white filling than for a silver filling.

ADDITIONAL - White fillings are not as strong as silver fillings so they may not be suitable for large fillings in back teeth. They also need very dry conditions which can be hard to achieve right at the back of your mouth.

                
                      

CROWNS

DESCRIPTION - Crowns are an ideal restoration for teeth, which have been broken, or have been weakened by decay or a very large filling. The crown fits right over the remaining part of the tooth, making it strong and giving it the shape and contour of a natural tooth. Crowns are sometimes also known as 'caps'.

WHEN
- Tooth weakened by very large filling.
- Discoloured filling.
- Root filling that requires a crown to protect it.
- Tooth damaged following an accident.
- Help to hold a bridge or denture firmly in place.

BENEFITS
- A crown is strong and can look and feel exactly like a natural tooth. The colour and shape can be matched to your own teeth.
- Depending on the strength of the tooth underneath, a crown can last for many years.
- Crowns can also improve the appearance of misshapen or discoloured teeth.


        

BRIDGES

DESCRIPTION - A bridge replaces a missing tooth (or teeth) by fixing the replacement to the natural teeth at each side of the gap. They are ideal for people who don't like dentures or who only have one or two teeth missing. Some bridges have crowns at each end whilst others are fixed to the surface of the teeth next to the gap.

BENEFITS
- It can improve the way you look, bite, chew and speak.
- The teeth can be matched to the colour of your own teeth.
- A bridge can last many years if you keep it clean and if there is no accidental damage.
- Natural teeth are protected from wear and tear and from moving or tilting out of line.

ADDITIONAL - The dentist will explain how successful a bridge will be and if the supporting teeth are not strong enough, a denture might be better.


            

VENEERS

DESCRIPTION - Veneers are thin slices of porcelain. These are precisely made to fit over the visible surface of front teeth, very much like a fingernail. There are also natural colour 'composite' veneers and these can be completed in just one visit.

WHEN - Veneers are an ideal way of treating discoloured or unsightly teeth, closing gaps between front teeth, or repairing chips and cracks.

BENEFITS
- Veneers make teeth look natural and healthy, and because they are very thin and are held in place by a special strong bond, very little preparation of the tooth is necessary.
-A precise shade of porcelain can be chosen to give the required colour to improve a single discoloured tooth or to lighten front teeth.
-A veneer can make a chipped tooth look whole again - the porcelain covers the whole of the front of the tooth with the thicker section replacing the broken part.
-Veneers can be used to close small gaps, when orthodontics are not suitable.
-If one tooth is slightly out of position , a veneer can sometimes be fitted to bring it into line with the others.

ADDITIONAL - Veneers should last for many years, but they can chip or break, just as your own teeth can. Your dentist will advise you how long each individual veneer should last. Small chips can be repaired, or a new veneer fitted if necessary.


    

BENEFITS of an implant supported crown -
-Preserves bone by replacing a tooth that has been lost.
-Looks, feels, functions like natural tooth.
-Does not compromise adjacent teeth by grinding them down for a bridge, or securing a partial denture to them.
-Superior long term aesthetics.


      

TOOTH WHITENING

DESCRIPTION - The colour of your teeth is lightened with a peroxide solution used either on the outside or the inside of your tooth or teeth.

BENEFITS - Whitening improves the appearance of your teeth without removing any of the natural tooth surface. Whitening is a better option than a crown or veneer if you want to lighten the colour of healthy teeth.

ADDITIONAL - Tooth whitening is completely safe as long as the bleach does not touch your gums. Dentists use a special jelly bleach and will take care to protect your gums where necessary.