Modern dental treatments are increasingly sophisticated and can do a lot to improve facial aesthetics. However it can also be quite confusing knowing exactly what is meant by the terminology used. For instance a lot of people have dental crowns, but may also know them as caps. Both are exactly the same thing and are a restorative treatment designed to repair teeth that have become damaged due to decay or trauma, or which have had a root canal treatment.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown is designed to cover the whole of the tooth, protecting it against further decay and damage. Crowns can be made out of a number of different materials, and this can often depend on the location of the tooth and your budget. They can be made from a gold alloy, or may have a metal substructure made from a precious or non-precious alloy that’s covered with porcelain. Top quality crowns are made from the latest all ceramic materials and are perfect if you’re particularly worried about facial aesthetics.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth. The replacement tooth is called a pontic and is attached to one or more crowns that fit over the teeth adjacent to the gap. Dental bridges can be made from exactly the same materials as dental crowns. It might seem hard to believe that a dental bridge can be made purely from ceramic materials, but these bridges are extremely strong, and have a substructure that is made from a material called zirconia. Dental bridges can be used to replace a single missing tooth, or they can be made to replace a full arch of teeth.
Dental Implants
More people are choosing to have dental implants in Kent, and this versatile treatment can be used to replace missing teeth, to support bridges and even to support full dentures. If dental implants are used to replace a single missing tooth, then the final restoration will be a crown. If you have several missing teeth then Dr Rik Trivedi may recommend using implants to support a bridge. Implants crowns and bridges can be made out of exactly the same materials as ordinary crowns and bridges.
If you’re currently struggling with teeth that are chipped or decayed, or which are missing completely then why not visit Parrock Dental and Implant Centre to find out which would be the best solution for you. You can phone us to book an appointment on 01474 537191.