Crowns
A crown is a laboratory-formed restoration that completely covers the tooth.
They are normally constructed inporcelain or in some cases gold for back teeth. Crowns are used to rebuild a broken or badly decayed tooth, to strengthen teeth or to improve the cosmetic appearance of a tooth. This is normally a 2-stage procedure involving preparation of the tooth followed by impressions and placement of a temporary crown. On receipt of the crown from the laboratory, it is cemented into place at the second visit.
Bridges
An adhesive bridge has metal wings bonded to the back of the supporting teeth thus avoiding removing too much tooth tissue on these teeth, These are particularly useful where the supporting teeth have not already been filled.
Bridges are often recommended where there is insufficient bone for provision of an implant-retained restoration.
Provision of a bridge is also a 2-visit procedure.
Veneers
A veneer is a thin ‘facing’ normally in porcelain that is cemented onto the front of the tooth.