Anyone who has suffered the pain of a severely damaged tooth or root canal procedure can tell you exactly how unpleasant it is. When dental nerves are exposed either due to cracks in the teeth, cavities or dental surgery they can be incredibly sensitive and the source of great discomfort. Dental crowns are artificial tooth caps that aim to rebuild the structure of damaged or exposed teeth to protect them from further damage and restore their cosmetic appearance.
Crowns are very versatile and effective and can be made from a number of different materials. Depending on the situation of the tooth in the mouth, crowns can either be made of a mixture of ceramic and metal, or for more visually prominent teeth, just from a porcelain ceramic. It is even possible to manufacture crowns made form pure gold or silver for a slightly more glitzy appearance.
When applying dental crowns to damaged teeth, the dentist will need to remove some of the surface enamel to allow the crown to fit over the top. The crown should cover all parts of the tooth that are proud of the gum line for maximum protection. They are fixed to the teeth using a strong composite resin bonding which is tooth coloured for a more attractive cosmetic appearance.
New technology has radically reduced the amount of time needed to manufacture and fit crowns. It is now even possible to repair a damaged tooth with a crown in only one visit to the dentist, using computer-aided technology. A crown from a Bath dentist can last up to twenty years if properly cared for, offering protection from pain and further damage with no damage to the appearance of the teeth.
Dental bonding is a common and simple cosmetic dentistry procedure used by Bristol dentists to repair minor damage to the teeth and improve their overall appearance. Dental bonding, also known as cosmetic bonding, can be used to repair damage caused by cavities, chips and cracks and discolouration, and is very popular because it is really effective and very affordable.
The bonding itself is a tooth-coloured resin that can be shaped before being set hard using the heat of a dental laser. Little preparation is needed before application, with only some minor etching to allow better adhesion to the enamel. Once set, the bonding can be buffed and polished to appear more like the smooth surface of tooth enamel.
There are several major advantages of using dental bonding over other cosmetic dentistry procedures. Unlike veneers and crowns, bonding can be prepared in the surgery during one visit to the dentist. Also unlike veneers and crowns, dental bonding requires little or no removal of tooth enamel so there is no unnecessary damage to the teeth. Another major bonus is that unless filling a cavity, bonding is completely pain-free and requires no anaesthetic.
In some cases dental bonding may not be suitable because of the size of the area needing filling, or the extensive nature of the dental trauma but for small scale repairs and minor cosmetic improvements, dental bonding is the perfect solution. Make an appointment to consult with your dentist to see for yourself the amazing variety of dental problems that can be treated with incredibly versatile dental bonding.
Call Today On 0117 973 1910 Email info@cliftonsmiles.co.uk
Dr Gerrard is a Bristol based Cosmetic dentist with many years of experience and is one of only a small number of dentists accredited by The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry