FIXED TOOTH REPLACEMENT

VENEERS & CROWNS

Of all the methods available for changing and improving the look of your smile Porcelain (ceramic) Laminate Veneers and Crowns are the most popular, successful and quick. With the help of these, a damaged tooth can be saved and repaired to look and feel like the original.

What is a porcelain laminate veneer?

Porcelain laminate veneers are coatings made out of porcelain that are bonded to the front surface of a tooth. These veneers greatly enhance the look of your simple with as little discomfort as possible. These veneers are made to suit the patient’s individual needs and are indistinguishable from natural teeth.

Indications for veneers

Veneers can be used to provide an aesthetic solution in many situations:

• Spaces between teeth.
• Discoloured teeth.
• Malpositioned or slightly crooked teeth.
• Odd shaped, cracked or chipped teeth.
• Fractured teeth with a fair amount of tooth structure left.
• Teeth with multiple fillings which have compromised the aesthetic of the smile.
• Unsatisfactory shape size and form of teeth.
• To provide a “white smile” in persons with naturally dark teeth.

Advantages of   veneers

Veneers can be placed on teeth with minimal tooth preparation. They look and feel completely natural. A beautiful result is achieved in just a few days time, and can last for many years. The texture and finish of porcelain veneers make them highly resistant to external staining. Due to their durability, looks and comfort, veneers have become one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments available today. Veneers today are widely used  by people in the entertainment  field and show business to obtain a beautiful smile.

What is involved in getting a veneer?

The process of having a veneer made for your tooth involves a few short visits to your Dentist. The procedure is simple and relatively painless.

• Your dentist will first analyze your smile to determine which teeth require veneers.
• Depending on how much tooth shaping is required, you may or may not require anaesthesia.
• Minimal shaping of your teeth is then done and an impression is taken.

Ceramic veneers take between 1-2 weeks to be made. During that period, your teeth may be fitted with temporary veneers to prevent sensitivity.. 

Ceramic veneers are bonded to the teeth using special adhesives. Once fixed , these veneers are exceptionally strong. It takes only a day or two to get used to them.

 Post treatment care      

Look after your veneers well. Brush and floss as you regularily do. Use a non-abrasive toothpaste to help maintain the shine and gloss of your veneers. Normal diet will not harm your veneers. Avoid any shearing force on these teeth [like biting a sugarcane].

Regular check ups will ensure your veneers are in excellent shape. Well maintained veneers should last you for many years and give you a long lasting and beautiful smile.

How is a crown different from a veneer?

A crown, often called a “cap” covers the entire tooth, unlike a veneer which covers only the front surface of a teeth. A crown requires more shaping of the tooth structure and is often used to strengthen a weak or broken tooth. Crowns are extremely durable, aesthetic and are commonly used in the front and the back of the mouth.

Indications   for   a   crown

While a crown is often used for its functional properties, like veneers these too can be used to bring about excellent aesthetic modifications in a smile. The common indications for a crown are:

• To restore badly decayed teeth. With large fillings or teeth which are root canal treated.
• To protect fractured teeth where little tooth structure is left.
• When the position, shape, size or colour of the teeth have to be dramatically altered.
• To improve the bite.
• To strengthen worn down or mobile teeth.
• As part of a bridge to support a tooth replacement.
• To be placed over an implant.

What are crowns made of?

 Crown can be made of acrylic, metal, ceramic or a combination of any of these. The ceramic crowns are great for aesthetics and durability.

How do I get a crown?

Tooth shaping: Your dentist will reshape the tooth, to create space all around it for the crown.

Impressioning: A measurement of the prepared tooth and of the surrounding and opposing teeth is taken. Your measurements are then sent to a dental laboratory for processing of the crown.

Temporary crown: Meanwhile, a temporary crown may be placed. Take care of your temporary crown by avoiding sticky and hard foods and be sure to clean around it.

Cementation:  Soon, your dentist replaces your temporary crown with a permanent one. The crown is adjusted, making sure you are comfortable with it. It is then cemented or bonded to the prepared tooth.

How do I look after my crowns?

·        Treat your crowned tooth like a normal tooth.

·        Brush and floss thoroughly.

·        In the unlikely event of your crown or veneer coming off, keep it safely and contact your dentist immediately. These can generally be refixed.

People from all walks of life can greatly benefit from the improved confidence a better smile can give. With proper care, veneers and crowns will enhance your dental health and beauty for a long time to come.

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What is a bridge?

A bridge is a dental appliance that replaces one or more natural missing teeth,thereby "bridging" the space between two teeth.Bridges are cemented into place on the "abutment" teeth--the surrounding teeth on either side of the space or span. Unlike removable partial dentures,bridges cannot be taken out of the mouth by the patient.

A bridge is a device that typically consists of three units-a pontic (a false tooth) fused between two crowns that are cemented onto the abutment teeth.

Who should get a bridge?

A person with missing teeth and committed to maintaining good oral hygiene practices,is a good candidate for a bridge. A bridge is the most natural choice to fill the space in the mouth left by missing teeth. If left unfilled, this space can cause the surrounding teeth to drift out of position and can cause teeth and gums to become more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease that can cause further tooth loss. Bridges not only correct an altered bite, improve the chewing ability and speech, but they also safeguard the appearance by preventing the collapse of facial features that can cause premature wrinkles and age lines.

What type of bridges are there?

Besides traditional bridges, another popular design is the resin bonded or "Maryland" bridge, primarily used for the front teeth. This is usually the most economical choice when the abutment teeth are healthy and don't contain large fillings. The pontic is fused to metal bands that can be bonded to the abutment teeth with a resin cement and hidden from view, reducing the amount of preparation on the adjacent teeth.

A cantilever bridge may be used if there are teeth on only one side of the span. This involves anchoring the pontic to one side over one or more natural, adjacent teeth. If there are no adjacent teeth to act as anchors,an implant is recommended--a metal post that is surgically embedded into the bone and capped with a crown as an abutment. In some cases where the span is large, a removable partial denture is recommended or even an implant-supported prosthesis.

What is the procedure of its fabrication?

For a traditional fixed bridge, the first appointment consists of the dentist reducing the adjacent abutment teeth that will act as anchors. Impressions are made, from which a metal framework, including the pontic, is created. By the second appointment, the final bridge is fitted over the teeth. The total treatment time is usually around one week, depending on the type of bridge. However, because it is often difficult to match the natural shade of your teeth, the treatment time may be longer.

How do I care for a bridge?

With a bridge, it is more important than ever to brush, floss and see the dentist regularly. If buildup of food debris and plaque -the sticky film of bacteria formed from food acids-is not controlled, the teeth and gums can become infected, requiring further treatment and resulting in possible loss of the bridge.We recommend using floss threaders that help remove bacteria from hard to reach spaces between the bridge and adjacent teeth and gums. Crowns on the bridge cover most of the exposed portion of your tooth and decay does not affect a bridge since it is made of metal and /or porcelain. However, where the natural tooth meets the crown of the bridge can become decayed. If optimal oral hygiene care is maintained,a bridge can last for many years.

Suggestions and precautions

Adjustment period: It is ok for the bridge to feel a little out of place for a few days after cementing. This is because the teeth around this area are adjusting to new forces both in between the teeth and upon biting.

Preventive Procedures: To provide optimum longevity for your restorations and to prevent future decay and supporting-tissue breakdown, please use the following home care tips:

Brush after eating and before bedtime around the bridge with a soft toothbrush, especially where the crown or bridge meets the gum line (margin). At this margin area harmful bacteria can be harbored to cause decay and gum disease. An electric toothbrush is highly recommended over manual to help you keep this area clean

Floss at least once to twice a day. Use the proxy brush, floss threader or automatic flosser to remove plaque under and around these areas to maintain good oral hygiene. On a bridge you must clean “under” as well as around the bridge. If you do not control the buildup of food debris and plaque your teeth and gums can become infected.

Fluoride rinse is to be used before bed. Swish the fluoride rinse vigorously in your mouth for at least one minute. Do not swallow any of the rinse and do not eat or drink anything for 30 minutes.

Use a proxybrush (interdental brush) to clean around the area after each meal