Crowns and Bridges

What is a dental Crown?

A dental crown, often referred to as a “cap,” is a custom-made restoration designed to fit over the remaining part of a prepared tooth, effectively “capping” it. This restorative procedure not only strengthens the tooth but also restores its natural shape, giving it the look and feel of a healthy tooth.

Dental crowns are commonly used when a tooth has been compromised due to decay, extensive fillings, or even fractures. Our crowns are tailored to match the natural colour and contours of your teeth, ensuring a seamless result that blends beautifully with your smile.

Why Might You Need a Dental Crown?

There are several situations where a dental crown can be the best solution to protect and restore a tooth:

• Weakened or Broken Teeth: If a tooth has been weakened by decay or has a large filling, a crown can reinforce the tooth structure.
• Discolouration or Cosmetic Concerns: A tooth with multiple discoloured fillings or aesthetic issues can benefit from a crown to improve both its appearance and shape.
• Root Canal Treatment: After a root canal, the remaining tooth structure can be fragile. A crown is essential to safeguard and restore the tooth’s functionality.
• Cracked or Fractured Teeth: A crown can help stabilise a cracked tooth, reducing the risk of further damage.
• Support for Bridges or Dentures: Crowns can be used to anchor a bridge or denture, providing stability and functionality.

Alternative Restorations: Inlays, Onlays, and Overlays

For patients seeking less invasive solutions, inlays, onlays, and overlays are excellent alternatives. These options provide strength and durability without the need for the extensive tooth removal associated with crowns.

• Inlays: These are placed within the cavity of a tooth, offering a strong, reliable alternative to fillings.
• Onlays: Slightly larger than inlays, onlays cover more of the chewing surface to protect a weakened area of the tooth.
• Overlays: These are designed to cover the entire chewing surface of a tooth, reducing the risk of fractures, but without encasing the sides (as a crown would).

What is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is an ideal solution for replacing missing teeth, helping to restore both function and appearance. Unlike removable dentures, a bridge is a fixed restoration that is securely anchored to the adjacent teeth.

There are two primary types of dental bridges:

• Crown Retained Bridge: This type involves placing crowns on the adjacent teeth surrounding the gap. These crowns are connected by a porcelain tooth, filling the space left by the missing tooth.
• Resin Retained Bridge: This minimal-preparation bridge requires no extensive drilling of adjacent teeth, offering a more conservative approach to tooth replacement.

The Technology Behind Your Restoration

Thanks to advancements in dental technology, our practice in Christchurch now utilises digital scanning and milling techniques to create highly accurate and durable crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays, and overlays. This not only ensures better precision and fit, but also results in longer-lasting restorations, meaning fewer visits and more reliable results.

We Serve Our Christchurch Community with Care

At our practice, we are proud to serve the Christchurch community in Dorset, a town that values family and tradition, with a focus on quality care and personalised dental treatments. Whether you’re a young professional, a parent looking to restore your smile, or an older adult needing a reliable solution for missing teeth, we are here to offer tailored solutions designed to meet your specific needs. We understand the busy lifestyle of our local community, and we strive to provide convenient and efficient treatment that fits into your schedule.

If you’re considering crowns or bridges as part of your dental care, we invite you to come in for a consultation with our experienced team. We will assess your individual needs and walk you through the best treatment options available to restore the health and appearance of your smile.

Your Trustworthy Partner in Dental Care

Our empathetic and highly skilled dental team takes the time to listen to your concerns and provide recommendations based on your unique situation. We work with you to ensure that your treatment is not only effective but also aligns with your expectations. We’re here to help you make informed decisions about your oral health, offering the highest standard of care, so you can feel confident in your smile for years to come.