Prosthetics

Prosthetics replace missing or badly damaged teeth. A crown covers and protects a tooth too damaged for a filling; a bridge spans a gap between teeth; a denture replaces a larger number of teeth.

Which solution suits you depends on how much of the tooth is left, how many teeth are missing, and the condition of the neighbouring teeth and gums. We weigh the options together, with the advantages and drawbacks of each, including the cost, which differs between them.

Crowns and bridges are made from zirconia or glass-ceramic (Emax); for smaller restorations an inlay or onlay, which replaces only the damaged part of the tooth, may be the better answer. Where a tooth is badly broken down, we reinforce it with a post and core before the crown.

Each piece is made in a dental laboratory from an impression, so several visits are needed: preparing the tooth and taking the impression, a try-in, and fitting. In between you wear a temporary crown, so the tooth is not left unprotected and the gap is not visible. We match the colour and shape to your own teeth; until the piece is finally cemented, adjustments are easy, so say at the try-in if something is not right.

Removable dentures need relining from time to time, because the jaw changes over the years, and they can be repaired if damaged. The same group includes a splint for grinding your teeth and a sports mouthguard, both made from your own impressions.