A dental implant is used to support one or more false teeth. It is a titanium screw that can replace the root of a tooth when if a tooth fails. Just like a tooth root, it is placed into the jawbone.
The implant placement is done by a specialist surgeon. We then construct the tooth crown on the integrated implant.
Advantages:
Implants are a safe, well-established treatment. It's probably true to say that implants, much like natural teeth, will last for as long as you care for them.
Cost-effective replacement in the long term.
Can last as long as natural teeth.
A crown is an artificial restoration that fits over the remaining part of a prepared tooth, making it strong and giving it the shape of a natural tooth. A crown is sometimes known as a 'cap'.
A dental crown, or cap, is used when the tooth has been badly damaged or weakened. Dental crowns are tooth-shaped coverings that are placed over the entire damaged or decaying tooth, restoring its strength, shape and size.
Crowns can be made of a variety of different materials and new materials are continually being introduced. Some of the most popular options are listed below:
Porcelain bonded to precious metal: A precious metal base is made and then porcelain is applied in layers over it and baked on.
Porcelain: These crowns are made entirely out of porcelain and are not as strong as bonded crowns. But they can look very natural and are most often used for front teeth.
All-ceramic: This modern technique offers a metal-free alternative, which can give the strength of a bonded crown and the appearance of a porcelain crown. Therefore, it is suitable for use in all areas of the mouth.
Gold-alloy crowns: Gold is one of the oldest filling materials. Today it is used with other metal alloys to increase its strength, which makes it very hardwearing. These crowns are silver or gold in colour.
Advantages:
Protects a tooth vulnerable to fracture.
Long-lasting.
Holds a tooth together.
Improves the appearance of heavily filled, discoloured or misshapen teeth.
A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain made to fit over the front surface of a tooth, just like a false fingernail fits over a nail. Sometimes a natural-colour ‘composite' material is used instead of porcelain.
Advantages:
Tooth coloured.
Very little tooth needs to be removed before fitting.
They make teeth look healthy and natural, improving your smile.
They are thin and can be bonded to the tooth.
A mouthguard is a specially made, rubber-like cover which fits exactly over your teeth and gums, cushioning them and protecting them from damage.