Crowns & Bridges

Ceramic crowns can replace damaged teeth that still have their root. Ceramic bridges, on the other hand, serve as a substitution for totally missing teeth. The biggest advantage of crowns and bridges is that they are almost

A crown (sometimes known as a ‘cap’)is an artificial covering that fits over the remaining part of a prepared tooth, making it strong and giving it the shape of a natural tooth.

Crowns are an ideal option for teeth that have been broken or have been weakened by decay or a very large filling. They can be made from a variety of materials, the most common of which are porcelain or gold or a combination of both.A dental crown could be used for a number of other reasons, for instance;

You may have discolored fillings and would like to improve the appearance of the tooth
You may have had a root filling which will need a crown to protect it
It may help hold a bridge or denture firmly in place.

The average life span of a crown is approximately 10 years, although in our multi disciplinary practice we have documented evidence of many crowns lasting 20 years and over.

Every effort is made to prepare the teeth to receive crowns to the highest standard. This standard can only be achieved through continuous post graduate education, re-training and experience. Our practice satisfies this condition. It is important to stress that preparation of the tooth is the most important part of crown treatment. Good preparation will reduce trauma

and risk of fracture of the core tooth itself and consequently to the crown.

Also it will reduce complications to a minimum. An information sheet provided to you during the treatment planning stage will help explain this in more detail. So remember, its whats beneath your crown that’s important to you.

Private premium crowns are the standard request from our top laboratories giving the patient excellent appearance, fit and bite. The role of our hygienist in maintenance and prevention cannot be overemphasized.

Prices of crowns are very topical at present, the prices of the premium crowns are reasonable. Patients over the 25 years have often remarked how happy they are with the long-term results and the very good value.

Bridges

Besides having dental implants, there are two main ways to replace missing teeth. The first is with a removable false tooth or teeth i.e. a partial denture. The second is with a fixed bridge.

A dental bridge is usually used where there are fewer teeth to replace, or when the metal base.

Types of Bridges: Full Coverage (Conventional) and Maryland.

Full Coverage

This involves preparing teeth similar to crowns. What applies to crowns also applies to bridges. Similar to multiple crown cases the bite is very important. Premium bridges from top laboratories are provided. NHS bridges may be provided in certain circumstances.

Maryland Bridge

Very little tooth is removed and this is the bid advantage over full coverage. The wings are attached to teeth which have no fillings or small fillings. This practice fitted its first Maryland bridge in 1986 and is still doing well. We were of the first practice in Ireland to pioneer this treatment. We have documented evidence of a large number of our premium Maryland bridges lasting 20 years and more.

There are concerns that Maryland bridges can come off easily. In a small number of cases this can happen. In these cases the Maryland bridge will be remade or a full coverage bridge provided. The cost of the Maryland bridge will be subtracted from this treatment. We supply full guarantee of 5 years on out premium bridges.

As part of the guarantee the patient must attend their 6 month check ups. Please ask your dentist about night guards.

Inlays and Onlays

Dental inlays are used to restore the inside of the tooth and are made of a strong, natural-looking material, such as porcelain or tooth colored composite.

Onlays are made of the same materials, but are used for larger restorations, extending over one or more sides of the tooth, and can be used similar to a crown or cap. They increase tooth strength and provide enduring protection for the tooth, holding it together whilst retaining a natural, aesthetically pleasing colour. They are used in instances when there is deficient tooth structure to support a filling but the tooth is still in a condition that does not require a crown. Unlike metal fillings, an onlay can often be used to repair only the damaged portion of the tooth, leaving much more of the original tooth structure intact.