Restoring broken down teeth with cosmetic dentistry
Why restore broken down teeth?
The primary reason to opt for restoring broken down teeth is cosmetic. Many people seek cosmetic dentistry in order to feel more confident about their smile. Broken down, worn, chipped or heavily filled teeth can look unsightly. What are your options with cosmetic dentistry to restore broken down teeth?
Your primary options are:
- Dental bonding.
- Dental crowns/bridges.
- Dental veneers.
Let’s look at each of these in turn.
Dental bonding
What is dental bonding?
Dental bonding is used if you have only a few teeth which need to be strengthened. The bonding can be added to the section of the tooth which is further back, building it out into line.
How does bonding work?
When you have cosmetic dentistry with dental bonding the dentist will roughen the surface of your tooth slightly. They will then place tooth coloured composite material which they squeeze from a tube on to your tooth.The tooth is then reconstructed in layers of this composite material which mimic the deep dentine colours of your tooth through to the surface enamel colours of your tooth.Bonding can be used on front teeth for cosmetic dentistry and on back teeth for white fillings.
Dental Crowns and Bridges
What is a crown or bridge?
Dental crowns are more commonly known as caps. The dentist will remove any decayed, disease or un-sound tooth and prepare the tooth for a new crown which sits on top. The crown can be made using a variety of colours to naturally match your surrounding teeth or if you are having many crowns made you can choose the colour to be as light or dark as you want.
How do crowns and bridges work?
Dental bonding is the most conservative option in cosmetic dentistry as it means as much of your natural tooth structure is maintained. Crowns and bridges on the other hand require more removal of natural tooth structure, which goes against what many dentists want to do.If you are simply looking for a cosmetic option then something like bonding or veneers may be best suited however, if the tooth is heavily broken down and needs restoring then a dental crown, which is permanently bonded to the tooth, may be the best solution
Dental Veneers
What is a dental veneer?
A dental veneer is a thin covering of precision made high-strength dental ceramic. Veneers can either be made a page to block out the underlying teeth (if they are very dark) or translucent which tend to be more cosmetic and allow the light to pass through them making them look more natural, similar to your own teeth.How do veneers work? In many cases dental veneers can be used to restore broken down teeth without having to remove any of the natural underlying to, much like dental bonding this makes them a very conservative option.There are however times when natural tooth structure needs to be removed in order to accept the new dental veneer. Once the veneer has been made by a highly skilled dental technician it will be bonded to your tooth using a light cured material.It normally takes approximately 2 weeks for a new veneer to be made by the dental technician
EH Dental Care in Edinburgh is able to help restore your broken down teeth with cosmetic dentistry teeth in a way that is right for you. Only a full consultation will help you understand which of these alternatives is best suited to your clinical situation, desired outcomes and budget.
The cost of dental bonding, dental crowns and dental veneers is a concern for many patients, unfortunately NHS don’t cover many of these treatments which means they often need to be paid for privately. We understand these concerns and you will always be provided with a full treatment plan, including all of fees, prior to going ahead with any treatment. Indicative costs are available on our private dental fees page
We’re pleased to offer treatments for the local people including the local areas of Haymarket, Murrayfield, Ravelston, Roseburn, West End & West Coates