Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic treatment that's linked to pearly white Hollywood smiles - but it's not the only solution to a healthy looking mouth!
Dental crowns and bridges can also come in to save the day, with these cosmetic solutions helping to fill gaps left by missing teeth, and transform the look of misshapen, discoloured and malformed teeth.
Teeth worn down by decay, damaged with cracks or have gone through root canal treatment can also be fixed with crowns and bridges.
This permanent dental fixture is appropriately named a crown, because the custom-made apparatus sits over the existing damaged tooth, acting like a cap.
X-rays are taken of the affected area to help form and shape the customised tooth, which are generally made out of porcelain or acrylic.
Crowns can usually last anywhere between five to 15 years with the right care and a regular dental routine.
If you have more than one tooth missing, bridges can be a suitable option to help restore the full function and appearance of your teeth.
Without treatment, gaps left in the mouth can result in teeth shifting and becoming misaligned. To make things worse, there's also the increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
There are three types of bridges that can address these gap issues: fixed, bonded and cantilever.
The fixed bridge is the most common of the three solutions, with this apparatus made up of two crowns and false teeth (pontic). The crowns are placed on either side of the gap, with the false teeth acting as a filler for the gap.
Bonded bridges go without crowns, instead opting for 'wings' that are bonded to the supporting teeth on either side of the pontic.
The cantilever bridge changes the position of the pontic, with this placed at the end of the apparatus and the crowns lined up alongside each other.
Book a consultation with us to check if you're eligible for crowns or bridges - be prepared to show off your new smile!
Learn more about Crowns and Bridges or book an appointment