Start Smiling | Best Dentists Essex

Dental Bridges

At Start Smiling we have many ways of replacing missing teeth, not only for cosmetic reasons but also because a gap can destabilise the bite, stress adjacent teeth or trap food.

The treatment options available when choosing to replace missing teeth will be based on how many teeth are missing and the state of your other teeth. At Start Smiling we fill the gaps caused by missing teeth in one of three ways: implants, partial dentures or bridges.

A bridge, in simple terms, is like having 2 crowns joined together with a false tooth in-between. This is cemented onto the teeth either side of the gap and the false tooth ‘bridges the gap’. This is a simple treatment which should last many years.
Whatever your desires to replace missing teeth, here at Start Smiling we know how important it is to replace them both for your health and appearance; which is why we will always listen to your input and concerns to make sure results are of the highest standard.

The choice of restorative treatment will be based on the condition of your teeth and we will always discuss all three options so you are aware what is best for you.

Dental Crowns

A crown (often called a cap) is usually required in cases where a tooth has become broken, a portion of tooth has become chipped, large old fillings are in need of replacing or the tooth has been root treated and needs strengthening.

Dental crowns are a form of restorative treatment that are able to make your existing tooth stronger, the procedure can be accomplished in as little as 2 appointments. Older crowns have a metal foundation and that is why your old crowns may have black lines.

Today we use new methods and fabricate crowns out of porcelain or ceramic. These are free of metal but extremely strong and offer a more natural cosmetic look. On occasions, however, at the very back of the mouth where forces are strong, we may still have to use metal lined crowns. But rest assured, we use porcelain around the margins so that teeth look as natural as possible while being strong enough to withstand the bite.

When treatment is complete the new crown may feel somewhat alien in your mouth, but this should last no longer than a couple of days. Your crown should last for a number of years, but only if you continue to maintain a good level of oral hygiene
Full Mouth Rehabilitation Example At Start Smiling Dentist In Essex, Ingatestone
Crowns and Bridges At Start Smiling Dentist

Frequently Asked Questions

To get answers to your questions you can check the answers provided in the FAQ section here or by visiting relevant pages of our website. If you still have questions feel free to use our Contact form below or give us a call.
A crown is likely to be required if there is no longer enough healthy tooth tissue left to sufficiently hold a filling or used to cover and protect damaged or weak teeth. They can also improve the appearance of misshapen or discoloured teeth and act as protective sleeve which fits over your remaining tooth. A crown may also be placed as the final stage following root canal treatment, as this has proven to be the most successful way of sealing and protecting the tooth.
You can treat your crown like a normal tooth. While it does not require any particular care, remember that it acts as a sleeve over the top of your natural tooth and so decay and gum disease can still occur without a good oral health routine. Keep up regular visits with us and remember to continue to floss around the tooth. When flossing, try to pull the floss through your teeth rather than upwards – sometimes pulling up and out can catch on your crown and contribute to wear and tear.
A permanent crown can last between five and 15 years, depending on your habits, lifestyle and oral care routine. Teeth grinding can put pressure on a crown, leading to cracks and possible damage.

If you know that you suffer from clenching or grinding, speak to Lampros or Rachel and they will be able to provide you with advice and possible solutions (such as a mouthguard) to help protect your crown and keep it looking its best into the future.
Preparation time will vary depending on the condition of the damaged tooth. Your tooth will be carefully reshaped, to ensure that it can carry the crown. In most cases we will take impressions although we will be able to take a digital scan of the teeth soon. These will then get sent to the Technician who will then craft, mill and colour the crown to match the adjacent teeth. Treatment is usually provided over 2 visits. After the tooth is prepared and the impressions are taken at the first appointment, a temporary crown is worn to protect the tooth for around 2 weeks while the crown is made.
The application of crowns is one of the longest-standing dental procedures. We can date their use back to the 5th century and the ancient Etruscans, who used gold and silver to ‘cap’ problem teeth. Dental techniques have developed since then, and in today’s practices crowns can be made from a variety of materials:
  • Metal, including gold alloy and other metal-based alloys
  • Zirconia
  • Porcelain
  • Porcelain fused to metal (known as PFM)
  • Porcelain fused to zirconia
  • Ceramic
We recommend the use of porcelain crowns, as they are durable and can be crafted to match the natural shade of your teeth.