– a dental veneer is a thin covering or “shell” designed to fit the outside of the original tooth to mask shape, colour and positional problems and defects. Part of the original tooth exterior is usually removed to make way for the new veneer so the technique is partially invasive. Following initial measuring and preparation of the tooth surface the veneer is “glued” into place. Veneers are usually made from porcelain, ceramic or composite materials and more recently have been made more hard-wearing than earlier versions.

The veneering procedure is usually done over two visits to the dentist with “temporary” veneers being fitted between visits. Veneering is often chosen as the treatment of choice by acting professionals and those in the media spotlight as dramatic results can be achieved quite quickly and cost effectively.

Dental Crowns:

– crowns are protective covers, made from porcelain or ceramic which fit over the existing tooth to mask defects e.g. cracks and discolouration. Initially the tooth is shaped to receive the crown with the patient under local anaesthetic. An impression of the tooth is then taken and used by the dental laboratory to create the colour-matched crown. During the manufacturing process, the patient will be fitted with temporary crowns, typically for around two to three weeks. On the second visit to the dentist, the crowns are bonded into place.

Crowns are a semi-permanent solution but can be quite expensive, often exceeding $750 per tooth. A good cosmetic dentist will be able to fit crowns which are nearly indistinguishable from existing teeth and used in conjunction with other techniques e.g. implants, form the foundation for full mouth reconstructions.

Dental Bridges:

– where a tooth has been lost, a dental bridge can be used to “bridge” the gap between the two remaining adjacent teeth. A bespoke structure is formed in the dental laboratory incorporating a hollow crown to support the missing tooth. This bridge structure is then bonded to the adjacent teeth, neatly filling the gap form where the original tooth was lost. Similarly to crowns and veneers, the replacement bridge tooth will be colour matched to the rest of the teeth.

Bridging is popular because it is usually a permanent solution and is less invasive than implantology. It is also less bulky than an equivalent denture.