Crowns
Dental crowns are type of dental restoration which, when cemented into place, entirely covers the prepared portion of a tooth that lies above the gum line, aiming to reconstruct lost function and aesthetics. They are placed when a tooth is weakened by caries, after endodontic treatment or deterioration of an old prosthetic restoration. There are several types of crowns:
Titanium-ceramic crowns: Titanium is certainly among the most popular materials in modern prosthodontics – an extremely lightweight and high-quality metal that is both strong and resistant to damage, and so are the crowns made of it. That is why they last longer.
Zirconia-based ceramic crowns: Ceramic layers are applied on a zirconia substructure (coping). Due to the exceptional strength, this may be the material of choice for large-span bridges, beside metallic alloys.
Lithium-disilicate (e.max) crowns: This crowns are made of special glass-ceramics. Due to its strength and wide range of colors this material ensures a very natural final result; that is why this material is one of the most popular in cosmetic dentistry.
Veneeres
Veneers are thin, shell-like restoration placed over a minimally prepared tooth surface, either to improve the aesthetics of a tooth, or to protect a damaged tooth surface. They can be made of different materials. Usually porcelain is used because it is a solid and long-life material which seamlessly covers a whole range of shortcomings – moderate discolouration, worn tooth enamel, uneven tooth alignment or spacing, and chips or cracks. In addition, porcelain veneers reflect light like natural teeth, they are resistant to colour changes caused by coffee, tea and nicotine, and allow for maximal preservation of healthy tooth structure. Thus, they are a restorative choice in many aesthetically demanding cases.
Therefore, if you are not satisfied with your regardless of what causes unattractive teeth, dental veneers may solve most or even all of your cosmetic dental issues. The result is a radiant smile.
Bridges
Bridges are fixed restorations that are commonly used to replace one or more missing teeth. Gaps left by missing teeth can cause a change in occlusion (bite), shifting of the teeth, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), speech impediments, an increased risk for periodontal disease, and a greater chance of tooth decay. Bridges span the space where the teeth are missing. They can be made of precious or antiallergic non-precious alloys coated with ceramics, zirconia or highly esthetic lithium disilicate ceramics for the front region.
Inlay/Onlay
Inlays and onlays are indirect restorations commonly used to replace greater parts of the clinical crown of the tooth. They can be made of composites, ceramics or metals (usually gold). They are a long-term solution for teeth with an extensive defect of the clinical crown when a common filling would compromise the structural integrity of the restored tooth or provide substandard opposition to occlusal (i.e., biting) forces.
Removable dentures
Dentures are replacements for missing teeth that can be taken out and put back into the mouth. They are usually made from lifelike resin teeth bonded to a plastic base. A complete denture replaces all natural teeth, while a partial denture is usually held in place by clasps or metal clips that fit around some of the remaining teeth.
Temporaries
Provisional restorations or temporaries are used in the period after tooth preparation while waiting for the dental laboratory to finish the final restoration. Temporaries have a dual role – to protect the prepared teeth from tooth sensitivity, plaque buildup, cavities and pulp problems until the end of therapy, and to allow the patient for normal function and acceptable appearance during the treatment period. Temporaries Temporaries can be made using a direct (chairside) or indirect (dental lab) technique. Either way an impression is required. It is important to accentuate that the provisional teeth are made of acrylic or composite resin, thus they are fragile because of the reduced mechanical resistance. Although temporaries may look like the final restoration, they are not completely processed or fully adapted to the abutment teeth.