Crown / Veneers
Crown Treatment
What is a dental Crown or Cap?
A dental crown or cap is an artificial restoration that fits over the remaining part of the prepared tooth. The crown or cap makes the tooth strong and retains the shape and colour of a natural tooth.
Why would I need to Crown or Cap a tooth?
- To improve the appearance : E.g. of discoloured or crooked teeth.
- To increase strength and prolong life of tooth: The tooth may be broken or weakened by decay and a large filling would not stay in.
- To help hold a bridge in: (a bridge replaces missing teeth, and is fixed in place by being attached to one or more crowned teeth beside it).
How is the Crown or Cap prepared?
- Local anaesthetic is given making the procedure painless.
- Stage 1: The dentist will gently remove most of the outer surface of the tooth, leaving a strong inner core (20 mins. approx). This outer surface will be replaced by a new stronger outer surface, i.e. the dental crown.
- Stage 2: The dentist will take impressions (moulds) of the prepared tooth and of the opposing jaw (takes 20 mins).
- Stage 3: A temporary crown will be made while you wait two-three weeks for the crown to be made. We only temporarily glue it in. Sometimes they can come off, so just drop in and we’ll glue it back in.
- Stage 4: two-three weeks later you will have a shorter appointment where the crown is permanently cemented.
For dental crown and cap work, up to 20% of the treatment costs can be claimed back from the taxman. We will even complete the necessary forms for you!
If you would like to discuss dental crown or cap treatment with us, please call on 01 8417344.
Veneers
What is a Veneer?
Dental Veneers are a thin layer of porcelain made to fit over the front surface of a tooth, much like a false fingernail fits over a nail.
What are the advantages of dental veneers?
- Veneers can improve the colour, shape and position of your teeth.
- The colour of a porcelain veneer can be selected so that it makes dark teeth appear whiter.
- A veneer can make a chipped tooth look intact again.
- Veneers can also be used to close gaps. If one tooth is slightly out of position, a veneer can sometimes be fitted to bring it into line with the others.
- Porcelain veneers are stain resistant. Gum tissue tolerates porcelain well.
- Very thin and are held in place by a special strong bond (rather like super-glue), thus very little tooth removal is needed.
How are teeth prepared for a dental veneer?
- We use a local anaesthetic at the beginning to ease any discomfort.
- Stage 1: Some of the shiny outer enamel surface of the tooth may be removed. The amount of enamel removed is tiny and will be the same as the thickness of the veneer to be fitted, so that the tooth stays the same size.
- Stage 2: The dentist will take impressions (moulds) of the prepared tooth and of the opposing jaw.
- Stage 3: Although it is not necessary to protect the tooth, for cosmetic reasons a temporary veneer can be made while you wait about a week for the permanent veneers to be made.
How is the veneer fitted?
- Stage 4: Bonding a veneer in place is done with a special adhesive, which holds it firmly on the tooth.
Will the dental veneer match my other teeth?
Yes, the shade of the neighbouring teeth is picked from a range of shades by the patient (helped by the dentist and the nurse) to make sure the colour looks natural and matches the surrounding teeth (or a whiter shade can be selected).
We will try the veneer in for you to see before permanently cementing. Then we ask you to sign to say that you are 100% happy for us to permanently cement it in (bring a friend if you like).
Adjustments can be made to the veneer after it is fitted. It is usually best to wait a little while you get used to it before any final changes are made.
How long will a dental veneer last?
Veneers should last for many years; but they can chip or break, just as your own teeth can. Small chips can be repaired, or a new veneer fitted if necessary. We will repair/replace a veneer free of charge in the unlikely event it fractures within three years of being made.
Though not likely, veneers can dislodge and fall off your tooth. To minimise the chance of this occurring, do not bite your nails, chew on pencils, ice, or other hard objects; or otherwise put pressure on your teeth. You should also avoid sugary snacks, floss daily, and brush with a soft toothbrush. You must agree during your appointment to attend for six-monthly check-ups.
What are the other treatment options to porcelain veneers?
- White Fillings: Covering part, or, all of the visible surface of the tooth. Unfortunately they don’t look as well, plaque and stains build up easily. They are also not as strong.
- Crowns: If a tooth is broken, weakened by decay, or has a large filling, a crown covering the whole tooth would be a stronger alternative. They can be made of porcelain so they can look just as good as a veneer.
- Whitening: Usually very effective for discoloured teeth. Often, whole smile is whitened before placing veneers on a few front teeth. (only 150 euro, normally 250 euro)
- Orthodontics to close gaps: Very good results, but typically takes two years and is expensive.
Remember – You can claim as much as 20% of the cost back after treatment. Our staff are on hand to help you fill out the forms at the clinic.
Give us a call on 01 8417344 or drop by if you are considering dental veneers.