Restorative dentistry
Aesthetic crowns & bridges
When teeth become very worn down or broken, a crown or bridge is often the ideal solution, restoring strength so you can eat without compromise, and enhancing your smile with excellent aesthetics. Made in a dental lab using your digital dental impressions or in-house with our CEREC machine, a crown caps an existing damaged tooth, while a bridge covers a gap in your smile, secured at each end by a crown. For both options, we use state-of-the-art materials that create a natural-looking result; CEREC restorations have the added benefit of being made and fitted in a single appointment.
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Beautiful porcelain veneers
At Holmes Dental Care, we have a wealth of experience in placing veneers. Created in a lab using your digital dental impressions, or in-house with CEREC, veneers are extremely thin layers of porcelain, which are bonded permanently to your teeth to hide a multitude of imperfections – from cracks and chips to gaps and discolouration. Veneers are so versatile, they can be used to treat all of the front teeth in a single session, which is why they are so popular as a smile makeover solution. If you’re interested in getting veneers in Whitchurch, book a consultation at Holmes Dental Care and we’ll talk you through your options.
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High-tech, lightweight dentures
When some or all of your teeth are missing, Holmes Dental Care can restore your smile with a partial or full denture made from acrylic, nylon or metal. Whichever option you choose, you can rest assured that today’s dentures are nothing like those your parents might have worn. They are more lifelike and comfortable than ever, fitting snugly over your gums to restore your smile and counteract any problems missing teeth can cause – such as trouble eating and speaking, unwanted movement of existing teeth, and facial sagging. Unlike crowns and bridges, dentures need to be removed daily for cleaning. For added security, you may wish to consider anchoring your dentures with a minimal number of dental implants.
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FAQS
How is a crown or bridge fitted?
Before your crown or bridge can be made at the lab, we will need to prepare your tooth by filing it down into a smooth shape that correctly accommodates your restoration. Digital dental impressions will then be taken and sent to the lab where your restoration will be made. When it is ready, you’ll return to the dentist to have your crown or bridge cemented in place and cured under a special light.
How long will my crown or bridge last for?
With good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, crowns and bridges can last as long as 20 years.
What is the difference between full and partial dentures?
A partial denture fills the gap left behind by one or more missing teeth, and clips to your existing teeth. It can be easily unclipped and removed for cleaning. A full or complete denture is used when all the upper or lower teeth are missing, and fits snugly over your gums. It must be removed daily for cleaning.
How do I look after my dentures?
Clean your dentures as you would your normal teeth – once in the morning and once at night. The routine requires you to brush them with toothpaste or soapy water, soak them with soluble denture-cleaning tablets to remove stains and bacteria, then brush again. If you’re taking your dentures out to sleep, keep them moist to stop them from drying out and changing shape. You’ll need to visit the dentist regularly to make sure your dentures are fitting and functioning correctly.
How do veneers work?
Because veneers sit over the top of your teeth, the dentist will need to file away a layer of enamel proportionate to the thickness of the veneers. This is usually carried out under a local anaesthetic. When your bespoke veneers are ready, the dentist will bond them in place using a special curing light, and finish by fine-tuning their look and shape manually.
Do veneers hurt?
No. In fact, it is not always necessary to use a local anaesthetic; applying veneers generally involves minimal discomfort. At Holmes Dental Care, we will discuss your treatment in depth beforehand, so you know exactly what to expect.