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Dental Services

missing teeth

missing tooth Dental Services Bridges Crowns Dentures Denture Stabilisation Dental Implants Sinus Lift

Your smile is inevitably affected by missing teeth. A missing tooth can become a factor in your smile due to an injury, gum disease, really bad tooth decay, or a genetic condition. Regardless of the cause, a missing tooth brings its own set of dental problems. Speech, chewing, jawbone integrity and gradual shifting of your teeth into the empty spaces can all affect your oral health. Unfortunately teeth don’t last forever and modern dental treatments allow missing teeth to replaced so there is minimal negative impact on your confidence and oral health.

Missing Teeth Dental Services Menu

dental bridges Shildon Smile Care Dental & Implant Centre

Missing Teeth

Dental Bridges

Cosmetic bonding is an ideal solutions for filling chips, fractures or gaps between teeth, or for fixing discolouration. A composite resin is attached to a tooth and shaped to restore its original appearance. Your tooth colour is matched to the bonding substance, so it will look like a natural part of your tooth.
Dental bridges are made of porcelain, attach to neighbouring teeth and are a good option for replacing missing teeth. For dental bridges to be a viable option your anchoring teeth need to be strong enough to support a bridge. Dental bridges can be fixed to your natural teeth or to dental implants. Once you have a bridge fitted, you will have to take extra care during your daily hygiene regime to ensure it stays plaque free and does not cause bad breath.

How Dental Bridges Work

  • Made of a precious metal base, bridges have a solid structure that makes them hard wearing.
  • Porcelain will be used should you require a bridge on your smile line so it maintains the look of real teeth.
  • As bridges are fixed and can't come out, eating and chewing is made easier due toi the strength provided by the bridge.
  • In the event that there are several teeth missing in a row, a dental implant will be used to fix to your jaw.

types of Dental Bridge

Dental bridges are made in various ways, but in general are fixed to neighbouring teeth or dental implants for long term strength.
 
We can provide a variety of bridges:
Traditional bridge Resin bonded bridge Cantilever bridge Implant retained bridge

benefits of Dental Bridges

  • They offer a fixed and permanent solution to missing teeth
  • The process only takes 2-3 visits and made to colour match your natural teeth.
  • Any fixings are completely unseen due to matching crowns or being hidden behind your teeth
  • A durable way to replace several teeth in a row.
  • A natural looking tooth restoration
  • Reinstates the ability to eat & chew as before.
If you’d like to find out more about returning your smile to its best with dental bridges,  talk to one of our expert dental team today.
01388 775 104

Dental bridge FAQs

If you have 1 or more missing teeth dental bridges may be the right option for you. They will;
Improve your appearance & smile
Strengthen your bite
Reduce the likelihood of neighbouring teeth leaning into the gap
Help with your speech

Yes there are;

A Fixed Bridge is the most common of bridges where a false pntic tooth is attached to a crown on an anchoring tooth.

A Resin Bonded Bridge is put in place when the neighbouring teeth are healthy as this minimises removal of good tooth tissue. They are generally used to replace 1 missing tooth and a false pontic tooth is attached to the neighbouring tooth with a wing of metal.

Most bridges are made of porcelain bonded to metal, providing good looks and strength.

1 – Teeth are prepared for anchoring teeth.
2 – Teeth are trimmed away enough to take the new bridge.
3 – A mould is made from putty so the dental bridge can be made in a laboratory
4- A temporary bridge is fitted until your 2nd appointment
5 – At your second appointment your final dental bridge will be cemented in place using special dental adhesive.
6 – The bite will be checked and minor adjustments will be made.
Usually around 7-10 years. This will depend in the strength of the anchoring teeth, the bite and the length of the bridge. Resin bonded do not last as long due to how they are held in place.

Brushing and flossing daily is very important and super floss can be utilised to clean under the bridge. A healthy diet will help prevent decay occuring under the bridge.

Missing Teeth

crowns

Inlays & onlays are used when the damage or decay to a tooth cannot be fixed with a composite filling. They are made from varied strong materials like metal and ceramics. An inlay is a small filling that fits into the biting surface of a tooth. An onlay covers a larger area of the tooth and is better suited to bigger cavities.
dental crowns Shildon Smile Care Dental & Implant Centre

crowns complete your smile

A crown is used to fix teeth that have been broken, weakened by decay or contain a very large filling. Crowns cap over the top of sites where part of a tooth remains thus restoring form and functionality, a strong bite and a confident smile. Crowns are also used to anchor a bridge or denture firmly in place in the mouth.
Crowns are a good solution if you have some discoloured fillings and would like to improve their appearance. They are also used after root canal treatment to protect or cap the restored tooth, allowing you to eat and bite down on it as if it was a real tooth.

CRowns are

  • Usually made of porcelain or ceramic
  • At Shildon Smile Care -Dental & Implant Centre you can have state of the art crowns made, such as Zircona or IPS Emax crowns, made with CAD CAM technology
  • Indistinguishable from your other teeth
  • Used to correct a range of problems
  • Occasionally made of gold or other metals

How crowns work

  • An impression is taken of the tooth that needs restoring.
  • A crown is made in the dental laboratory to fit the tooth precisely and match the neighbouring teeth.
  • The tooth is then prepared and the crown fitted securely on top.

benefits of crowns

  • Strengthens remaining tooth structure.
  • Natural-looking restoration.
  • Functions like a real tooth, so you can bite and chew as usual.
  • An affordable alternative
  • A simple, long lasting solution
  • Quick and easy to fit
We can offer a range of crowns and crown materials to suit your budget and your individual style, from simple reconstruction work to complete cosmetic enhancements.
Call us, or call in, to discuss  how crowns could help you to find the smile you’ve been searching for.
01388 775 104

Dental crown FAQs

They can be made from a wide range of materials like plastic, ceramic or metal alloys. These can also be combined together to maximise strength whilst appearing like natural teeth.

Crowns are made of inert materials that do not deteriorate over time. The original underlying tooth however, can still be susceptible to decay and gum disease.
Avoid chewing excessively-hard substances like ice or bones as the ceramic on the surface may chip or fracture. Daily brushing and flossing are essential for maintaining good oral health as well as keeping the crown trouble-free. The most vulnerable portion of the crown is the margin or the junction between tooth and crown.
Regular check-ups will enable your dentist to detect any problems with your crown and recommend
necessary treatment.
Dentures Shildon Smile Care Dental & Implant Centre

Missing Teeth

Dentures

Dentures are often associated with old age and people can be apprehensive towards them. Modern dentures are well fitted and instantly improve your look with a seamless smile and can make you look younger.
Dentures are a removable replacement for missing teeth and gums. A complete denture replaces all the teeth, while a partial denture fills in gaps created by some missing teeth.
Our dental team has the necessary experience and expertise required to make sure that your dentures fit as comfortably as possible, minimizing the need for additional denture fixatives. We want you to have complete confidence in your new teeth, so you can enjoy life to the full.

How dentures work

  • Impressions are taken and sent to be made in a dental laboratory.
  • Dentures are created from a durable material that looks just like normal teeth and gums for a natural appearance.
  • Dentures are made to fit snugly on your gums and you will be able to remove them for cleaning.
  • Speaking, eating and chewing will feel odd initially until you get used to your new dentures.
  • Extra care will be needed during your oral hygiene routine to avoid bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease.
  • Dentures must be removed for cleaning purposes and they are also usually left out at night-time.
  • Your dental hygienist will show you how to best take care of your denture and gums and will tell you about specialised brushes available to do this.

Benefits of dentures

  • A solution to replacing several missing teeth.
  • Designed to give you a natural-looking smile.
  • An affordable solution
Dentures from Shildon Smile Care -Dental & Implant Centre offer an affordable solution for missing teeth. Implant retained dentures can also be an excellent alternative.
 
For an honest assessment of the pros and cons of dentures, you can talk to us today without
commitment. We’re always happy to help you make the right decision.

denture FAQs

Chrome dentures are expensive and plastic dentures cost much less to make. Plastic dentures can cause damage to the teeth they fit against if not designed correctly. Metal partial dentures are much stronger. Although the base is constructed from metal, they have natural coloured gum and teeth.
Natural gum suction keeps full dentures in place as they are made to fit the contours of your gums. Partial dentures are held in place with fixings that grip the natural remaining teeth.
Often if they are not fitted correctly they can irritate your gums and teeth. If you have never had denture before you may find them difficult to live with initially, but the majority of patients are happy with their dentures.
Dentures will feel odd to start with, but this will become normal over time, usually over several weeks / months.
Dentures should be brushed to remove food debris, removed and left in a bowl of water overnight. Effervescent denture cleaner will help to remove stubborn stains. Just like your natural teeth and gums your dentures will need to be checked by your dentist on a regular basis.

This depends on how much wear and tear they are exposed to, changes in your gum contours or bone shape and alterations in your bite. Plastic dentures are much less durable than porcelain crowns and bridges.

Missing Teeth

Denture Stabilisation

denture stabilisation Shildon Smile Care Dental & Implant Centre
As dentistry has advanced, there is now a way to fix your dentures to your jaw with dental implants. This treatment, is called implant overdentures or denture stabilisation. This is ideal for patients who struggle with their dentures and have problems with eating and speak as their dentures are ill-fitting or loose. 
This method gives patients a more permanent solution, improving you quality of life by giving you the ability to enjoy your favourite foods again and feel comfortable smiling, safe in the knowledge that your dentures are staying put.

how denture stabilisation works

  • Surgery will be needed to have implants placed into your jaw.
  • Implants are given time to integrated with your bone and surrounding tissues.
  • Your dentures are placed on top of the implants with special fixtures.
  • Dentures can still be removed for cleaning, but will stay put once in place.

benefits of denture stabilisation

  • Enjoy a natural-looking smile
  • Improved confidence in public.
  • Experience less irritation of your gums
  • You don't need to take your teeth out at night
  • You can eat, chew and bite without your dentures falling out or having to stick to a soft food diet for the rest of your life.
Our experts will be happy to talk you through what can realistically be achieved through our orthodontic services, explaining the processes and timescale involved. Simply book an initial FREE CONSULTATION appointment today to discuss your options.
01388 775 104
dental implants Shildon Smile Care Dental & Implant Centre

Missing Teeth

dental implants

Have you lost all or some of your natural teeth? Bridges, dentures and flexible dentures are not the only solution, thanks to advances in modern dentistry.
 
Anchored into the bone, dental implants offer a way to replace teeth that is both comfortable and convenient and will last for almost a lifetime.
Implant dentistry offers a clinically proven and safe method for regaining a great smile and being able to bite and chew with confidence.

How dental implants work

  • If you lose your natural teeth your jaw bone and associated tissues start to disappear over time.
  • Dental implants are small metal screws that are placed in the jaw in place of a missing tooth.
  • The implants stimulate the remaining bone to grow and mesh around the metal, along with tiny blood vessels, preventing bone loss.
  • Porcelain teeth are fitted to this foundation, providing a strong, solid and long term replacement.
  • Once established, crowns, bridges and dentures can be fixed onto the implants, creating a natural-looking and stable restoration.
  • The cosmetic and functional results with dental implant treatment can be as good as natural teeth and last for many years.

Benefits of dental implants

  • Retained bone structure prevents the face from acquiring a 'sunken' look.
  • Implants help restore function so you can eat, chew and bite as usual.
  • Dental implants look and feel just like your real teeth.
  • Implants are a natural-looking way to replace missing teeth.
  • Give you a firm, reassuring fit
  • Are as strong as natural teeth
  • Do not need removing to clean like dentures
  • Do not affect adjacent teeth like bridges
Implants may seem expensive, but it’s worth remembering that this is a one-off cost that provides an aesthetically pleasing and long-term solution. So don’t compromise on quality; talk to our friendly dental team about affordable ways to pay for dental implants and give yourself the faultless smile you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
01388 775 104

dental implant FAQs

Dental Implants are suitable for anyone who has a missing tooth, fractured tooth, loose tooth or a tooth that needs extraction.
The right amount of bone and gum tissue is required for successful implants and therefore they may not be suitable for everyone. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, uncontrolled gum disease and patients with systemic diseases that affect the body’s healing capacity can affect dental implant treatment.
The implant surgery is carried out under local anaesthetic so you will not feel any pain during the
treatment. When the anaesthetic wears off, you may experience some tenderness and inflammation but
this can be controlled by taking painkillers such as paracetemol and ibuprofen.
Healing occurs at different rates for different people and can take up to a couple of weeks. you will be given instructions on how to manage this process after your implants have been placed.
Implants take 2-6 months to integrate with bone depending on patients rate of healing. In that time you will have review appointments to ensure that all is progressing well with your teeth and gums.
Implants are a replacement for your missing teeth and they should be looked after in the same way
you should look after your own natural teeth. You should make sure that you brush your teeth twice
a day as a minimum with correct brushing technique using a fluoride toothpaste in addition to using
a chlorhexidine mouthwash.
Implants, just like natural teeth, will last as long as you care for them. If your implants are well looked after and if the bone is strong and healthy, you can expect them to last for many years. However, just as with other surgical implants (such as hip replacement) there is no lifetime guarantee.
The costs depend on the brand of implant, number of implants and complexity of treatment.

Missing Teeth

Sinus Lift

If dentures have been your main dental treatment for a long time your upper jaw bone will have receded, giving your face a sunken look making it difficult to have dental implant treatment.
A sinus lift makes use of the contours of your face to provide a second chance at the functionality and reliability of dental implants.
sinus lift Shildon Smile Care Dental & Implant Centre
A sinus lift is a safe and clinically proven procedure and when completed with expertise and care it will provide the best, most stable base for life changing implant surgery.

How a sinus lift works

  • Tests will be run that may include CT scans and panoramic radio scans, to check the suitability of your sinuses for the procedure.
  • There are several bone material options that cen be opted for including; from the patient, other sources human or animal and synthetic.
  • The sinus lift procedure will be performed under general anaesthetic by your dentist. After a period of time, the site will be healed and ready for implants.

benefits of a sinus lift

  • A more youthful appearance will give you more confidence.
  • A second chance at the comfort and security of dental implants.
  • A long-term investment in your health and wellbeing.
As with any surgical procedure, at our practice we ensure that you understand all aftercare instructions and we will check back with you regularly to ensure that the healing is going smoothly.

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Get In Touch

If you have a question, or need to speak to us about your appointment or an aspect of your dental treatment, then please get in touch with us.