Fix Damaged or Missing Teeth Southampton

Dental crowns and bridges in Southampton

At Ferry Dental Centre, we create custom-made crowns and bridges to restore severely damaged or missing teeth, helping you regain a healthy, natural-looking smile.

Treatment Cost: From £800

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” placed over your natural tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength while enhancing its appearance. Even a slightly damaged tooth can impact your confidence, making you hesitant to smile or engage in conversation.

If your tooth is damaged, cracked, or broken, a crown may be necessary for several reasons:

• To improve the look of your smile
• To ensure your tooth functions properly
• To stop additional decay or damage from occurring

Types of dental crowns

1. There are several types of dental crowns available, with full porcelain crowns, jacket crowns, and metal-free crowns made from zirconium or aluminium oxide being the most modern options in aesthetic dentistry.
2. Crowns are ideal for rebuilding teeth that have been broken or weakened by decay or large fillings. They fit over the remaining part of the tooth, providing strength and restoring the shape and contour of a natural tooth.
3. We recommend full porcelain crowns for the restoration of upper and lower front teeth. Aesthetically, full porcelain crowns offer a superior look compared to porcelain-fused-to-metal or gold crowns, as they are crafted entirely from porcelain, allowing for a more natural appearance.

Your treatment journey for a dental crown

The process of getting a dental crown typically involves two to three visits to us.

1. First visit: The dentist will reshape your tooth by filing down some of the enamel, allowing the crown to fit securely. You’ll be given a local anaesthetic to ensure you feel no discomfort during this part of the procedure. After reshaping, various impressions of your mouth will be taken and sent to our dental laboratory to create your custom crown. In the meantime, a temporary crown will be placed to protect your tooth until your next visit.
2. Second visit: Your dentist will carefully remove the temporary crown and fit the permanent crown. Any necessary adjustments will be made to ensure a comfortable and natural fit, leaving you with a restored smile.

Why would you need a dental bridge?

If you have a missing tooth or need an extraction, a dental bridge can fill the gap with a natural-looking replacement. Bridges not only restore your smile but also help with chewing, speaking, and maintaining your bite. They also prevent surrounding teeth from shifting, which could cause future issues with your bite and overall dental health.

Benefits of dental bridges include:

• Restores appearance
• Improves functionality
• Prevents teeth shifting
• Maintains face shape
• Durable and easy to care for

Types of dental bridges

1. A traditional dental bridge consists of a false tooth (called a pontic) attached to crowns on the neighbouring teeth (abutments), creating a secure bridge over the gap. It’s cemented in place and doesn’t need to be removed.
2. A maryland bonded bridge features a metal framework with wings on either side of the false tooth, which are bonded to the back of your existing teeth.
3. A cantilever bridge is supported by crowns on just one side of the gap where a tooth is missing.
4. An inlay retained bridge is a minimally invasive option that involves preparing cavities in adjacent teeth. The false tooth is then secured with porcelain fillings that are cemented into the prepared cavities.

Your dentist will determine the best bridge option for you during your consultation.

Your treatment journey for a dental bridge

Creating a dental bridge typically involves two visits to us at Ocean Village.

1. First visit: During your initial appointment, the adjacent teeth will be prepared and shaped to ensure a proper fit for the new crowns. Impressions of your mouth will be taken to create a high quality, custom dental bridge.

   While your permanent bridge is being made, a temporary bridge will be fitted and secured. Your dentist will also take note of the shade to ensure the new bridge matches your natural teeth perfectly.

2. Second visit: In your follow-up appointment, the dentist will remove the temporary bridge and attach the permanent one. Any necessary adjustments will be made to ensure a comfortable fit, leaving you with a beautiful, natural-looking smile.