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Crowns & Veneers

Let us start with some definitions, to avoid confusion!

Crowns

A Crown, which is sometimes mistakenly called a ‘cap’, is typically a laboratory made restoration which encases a tooth. Crowns are used for cosmetic reasons or to strengthen a heavily restored tooth.

Crowns can be tooth coloured or metallic, with a metal crown, covered in porcelain, considered by many as traditional.

But in certain light, this can make the tooth look dull and lifeless. An alternative is for the crown to be made of solid porcelain, which will give a more natural look to the tooth.

The tooth is reduced by an appropriate amount so that the thickness of the finished crown brings the tooth back to a normal size.

Inlays

An Inlay is similar to a filling, except typically also made in a laboratory. They are placed wholly or partly within a tooth and again can be tooth coloured or metallic.

The advantage of an inlay over a filling is the inherent strength that the lab production process gives, plus giving greater flexibility to build up a tooth, or match cosmetic needs.

The advantage over a crown is that an inlay can be more conservative of the remaining tooth while still providing some support to a weakened tooth structure.

However an inlay cannot be placed a lot of situations where a crown can be used.

Veneers

Veneers are normally made of porcelain and are placed mainly for cosmetic reasons, rather than strength and support. A veneer is also typically made in a laboratory and is a thin covering of material that is cemented over the outer face of a tooth.

A veneer can potentially be placed on any tooth, but most commonly they are used on the upper front teeth to lighten, cover discolourations, chips and unsightly fillings, or make minor adjustments to the position of teeth.
Note that more major adjustments may need a crown for the additional strength it provides and that orthodontics (braces) may represent a better option for repositioning teeth.

cerecCEREC

CEREC single visit crowns, inlays and veneers are made on-site, avoiding the inconvenience of multiple appointments and the need to have a temporary crown / restoration in place whilst waiting for laboratory work. This state of the art service is only available privately. More information on CEREC can be found here »

Private or NHS treatment

Crowns, inlays and veneers can be provided on the NHS, but are only offered where they are clinically needed, not purely for cosmetic reasons. On back teeth, crowns and inlays on the NHS would only be offered as metallic, not tooth coloured restorations.

Privately these restorations can be placed on any suitable tooth and can be placed electively, purely for cosmetic reasons. Patients often opt for private crowns, inlays and veneers to:

Testimonials

“Invisalign – Light. Crooked front teeth that had started to become more noticeable. This, in turn, started to affect my confidence.

The experience at Beaufort Park was excellent throughout. The staff, from the initial consultation, were friendly and professional. The welcoming reception staff through to the excellent dentist (Russell Gidney) have made this an (almost!) pleasurable experience!

I feel so much more confident and happy to smile again in public.

Quintin Bell


“I hated my smile in photos, I looked as though I only had about 4 teeth! 🙁

Treatments have all been explained, the team have been great & I have started to notice my teeth changing & looking good – despite not even being half way through my treatment (Invisalign Aligner 11/23). I am so happy with the progress.

Thank you! 🙂

Super, I would recommend to anyone considering treatment.

Rachel C


“After years of being unhappy with my crooked teeth and avoiding photographers if at all possible.

I decided to seek corrective treatment at the grand old age of 55 in order to be able to smile at my daughters up coming wedding. After a chat with the Beaufort Dental practice I decided on a course of CFast treatment. In a few short months I was thrilled with the result. Straight teeth which were so much easier to care for and which looked 100 per cent more attractive

The cost was manageable too and I paid at intervals during the treatment. I wish I’d done it years ago.

MD


“I did not like my teeth so didn’t smile.

Invisalign – absolutely brilliant! Very professional team, extremely happy with the results!”

Lisa G


“Even though my oral hygiene has always been excellent I have for many years hated my teeth which were discoloured + the crowns rather mismatched.

Dr Russell Gidney was the first dentist I had confidence in to correct my problems. He showed great empathy, kindness + professional skill. He made me feel completely at ease.

His dental nurses + admin staff are all lovely. The outcome is better than I expected, I now have a lovely smile!”

Pamela C


“I recently had cosmetic work on my teeth carried out by Russell at the surgery. he explained everything in detail and I am overjoyed with the results. The difference it has made is amazing and I thoroughly recommend them. The staff are very helpful too!”

Gaynor M

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