If you have lost one or more teeth, you may need the help of a prosthodontist. Prosthodontics is a special area of dentistry that deals with replacing and restoring teeth, with treatments including dentures, bridges, crowns and dental implants.
Harley Street Dental Clinic’s resident prosthodontics specialist, Dr Charlotte Stilwell, has worked at the practice for 15 years and has a wide range of experience helping patients take pride in their smiles once more.
There is an increasing demand for tooth replacement products, partly due to the population living longer. Patients who have had large fillings early on in life often find they need further treatment at a later stage, whether that is a tooth-coloured replacement filling or more extensive restorative treatment.
Early intervention makes treatment easier and less traumatic. As well as restoring the function and appearance of worn or damaged teeth, Dr Stilwell can help to manage the wear and tear of your teeth, helping to avoid the need for more invasive treatments in many cases. She will work closely with each patient to find the best solution in each individual case.
Treatments she may recommend include:
Crowns
Crowns are caps placed over a treated worn tooth, boosting strength and improving appearance. They can be made from a range of materials and can be matched to the natural colour of your tooth. Crowns are often necessary after root canal treatment.
Bridges
Dental bridges replace one or more adjacent missing teeth. Artificial teeth are supported by a pair of crowns or wings attached to the surrounding teeth, so those teeth need to be strong and in good condition. In some cases, dental implants can support bridges.
Dentures
Dentures are the best-known replacement for natural teeth, and they’ve been around since the time of the ancient Egyptians. They can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain and plastic, and can be removable or fixed in place using dental implants. A full denture is used when all the teeth in one arch (jaw) of your mouth are missing, while a partial denture is used to replace one or a few missing teeth.