If you are suffering from tooth decay, severe tooth pain, damage or discolouration, crowns, bridges and veneers are all viable options that could help improve the look and health of your smile.
The best option for you will depend on your individual circumstance. We will always recommend the most suitable option for your mouth and will be happy to work with you to accommodate your wishes and fit our dental services to suit your budget.
Dental crowns, bridges and veneers are often used when a simple dental filling is not appropriate. Below we’ve given some information on each service to help you understand which option is best for your mouth and circumstance.
Often when a tooth cannot be restored with a filling, a dental crown is the best option.
Crowns are long-lasting restorations that can be custom made to fit the exact shape and shade of your natural teeth. A dental crown is a cap that fits over a damaged or discoloured tooth to improve the outward appearance of that tooth (or teeth) and ensure a full and complete smile. Teeth crowns also help to protect and preserve the damaged tooth or teeth so it lasts for longer.
Crowns can be made from either metal or porcelain. Advancements in modern dentistry mean that porcelain crowns can now be made to match your natural shade exactly, meaning a crown is virtually unnoticeable when placed in the mouth.
Crowns are commonly used in conjunction with dental implants as they are fitted on top of the implant to act as the natural l replacement tooth.
In the case below, the patient was previously wearing a denture, and we restored these with replacement crowns and an implant. The materials present in the new porcelain crown are very aesthetically pleasing and are an excellent match to the surrounding natural teeth.
Using bridges for teeth is a highly effective cosmetic dental procedure that helps “bridge the gap” left by a missing or removed tooth. It is a permanent solution to replacing missing teeth and does not involve invasive surgery.
The dental bridge works by using the teeth on either side as support. An artificial tooth is placed in the gap and is then bonded to the existing teeth on either side.
There are two main types of dental bridges.
The first is where the neighbouring teeth are fitted with porcelain crowns, which are then used as support for the dental bridge, with the artificial tooth filling in the empty gap in between the newly fitted crowns.
The second type of dental bridge is called an adhesive bridge. This only works if the neighbouring teeth are strong and healthy, therefore eliminating the need for prosthetic crowns. An adhesive bridge is essentially a false tooth with ‘wings’ so that it can be supported by the natural teeth on either side. The wings are bonded to the inner surfaces of the natural teeth, giving the artificial tooth the support and strength it needs to function as a permanent replacement tooth.
Bridges are a quality alternative to dentures and dental implants for replacing missing teeth.
A veneer is a wafer-thin layer of tooth-coloured porcelain which is accurately bonded onto the front surface of a damaged or discoloured tooth to improve the tooth’s strength and appearance.

Veneers are a perfect dental solution for patients suffering from teeth that are:
With veneers dentistry, your natural tooth remains intact but is covered up so that it not only looks better but is also stronger and more durable when it comes to chewing, drinking and brushing.
Teeth Veneers are fast to install and do not involve any invasive or painful surgeries. They are also highly effective at brightening your teeth and improving the overall aesthetic appearance of your smile. Veneers can also easily be removed and updated by your dentist if any problems do occur.
Nice before and after pictures of a full smile makeover with adjustment to patients gums and restoration with crowns and veneers
Get in touch for quality tooth restoration work
If you think that either dental crowns, dental bridges or teeth veneers are a good dental solution for you, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our Edinburgh dental practice today.
We can offer you our expert advice and ensure that your teeth are treated with the most appropriate dental treatment that will make sure they are looking and feeling their best.
Call us: 0131 229 7899
Email us: smile@ssedinburghdentist.com
Been attending Stuart's practice since his days in Chester Street. Excellent service and staff always very friendly. I've just completed a course of implant work (seven in all) and the procedure, treatment and aftercare were second to none, but glad it's all over lol. Looking forward to returning to 6 monthly check ups. Thanks again to Stuart and the Team.
Never liked going too the dentist but now it's a breeze , professional and friendly . Had 5 teeth out never felt a thing . Robbie Rocks !!!!
Been with these guys 7 years from the staff to the reminder texts, this is a fantastic practice
I have to say that after 10 days the implant bridge is a great success. It is fabulous to be without the denture.
I am delighted with the whole treatment. I was made fully aware of all the options for my mouth and the costs involved with detailed explanations of all the stages.
A big thank you to all.
I recently joined Stuart's practice in May and can honestly say that I am extremely impressed! The whole team are friendly, professional, knowledgeable and have all the modern equipment. Stuart carried out some cosmetic work on my front teeth including a front crown and white filling to close the gap that had gradually developed over the years. I could not have expected a better result! I have my smile back, which to me is priceless. Massive thanks to Stuart (and the team) for doing such a great job. Lisa-Ann
Find quick answers to common questions about our dental services, procedures, and patient care in our FAQ section.
At Stuart Steven Dental Practice, we provide a full range of general and cosmetic dental treatments, including:
Routine Check‑ups & Hygiene Appointments
To maintain healthy teeth and gums through prevention and early detection.
Fillings & Restorative Dentistry
Including composite (white) fillings, crowns, bridges, and onlays.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Teeth whitening, veneers, composite bonding, and smile makeovers.
Emergency Dental Care
Same‑day urgent appointments for pain, broken teeth, or infections.
Dentures & Dental Implants
Options for replacing missing teeth.
Orthodontics / Teeth Straightening
Such as clear aligners (if the practice offers this—can be edited).
Most patients should visit the dentist every 6 months.
However, depending on your oral health, your dentist may recommend more frequent appointments—such as every 3–9 months—to monitor specific conditions like gum disease or tooth wear.
Regular visits help detect issues early, keep your teeth and gums healthy, and reduce the need for more complex treatment.
Your first appointment usually includes:
A full oral health assessment
We examine your teeth, gums, soft tissues, bite, and existing dental work.
X‑rays (if needed)
These help us see areas not visible during a visual exam.
Discussion of any concerns
Pain, sensitivity, cosmetic goals—anything you’d like us to focus on.
Personalised treatment plan
We explain any recommended treatments, costs, and next steps.
A hygiene assessment
We’ll advise on cleaning techniques and may book a hygiene visit if required.
This appointment is relaxed and designed to help us understand your dental needs.
Yes — we provide professional teeth whitening, which is both safe and effective when carried out by a registered dentist.
We only use clinically approved whitening systems that protect your enamel and gums.
We understand that many patients feel anxious. Our team takes a gentle, calming approach and will:
Please let us know if you are nervous so we can support you.
Please bring: