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A tooth has been badly weakened by decay, a large filling keeps breaking, an old crown no longer seals properly – or a tooth is missing altogether. A dental restoration rebuilds the shape of the tooth so that you can chew well and your bite is loaded evenly. At the same time, it should blend into your smile as naturally as possible in colour and shape.
At our practice in Singen, we never plan a restoration for one tooth in isolation. Dr. M.Sc. M.Sc. Martin Jaroch holds two Master of Science degrees – in orthodontics and in periodontology and implant therapy. That is why, before every crown and every bridge, we also look at your gums, bone, tooth position and bite. Even a well-made crown depends on how healthy the tissue around it is.
What types of dental restoration are there?
Crowns
A crown covers a weakened tooth like a cap and protects it from breaking. It is an option when there is not enough healthy tooth structure left for a filling. We discuss which restoration suits your tooth after the examination.
Bridges
A bridge closes a gap by being attached to the neighbouring teeth. These abutment teeth are prepared and crowned; the replacement tooth sits between them. An implant is a fixed alternative that does not require healthy neighbouring teeth to be prepared. We explain the pros and cons of both on our implantology page under “Implant or bridge?”.
Implant-supported restorations
An implant replaces the tooth root and carries a crown, a bridge or a denture. In a jaw without teeth, this allows a denture to be anchored securely. We use Straumann implants and plan their position digitally. How the examination, healing and bone grafting work is explained under implantology.
Materials: tooth-coloured and metal-free
Metal-free, tooth-coloured restorations are available for crowns and bridges. Which material is right depends on where the tooth is, how much load it takes when you chew, how much space there is and the result you would like. We explain the options and how they differ before you decide.
Do you have older metal fillings or metal crowns? At the examination we assess their condition and advise you on tooth-coloured alternatives. Replacing them is not automatically necessary – it often makes sense to keep an intact restoration.
The foundation first: gums, tooth position and bite
A restoration is only as good as the foundation it stands on. That is why we check three things first:
Gums: we check whether your gums are inflamed and discuss with you whether treatment makes sense before the restoration – see periodontology.
Tooth position: if teeth have tipped into a gap or are crowded, orthodontic preparation before crowns, bridges or implants can make sense. It often allows a restoration that preserves more tooth structure. See Invisalign® for adults and braces for adults.
Bite: our intraoral scanner shows how your teeth meet. If you grind or clench at night, a night guard can protect crowns and implants from overload.
How these areas come together in one plan is described in our POI360° concept.
Treatment in 5 steps
Examination and consultation: we examine your teeth, gums and bite, with X-rays where needed, and discuss which restorations are possible – with their pros and cons.
Planning and treatment and cost plan: before treatment starts you receive a written treatment and cost plan. Patients with statutory health insurance submit it to their insurer; once it is approved, we can begin.
Preparation: we prepare the tooth and record the shape of your teeth for the restoration. We discuss beforehand how this works in your case.
Fabrication: your restoration is made individually for you.
Fitting and check-up: we check fit, colour and bite and then place the restoration. Regular check-ups afterwards help to spot small problems early.
What does a dental restoration cost?
We can only give you a reliable figure after the examination. The cost depends mainly on:
the type of restoration – crown, bridge or implant-supported restoration
the number of teeth being restored
the material and the dental laboratory work involved
any preliminary treatment needed, for example of the gums
Statutory health insurance: for crowns, bridges and dentures, your insurer pays a fixed subsidy based on the diagnosis (Festzuschuss). If you have had your annual check-ups recorded regularly in your bonus booklet (Bonusheft), the subsidy increases – so please bring your booklet to the planning appointment. We discuss your own share at the consultation.
Private and supplementary insurance: you receive an invoice under the German scale of dental fees (GOZ). How much is reimbursed depends on your plan.
Patients from Switzerland pay for treatment themselves; billing follows German law. Information on getting here, billing and documents is on our page for patients from Switzerland.
More on the fixed subsidy, the treatment and cost plan and payment options under costs and billing.
How long does a restoration last – and how do you look after it?
How long a crown or bridge lasts cannot be predicted for every case. What matters is healthy gums, thorough care, regular check-ups and a bite that is not overloaded by grinding at night. These habits help:
Brush twice a day and clean between your teeth – with bridges also under the replacement tooth, for example with interdental brushes or special floss.
Have your restoration checked at your regular check-ups.
Professional teeth cleaning removes plaque where a toothbrush struggles to reach.
If you grind or clench your teeth, ask us about a splint.
Frequently asked questions about dental restorations
How long does it take until the crown is finished?
How many appointments are needed and how long it takes depends on the restoration. You will get an estimate for your case after the examination.
Bridge or implant – which is better for me?
That depends on the condition of the neighbouring teeth, the bone and your wishes. We discuss both options with you; an overview is on our implantology page.
Can I have old metal crowns replaced with tooth-coloured ones?
Yes, that is possible. Whether a replacement makes sense is something we assess at the examination – an intact crown does not need to be replaced.
Can I have my restoration done with you if I live in Switzerland?
Yes. We plan your appointments around your journey. See our page for patients from Switzerland.
Advice on dental restorations in Singen
Which restoration suits you can only be decided after an examination. Request a consultation – we take the time to go through the options with you.