Not feeling happy with the way your teeth look lately? You might be an excellent candidate
for dental restorations. You are not alone. Despite the fact your teeth are the hardest substances in your body; they are certainly susceptible to many things like sugars, bacteria, and hard impacts. Other habits that can lead to your teeth deteriorating include:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Smoking
- Drinking coffee/tea
Regardless of the reason why your teeth no longer look the way you want them to, there are several procedures that will help you regain a smile you can be proud of.
Dental restorations will address whatever issues you have with your smile. It doesn’t matter if it’s decayed teeth or broken/ chipped teeth you’re dealing with, there’s a restorative procedure to address your specific needs. These procedures don’t just serve a cosmetic purpose; they also prevent your damaged teeth from affecting others surrounding it.
Common procedures performed during dental restorations include:
- Crowns: Also known as caps, these fit over damaged teeth preventing them from further damage while addressing any cosmetic issues. Crowns are commonly used after root canals to protect the newly repaired tooth. Crowns can also be used in combination with a dental implant as a replacement tooth. The three common types of crowns include ceramic fused to metal, all-ceramic crowns and gold crowns.
- Bonding: This is one of the more commonly used procedures when it comes to cosmetic dentistry. It can be used to address a wide range of issues like gaps, splotches, chips, stains, and abnormally shaped teeth. It consists of applying a tooth-colored composite to the affected area. The composite is then molded into the desired shape before it is hardened with ultraviolet light. It’s one of the cheaper options when it comes to cosmetic dentistry.
- Onlays and Inlays: These are used to address cosmetic issues that are not severe enough to require a crown. They are typically made out of porcelain, but they can also be made out of gold and composite materials.
- Dental implants: These are in used in conjunction with other devices like dentures and crowns to replace missing teeth. These implants are typically titanium screws that are attached to your jawbone, while the other device is mounted on the implant’s post.
- Dentures: Your dentist might decide to go with partial or full dentures depending on the severity of your case. Dentures are normally made of metal and acrylic resin. The base is often made out of plastic.
- Veneers: These are ultra-thin covers that are placed on the front of your teeth. Their purpose is strictly cosmetic. They serve as covers that hide stains, gaps, and chips. Veneers are typically made out of porcelain laminates.
All of these procedures are relatively straightforward. There is little to no pain involved, and the end result will be a smile you can be confident about. Schedule an appointment with your dentist today and find out if dental restorations are right for you.