Which Dental Reconstruction Works For You? 5 Options To Think About

Dentist Articles

People consider reconstructive dentistry for a variety of reasons. Maybe you've lost a tooth, a row of teeth, or an entire mouthful of teeth. Maybe you damaged a tooth that now needs to be rebuilt. Maybe you've simply come to hate a jagged, gap-toothed, or uneven smile. But how do you choose the most sensible dental reconstruction for your needs? Consider the following five options.

1. Dental Veneers

So you've chipped a tooth -- and to add insult to injury, it's a front tooth that the world world sees every time you open your mouth. If that's the case, you're actually in luck, because this kind of problem can be fixed relatively simply and affordably through with dental veneers. 

A veneer is a realistic, tooth-shaped "shell" of porcelain, shaped and colored to match your intact surrounding teeth. The dentist removes the smallest possible outer layer of enamel to make room for the veneer, then cements the form-fitted veneer onto the shaped tooth. These appliances not only correct gap-toothed or jagged smiles, but they can also restore natural whiteness to a permanently discolored tooth. They are designed primarily to improve the looks of an otherwise intact, healthy tooth, not for structural reinforcement.

2. Dental Crowns

Dental crowns take tooth reconstruction a step beyond veneers. Instead of merely covering the front side of a tooth, a crown covers the entire visible surface. Crowns are a common restoration following root canal therapy, which can leave a hole in the enamel large enough to weaken the tooth and promote infection. The crown lends extra strength to the tooth while sealing the pulp chamber against bacteria. 

To prepare your tooth for a crown, your dentist will start by shaving the enamel down until the tooth has a uniform peg-like shape. This shape can easily take a porcelain or ceramic crown colored and shaped to match your other teeth just as veneers are. (If you prefer, you can have flashy silver, gold, or even jewel-encrusted or crowns fashioned instead.) You may need to have a temporary crown glued into position until the dental laboratory can produce the final version. Crowns vary widely in price, but the strongest ones can last for many years.

3. Dental Bridges

A missing tooth make you feel painfully self-conscious while also affecting your ability to eat or talk properly. Dental bridges are a time-tested solution for this problem. This type of appliance fills the gap between your teeth with a realistic false tooth. More than one tooth may be incorporated into the bridge if necessary. There are two variants of bridges you may wish to consider:

• Permanent bridge - A permanent bridge is attached to the adjoining teeth. Your dentist will need to prepare the two teeth on each of the gap for permanent crowns. The false tooth is connected to the two crowns, which in turn are cemented into your mouth. 
• Partial denture - A removable bridge is referred to as a partial denture. The false tooth (or row of false teeth, as the case may be) attaches to the adjacent real teeth via metal clasps or flexible attachments. This appliance may be easier to clean than a permanent bridge, but it's also more likely to shift position.

4. Full Dentures

If you've lost all your teeth, dentures may seem like a no-brainer. These appliances can instantly restore a full, perfect smile to your face, and you'll never have to worry about them decaying. Dentures do require periodic re-lining and replacement, however, and you have to learn how to clean them properly. Your dentist will first extract any remaining teeth, then take impressions of your mouth so that the dentures can be molded to fit you correctly. In some cases you may be able to receive a set of temporary dentures right away while you're waiting for your "real" dentures to be fabricated and adjusted.

5. Implants

If you need to replace a whole mouthful of teeth but want a more natural and convenient solution than dentures, give some thought to dental implants. These appliances are metal posts that are surgically inserted into the jawbone. Once the surrounding bone as grown tightly around the posts, you now have artificial "roots" that can accept permanent crowns. Implants are more expensive than dentures, but they can last for decades and require no special care or treatment beyond normal dental hygiene. They also require no adhesive to remain securely in place.

As you can see, you have a wealth of options when it comes to dental restorations. Once you've identified the right solution for your needs, the next step is finding a dentist at a site like http://www.silveradofamilydental.com that you like and trust. Enjoy your new smile!

26 December 2014