Do your gums bleed when you brush your teeth? Are you afraid to smile when taking pictures because of poor teeth and gums?
You’re not alone. Half the world suffers from dental issues.
While some people suffer from minor cavities, others require more extensive dental restoration. But how does restoration work? Is it painful and what kind of changes do dentists do to your teeth?
Don’t worry, we’re here to clear the air. Read on below to discover what you can expect from a dental restoration procedure:
1. Direct Restoration
Direct dental restoration completes all the work within the mouth. It’s commonly-known as filling since involves placing malleable substances into a cavity. They do so after preparing and cleaning the cavity.
Afterward, they harden the material to help restore the structure and appearance of the impacted tooth. The best part is that it’s one of the most conservative methods of tooth repair. It’s also the least invasive type of procedure.
2. Silver Amalgam Fillings
If you opt for this type of filling, expect it to be a compound that consists of 50% mercury and 50% silver, tin, zinc, and copper. Its main benefit is the cheap price alongside the ease of installation. But what’s more, is that it’s strong and durable as well.
The only downside is that it doesn’t look as good and can expand or contract. That might cause your tooth to crack. This will enable both food debris and bacteria to become trapped, promoting decay.
3. Composite Fillings
For this type of fillings, your dentist will use synthetic resins. It’s popular since you can use a color that matches your tooth. But it’s more expensive than silver amalgam and isn’t as durable.
The durability is such that you’re likely to replace this filling every half-decade. This is the type of filling to rely on if you want to achieve a great smile makeover.
4. Glass Ionomer Fillings
This is a better choice if you’re using it for your toddler. The main reason is the fact that they’re pretty weak compared to the other types of fillings so far. The good news is that it has a moderate price, it doesn’t shift, and it can prevent tooth decay with its fluoride-releasing compounds.
5. Direct Dental Bonding
This procedure uses a putty-like bonding agent to restore cracks, reduce teeth gaps, or reshape teeth. It’s great since the bonding agent’s shape and tint can match your tooth’s aesthetic. Once set, it’s dried in the mouth using a curing lamp.
6. Indirect Restoration
This type of restorative dentistry makes the treatment outside the mouth. The most common types of indirect restoration include veneers, crowns, bridges, implants, and the like. Most people think dentures as an indirect restoration procedure, but the truth is that it’s a permanent dental fixture.
The procedures are expensive since it needs more work. But the caveat is that your teeth look better and it serves as a long-lasting solution. It holds even when your teeth have extensive damage.
7. Veneers
Dentists also call this procedure as indirect dental bonding. They’re thin shells of porcelain that helps in covering or replacing the enamel of your tooth, whether it’s damaged, stained, or misshapen. They’re made using your teeth’s impression, customizing it in a way that it imitates your actual tooth enamel.
8. Dental Crowns
Also known as dental caps, these appliances are great for covering the tooth’s surface. It’s bonded using dental cement, improving both the strength and appearance of the prepared tooth. In most cases, dentists use metal, ceramic, or a combination of both.
Metal crowns often make use of gold and titanium. For the ceramic crowns, they use zirconia, silica, or alumina. No matter what the case, it’s a durable option that prevents tooth decay in the long run.
9. Bridges and Implants
These are artificial teeth attached between real ones, filling in the gap where the teeth used to be. It’s either fixed, cantilevered, or adhered. The common material used for bridges includes porcelain, metal, or porcelain fused to metal.
Keep in mind that for many, implants are better than bridges. Bridges require healthy adjacent teeth and they can put some tension on the construct. There’s also the issue of endurance – bridges can last up to a decade and a half but implants, which we’ll tackle next, can last a lifetime if cared for.
10. Implants
They’re fixed into the bone of the jaw through surgery. It’s often used to support a crown or a bridge. It’s a complicated procedure since it needs a lot of preparation beforehand.
For an implant to become successful, the dentist needs to make a temporary prosthetic. With that, they can prepare the implant site by extracting the damaged tooth. When they finish the preparation, they can now affix the implant.
As soon as it’s done, you need to wait about 3-6 months for the new bone to appear around the implant. That will make it a permanent fixture. With this, you won’t need a lot of maintenance in the long run.
Yes, implants can cost you a bit but they do last a long time. For many, they function and look like genuine teeth. This may be the last resort for some, but it’s a great option to fix your smile and restore a healthy set of gums.
Try Restorative Dentistry Today!
Dental restoration is a great way to maintain your smile. It also improves your dental health and your self-esteem since you’re more confident in showing off your teeth. With that, you can handle social situations better.
Don’t hesitate to visit a dentist whenever you feel like your dental health is faltering. It isn’t wise to wait for too long since it can become a bigger problem. Most experts recommend visiting your dentist at least twice a year.
Do you need cosmetic dentistry for a better smile? If so, contact us today and we’ll help you out.