Have you ever felt self-conscious about your smile? Our Troy, MI, family dentist wants you to know that you’re not alone. Many patients seek out restorative dental procedures to improve the appearance and function of their smile. Like the name suggests, has the goal of restoring your teeth to their natural beauty and optimal health.
Here are 6 treatment options for repairing or replacing teeth.
1. Fillings
Dental fillings repair tooth damage caused by cavities. Many of our patients appreciate being able to use composite resin fillings for permanent teeth. Also known as tooth-colored fillings, this option is different from traditional metal fillings because the result matches the current color of your teeth.
If you have multiple cavities that need to be filled at once, we highly recommend tooth-colored fillings to retain the natural look of your smile. Metal amalgam fillings contain mercury and other metals, which some patients prefer to avoid.
Over time, these fillings can expand and contract with temperature changes, potentially placing stress on the surrounding tooth. White fillings do not have this issue and provide a more stable, tooth-friendly alternative.
2. Bridges
If you have missing teeth, you may want to consider the benefits of . A permanent dental bridge is a more affordable alternative to dental implants and can help you fill the gaps in your smile caused by tooth loss. The ultimate goal of our local dental bridge dentist is to help you be more confident in your smile.
A prosthetic tooth is placed in the empty space between two healthy teeth, which are capped with crowns. The false tooth is then cemented into optimal position and held in place by the two healthy teeth on either side.
3. Porcelain Veneers
Custom-made shells crafted from high-quality dental porcelain, veneers are designed to cover the front surface of teeth, providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Our dentist can use porcelain veneers as a way to fix tooth discoloration, small gaps in between teeth, chipped or cracked teeth, irregularly shaped or sized teeth, or worn enamel.
During your first visit, our dentist will remove a small amount of enamel from the fronts of your teeth. This is done so the dental veneers won’t make your teeth seem large or bulky. Next, we’ll take digital impressions to send to the lab where your veneers will be made. We’ll place temporary veneers over your teeth while you wait.
When you return to our Troy, MI, dental office at a later date, your new porcelain veneers will be ready. We’ll check the color, size, and shape of the veneers before cleaning, polishing, and etching the fronts of your receiving teeth. The veneers will then be bonded in place.
4. Crowns
Like the name suggests, dental crowns are used to cap the top portion of your tooth that’s visible above the gumline. is typically a two-visit process. During your first appointment, we’ll begin by reshaping your tooth, or removing a small amount of enamel to make space for the crown in terms of height and width.
Next, we’ll take detailed digital impressions of your tooth. These impressions are sent to a dental lab where your custom dental crown is created to match the shape and color of your natural teeth. In the meantime, a temporary crown will be placed to protect your tooth while the permanent one is being made.
After a few weeks, you’ll return for your second visit. We’ll remove the temporary crown, check the fit and appearance of the final one, and then cement it securely in place. Once bonded, your new dental crown will look, feel, and work like a natural tooth.
5. Dental Bonding
Cosmetic dental bonding is the process by which tooth-colored restorations are applied to the tooth’s surface. This process generally only takes one appointment, and fixes a lot of the same problems as porcelain veneers.
Another popular use for dental bonding is enamel shaping which improves the tooth’s appearance by modifying by removing or contouring enamel to give you a better smile and a confidence boost.
6. Dental Implants
Missing teeth have an effect on your smile and on your overall oral health. Did you know that missing teeth can cause jawbone deterioration? To prevent further damage to your smile, we recommend filling in the spaces in your smile with artificial teeth. Single-tooth implants not only improve the function of your smile, but also look and feel natural.
Our dental implant dentist will refer you to a local oral surgeon where you’ll have a titanium post meant to mimic your tooth’s natural roots placed in your jawbone. After the implant has been given time to heal, an abutment (connector piece) and dental crown will be placed on top to create the look of a tooth.
Schedule an Appointment Today
When your teeth need professional intervention, it’s important that you reach out to our dentist in Troy, MI, as soon as possible. The more time that passes between severe tooth damage and restorative dental work, the less effective the methods may be to help your smile look healthy and natural. Call Mosaic Dental today at (248) 528-2270 to schedule an appointment.
This blog post has been updated.
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