A chipped tooth, gaps in your teeth and missing teeth may be making you self-conscious about your smile; fortunately, there are several tooth restoration options available that can give you a more attractive smile and protect your teeth and gums from future wear and tear.
Today’s top
cosmetic dentistry procedures such as dental implants, veneers and inlays can help restore teeth after extensive damage, injury or trauma. No matter what condition your teeth may be in, a cosmetic dentist can help to restore or create a beautiful smile within weeks. Here are just five of the most popular options for tooth restoration:
Dental Crowns for Tooth Cracks
Cracked teeth that are the result of tooth decay, teeth grinding or an accident can be fixed with dental crowns. These crowns are fitted right on top of the tooth to cover up the crack and hold the tooth in place.
Crowns can be used on almost any type of tooth, and are custom-designed so they are not easily noticeable.
Inlays for Tooth Decay
If you have extensive tooth decay on the teeth in the front of your mouth – areas that show up when you smile –
inlays can be bonded to the tooth to fill out the decayed area and reduce any structural damage that may have been caused by the decay. Inlays are considered to be very stable restorative treatments for fragile and decaying teeth, and may be a better alternative to dental crowns in some cases.
Bonding for Stained Teeth
If stained teeth are not responding well to teeth whitening treatments and regular brushing, a
bonding treatment can help to brighten up your smile and create a more attractive result. Dental bonding involves adding a natural tooth-colored composite filling over the natural tooth so that the tooth appears smoother; this process is often used to fill out cracks, stains and hide chipped teeth, and can be sculpted to fit the tooth perfectly while covering up flaws. Direct bonding is commonly used as an alternative to more extensive ‘smile makeover’ procedures such as veneers or crowns; this procedure may also be a more affordable option for many.
Veneers for Uneven Teeth
If you have unevenly spaced teeth and large gaps between your teeth, you may be a good candidate for
dental veneers. Veneers are made with porcelain or composite resin, and are designed to cover up the entire tooth. They can help to cover up cracks and discoloration, and fill out any significant gaps between teeth. Since veneers protect the surface of the damaged tooth, they can also reduce the need for invasive dental surgery. Veneers are typically more costly than dental bonding, but can give you a complete smile makeover.
Dental Implants for Missing Teeth
If you have lost a tooth in an accident, a
dental implant can serve as a replacement for your natural teeth. Implants are inserted directly into the gum structures and may also be used to support a dental bridge; they are designed to look like your natural teeth, and have the added benefit of reducing jawbone loss.
Learn more about tooth restoration and cosmetic dentistry procedures in our information guide, or consult with a
dentist in your area for additional information about restorative procedures.
Published: 01/02/2009, Last Updated: 01/02/2009
By LocateADoc.com Medical Staff Writers
Our writers strive to present an objective, upfront and open view of the medical procedures you're interested in. We present you with both the good and bad, and work to represent both doctors' and patients' points of view. Our articles contain facts and statistics from medical associations, medical and surgical journals, and through doctor and patient interviews.