If you have ever felt self-conscious about your smile, you owe it to yourself to schedule an appointment with your dentist to discuss restorative dentistry. During your consultation, your Wyoming MI dentist will be able to tell you how to best restore the appearance of your teeth so you can smile with confidence.
Continue reading to learn which dental treatment might be used during your smile makeover.
Cavity Fillings
If your dentist discovers a cavity, the decayed tooth matter will need to be drilled out of your tooth. The hole left behind is then filled in with amalgam or composite resin. Many of our adult clients appreciate composite fillings because they match the color of their natural tooth enamel. Our restoration dentist typically recommend white fillings for front teeth that show when you smile or talk. Amalgam fillings, on the other hand, are durable enough to use on back teeth and are long-lasting. A restores your tooth after your dentist removes the cavity.
Dental Bridges
Like the name suggests, dental bridges “bridge” the gap in your smile after you lose a tooth. The dental bridge is comprised of a false tooth anchored on both sides with crowns. To be a candidate for dental bridges, you need to have healthy natural teeth or dental implants on both sides of the gap left behind from your missing tooth.
Porcelain Crowns
A dental crown (sometimes called a “tooth cap” by patients) covers the entire visible portion of your tooth above the gum line. Your dentist may recommend you get a if the tooth is fragile from a large filling or multiple dental procedures. Crowns are also an option for severely discolored teeth.
During your first appointment, your dentist will remove enough enamel to make room for the crown. They will then take dental impressions and send them to the lab where your tooth crown will be made. When you return for your second visit, your temporary crown will be replaced with the permanent one and cemented into place.
Dentures
If you had several tooth extractions, you may want to consider dentures. Dentures are removable teeth that allow you to eat and speak like you did before tooth loss. Depending on how many natural teeth you have left, your dentist may recommend complete or partial dentures. While dentures take some getting used to, they can help you maintain your quality of life after tooth loss.
Tooth Implants
If you have recently lost a tooth, you may want to talk to your dentist about getting a tooth implant. A dental implant is a titanium rod inserted into your jawbone that acts much like a natural tooth root would to later support an abutment and crown. Many of our patients prefer dental implants because they look and feel like natural teeth.
Dr. Jeff Helmus DDS at River Ridge Dentistry is dedicated to helping patients achieve their best smiles by providing restorative dentistry services. If you are interested in scheduling an appointment with our Grand Rapids dentist, give us a call at (616) 363-5677.