Corrective Procedures
There are a number of corrective procedures that can help to improve the look of damaged teeth. However, they are also popularly used simply to improve the aesthetics of your smile. These are:
Crowns
These dental crowns are protective covers that are added over your tooth. They are generally added to teeth that have been broken or damaged, and traditionally were made with porcelain.
Ceramic crowns are now being used due to the fact that they are stronger. Many people also prefer the way that ceramic looks in comparison to porcelain. Porcelain crowns were typically added using a metal base for support, where this would leave a visible dark line between the gum and the crown.
The benefit of these newer ceramic crowns is that they are extremely hard to distinguish from natural teeth. Crowns are also able to be used alongside other cosmetic dental treatments to improve the look of your smile.
When a crown is required, the dentist will first shape the tooth after providing you with a local anaesthetic. An impression of the tooth is then used to make the crown. It will be made to look the same colour as the surrounding teeth. It takes time for the crown to be produced, so patients are usually made to wear a temporary crown for a few weeks before the permanent crown is bonded to the teeth.
Despite the fact that crowns are made to protect against aggressive biting, it's still important to take caution as crowns can become damaged.
Bridges
Bridges are a way of removing the gap between adjacent teeth. They are made to match the existing teeth, and will make use of a hollow crown as a way of supporting the missing tooth. Bridges are made from a number of different materials, so it's important to ask your dentist what they have available.
Bridges are generally permanent, more so than dentures, and can help to enhance the appearance of your smile. They can also help to support the adjacent teeth.
The main drawbacks of bridges include the fact that they require the removal of the outer layer of teeth, and can be a costly procedure.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are inserts that are inserted into the jawbone. This is done as a way of providing support for other treatments, including crowns, bridges or dentures, or can provide a stable base for an artificial tooth.
Dental implants are generally made of titanium due to the fact that it reduces the risk of infection. The result can last for as long as 15 years. Implants aren't only used for single teeth, they are also used for a row of implants to completely reconstruct the mouth.
The operation to place the implants requires a local anaesthetic or, in some cases, a general anaesthetic. Once they are placed the implants need to integrate with the bone, which can take between three and six months. You may have temporary procedures in place throughout this period.
If there is not enough jaw bone for the implant then a bone graft may be necessary - with bone taken from another area and added to the implant location. One way of avoiding the bone graft is to perform a mini implant. However, this depends on each individual situation, and it's important to ask your dentist for more advice.
Dental implants are useful to help enhance the appearance of teeth, working on single or more than one tooth at a time. They can also last for around 15 years, though they do require a surgical procedure to place the implants.
