What dental treatments are now available to replace or repair missing teeth?
Everyone wishes to have a smile that they love but what options do you have if you have damaged a tooth or have a missing tooth?
Visually Repairing Teeth
The easiest way to repair a small chip in a tooth or to fill teeth after decay has been removed is with white composite fillings.
If a large area of your tooth is missing, your dentist may recommend an Inlay. The inlay is usually made from porcelain and is bonded to your tooth.
Crowns are used to protect teeth that have heavily broken down. The crown is a tooth coloured cap that is placed over the remaining natural tooth.
Replacing Teeth
When you have missing teeth or your dentist can no longer repair your tooth and has to remove it, there are options to fill the space.
Until fairly recently, the only option would be to replace teeth with dentures. A denture is a removable appliance with a plate that fits a false tooth into your mouth. They are still a good option and they also provide support to your lips and cheeks.
A dental bridge is another way of replacing a small number of missing teeth. Artificial teeth are cemented into your mouth.
As the process has become cheaper, it is becoming more popular to choose dental implants. Dental implants can be used for 1 tooth or a large gap of missing teeth. With this process, a titanium implant replaces the root of your tooth and provides a stable support for the new artificial tooth.
As you can see dentists have many options to choose from and will advise you of the options available to you. Don't put up with a smile you aren't happy with. Instead, make an appointment to speak with your dentist.
