| Bonding
- This procedure involves bonding a composite resin to
the tooth that can e ground down to look like a natural
tooth. As mentioned above, it can be color-matched to a
patient’s teeth to provide a natural-looking match.
Crowns
and Bridges - If there is extensive
damage to a tooth that cannot be addressed by bonding, a
crown would be the next step. A crown replaces lost
tooth material, and covers the entire visible part of
the tooth. Crowns can be of porcelain, gold, or a combination
of the two. In general, dental crowns probably should
not be used as a means to improve the appearance of a
tooth if there is any other alternative dental treatment
that could equally satisfactorily achieve the same
cosmetic results. This is because a dentist must grind a
significant portion of a tooth away when a dental crown
is made. If a more conservative dental procedure could
equally well improve the tooth's appearance, such as a
porcelain veneer, dental bonding, or even just teeth
whitening, then it is usually best to consider that
treatment option first.
Implants
- A dental implant is an artificial tooth root placed
into the jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge.
Aside from a very natural look, it fills the space that
was left and prevents the remaining teeth from moving
which will happen if the space is not filled.
Root
Canal Therapy - This is a procedure to
save a damaged tooth. Even if it's a back tooth, it's
worth saving. Missing teeth can affect the healthy teeth
around it!
Orthodontics
- This part of
dentistry involves the use of various methods to
straighten crooked teeth and repair an irregular bite.
This is accomplished through the use of what are known
as corrective appliances, including braces and
retainers. Orthodontic procedures are performed by an
orthodontist and can, in some cases, take several years
to achieve the end result. |
