Besides having dental implants, there are two main ways to replace missing teeth.
The first is with a removable false tooth or teeth a partial denture. The second is with a fixed bridge. A bridge is usually used where there are fewer teeth to replace, or when the missing teeth are only on one side of the mouth. Bridges are usually made of a precious metal base. If the bridge will show, porcelain is then bonded to the base. Sometimes, there are other non-precious metals used in the base to reduce the cost.You should replace missing teeth for a number of reasons. Your appearance is one reason. Another is that the gap left by a missing tooth can mean greater strain is put on the teeth at either side.
A gap can also mean your ‘bite’ is affected, because the teeth next to the space can lean into the gap and alter the way the upper and lower teeth bite together. This can then lead to food getting packed into the gap, which causes both decay and gum disease.
What is a Crown?
Unlike a filling that replaces just a portion of tooth structure, a crown (or cap) is a full-cover restoration that covers the entire tooth surface. Crowns are commonly used to safely protect and restore the original shape and size to a damaged tooth and can be used cosmetically to improve the appearance of a misshapen or discolored tooth.
What kinds of materials are used for a crown?
Crowns can be made from several different materials: gold, porcelain, porcelain-on-gold, and several newer man-made materials are common ones. Your dentist will recommend material options for you based on where the crown will be in your mouth, your bite and the aesthetics you’re looking for. Crowns are highly durable and will last for many years, but as with most dental restorations they will eventually require repair or replacement.
What is a dental veneer?
Traditional dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells crafted from tooth-colored porcelain to cover the front side of teeth. Veneers are the permanent way to get the smile you always wanted. You can enjoy the durability, strength and beauty that only porcelain can provide.
Why should I consider dental veneers?
Dental veneers are ideal for teeth that are too small, too big or have uneven surfaces. It is very common for people to have imperfect teeth–teeth that are oddly shaped, chipped, crooked, have small holes in them, or have an otherwise imperfect appearance. Veneers solve such irregularities and create a durable and pleasing smile.
Why are my teeth discolored?
Many things we do on a regular basis can contribute to stained teeth. For example:
Using tobacco: cigarettes or smokeless tobacco
Drinking beverages like coffee, tea, cola and red wine
Eating highly-colored fruits, like blueberries
Taking certain medications
Mostly, it’s just our natural aging process that will cause our teeth to darken over time.
How does tooth whitening work?
Tooth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment to whiten and brighten your natural tooth enamel, making it an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile. Whitening gels use hydrogen and Carbamide peroxide as the active ingredients. They break down into oxygen molecules that work into your tooth enamel and dentin to break up stains. This allows more light to flow through your teeth making them look lighter. Often tooth whitening is the first step for our patients having crowns or fillings on their front teeth or requesting a smile makeover.