Cosmetic dentistry procedures are usually associated with smile makeovers due to their efficiency and visual confidence boosts. But improving your dental health often requires a more restorative solution. According to a major nationwide Gallup poll, approximately one-third of Americans don’t see their dentist annually. While the reasons for the lack of visitation differ, most come down to race variances and financial issues. Fortunately, your dentist offers several dental restoration options that can fit even a tight budget and help improve your life. But what are some of the most common and effective dental restoration solutions?
Dental Crown or Bridge
A moderate-to-badly damaged tooth may not need to be removed if the damage is repaired quickly enough. Even minor or hairline cracks in teeth can lead to serious damage such as chips or fractures. Those cracks can result from something as simple as striking a hard substance while eating to participating in sports. A dental crown is a partial tooth prosthetic that fuses to the damaged tooth and helps it regain its function. In the event of one or more missing teeth, a bridge may be used instead. A bridge contains two crowns to affix to surrounding teeth and an artificial tooth to replace the missing structure.
Dentures
Edentulism, or toothlessness, is usually associated with the older population. However, there’s a difference between aging gracefully and having poor oral health care habits. Periodontal disease is the main cause of tooth loss. And according to reports from multiple health departments, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 7% of people in American have lost at least one permanent tooth by the age of 17. Almost 70% of adults between 35 and 44 years old have lost at least one tooth. And by the age of 50, the average American has lost 12 teeth, including wisdom teeth. Dentures are a non-to-minimally invasive treatment option to replace the missing teeth. Insurance can cover a significant part of the cost, so it can be an affordable solution for those that don’t mind the learning curve or limitations.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are the Hollywood secret to perfect smiles, and they’re a good solution for those who want to conceal individual or multiple dental flaws or issues quickly. Veneers are porcelain shells, about the thickness of a contact lens, that affix directly to existing teeth. They’re most often considered a cosmetic treatment, but they can help with bite issues and realigning the jawline. Porcelain veneers are customizable and usually only take a couple of office visits to complete the procedure.
Dental Implants
Dental implants may be the best restorative solution for those who want a permanent fix to tooth loss without worrying about dealing with dentures. Dental implants involve two components: the prosthetic tooth/crown, and the abutment that acts as a makeshift root. Dental implants are highly invasive and require hefty planning, customization, and healing time due to their surgical nature. The abutment is literally drilled into the jawbone. But that results in a permanent replacement tooth that functions just as well as the original structure without any further health concerns or inconveniences. Contact your Red Bank New Jersey Dentist to discuss the best dental restoration option for your needs and budget so you can put more life back in your years.