Dental care has mostly changed in recent decades. You need not be in pain or have a dental emergency for you to visit the dentist anymore. There are now multiple options to make your smile dazzling again. Dental restoration encompasses the repair of a damaged or missing tooth structure. This might seem a small thing, but a missing or damaged tooth can become the cause of gum and dental infections. Recent research has also revealed the connection between tooth loss and the rising risk for cardiovascular diseases. For many, the best way to stay healthy and attractive is to have a dental restoration.
A Scottsdale dentist explained that there are different kinds of indirect and direct dental restorations. Direct restorations are those treatments made directly in the patient’s mouth. The most popular of these procedures are silver amalgam, glass ionomer, and composite fillings.
When it comes to indirect fillings, the main difference is that the restoration occurs away from the patient. These require the making of dental impressions, tooth preparation, and customized fabrication. Indirect restorations are generally more expensive compared to direct ones. Even so, they are more durable and aesthetically pleasing. Here are some indirect dental restoration options.
Veneers
These are called indirect dental bonding. Veneers are thin porcelain shells used to replace or cover misshapen, damaged, or stained teeth. The veneers are created using the patient’s teeth impression after a series of x-rays and even 3D imaging sessions. They are among the most popular options in restorative dentistry because they have a translucency and color that mimics natural dental enamel.
Crowns
Dental crowns are also called dental caps. They completely cover your tooth’s surface and are generally bonded to the underlying tooth structure using dental cement after the surface’s preparation. The crowns boost the strength of the tooth and improve its appearance. Crowns are made of ceramics like alumina, silica ad zirconia, or metal like titanium and gold. Metal crowns are often used on the back teeth since they are stronger but not as aesthetically appealing. Ceramic crowns are used on front teeth since they closely mimic the look of natural teeth. A few dental clinics also offer metal-ceramic composite crowns.
Bridges
These are artificial teeth attached between your real ones to fill a gap. The natural teeth surrounding the gap that support the bridge are known as abutments. Bridges can either be attached to two abutments, cemented to the abutments, or joined to only one abutment. Dental bridges are primarily made of metal, porcelain, or a mix of the two.
Implants
These are surgically affixed to your jawbone. They can be used to support bridges and crowns and restore the functionality of your missing teeth. The implant placement procedure requires the creation of a temporary prosthetic, preparation of the implant site, and placing of the implant. Jawbone ossification around the implants will take about six months. This securely holds the implant in place.
These indirect restorations are generally used for patients with extensive tooth damage and lost teeth. Not every patient needs to have any of these procedures, but it is always best to consult your dentist for their professional advice.
