Megan Mobley DDS West Lake Hills, TX | WHY RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY IS IMPORTANT
As you age, your teeth naturally begin to wear down. This is because the enamel that coats your teeth becomes thinner over time. Not only does this make your teeth more susceptible to decay and other dental problems, but it can also lead to a loss of tooth structure, which can make your smile appear less youthful. Fortunately, there are several restorative dentistry procedures available today that can help you restore your smile’s youthful appearance and protect it against further damage. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most common restorative dentistry procedures and explain why they are so important.
Dental Implants:
Dental implants are one of the most popular and effective restorative dentistry procedures available today. They are small titanium posts that are inserted into the jawbone to replace missing teeth. In addition to improving the aesthetics of your smile, dental implants also provide several functional benefits, such as making it easier to eat and speak.
If you are missing one or more teeth, you may be a good candidate for dental implants. The best way to determine if you are a good candidate is to consult with a qualified dentist or oral surgeon. They will be able to assess your case and determine if dental implants are the right solution for you.
The benefits of dental implants include:
- Improved Aesthetics: Dental implants look and feel just like natural teeth. This can give you a boost of confidence and help you feel better about your appearance.
- Improved Functionality: Dental implants allow you to eat and speak without difficulty. They also help to preserve the bone in your jaw, which can improve your overall oral health.
- Improved Durability: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. They are much more durable than other tooth replacement options, such as dentures.
Dental Crowns:
Dental crowns are another common restorative dentistry procedure. A dental crown is a custom-made cap that is placed over a damaged or decayed tooth. Crowns can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, ceramic, and composite resin. In addition to restoring the function of your tooth, a dental crown can also improve the appearance of your smile.
If you have a tooth that is severely damaged or decayed, a dental crown may be the best option to restore it. Crowns can also be used to protect a weak tooth from breaking, to hold together parts of a cracked tooth, or to cover a misshapen or discolored tooth.
A dental crown procedure typically takes two visits to the dentist. During the first visit, the dentist will prepare your tooth for the crown and take an impression of your teeth. This impression will be used to create your custom-made dental crown. The second visit will involve placing the crown on your tooth and making any necessary adjustments. With proper care, your dental crown can last for many years.
Dental Bridges:
Dental bridges are another great option for replacing missing teeth. A dental bridge is an artificial tooth that is held in place by two dental crowns. Bridges are typically made from porcelain or ceramic and can be matched to the color of your natural teeth. In addition to improving the aesthetics of your smile, a dental bridge can also help to restore the function of your bite. Bridges can also help to prevent your remaining natural teeth from shifting out of place.
If you are considering a dental bridge, it is important to consult with a reputable and experienced dentist.
Dentures:
Dentures are a popular option for those who have lost all or most of their natural teeth. Dentures are removable artificial teeth that are held in place by suction or a special adhesive. While dentures used to be made from metal and other materials that are not very natural looking, today’s dentures are typically made from porcelain or composite resin, which gives them a much more natural appearance.
There are two types of dentures: complete dentures and partial dentures. Complete dentures are used when all of the natural teeth have been lost, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. Both types of dentures can be either removable or fixed in place.
Removable dentures are held in place by suction or an adhesive and can be taken out for cleaning. Fixed dentures are attached to the jawbone with special screws or implants and cannot be removed.
Dentures can improve the appearance of your smile and give you back the ability to eat and speak properly. However, it is important to note that they do take some time to get used to and may require some adjustments. If you are considering dentures, be sure to talk to your dentist to see if they are the right option for you.
Dental Veneers:
Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells that are placed over the front surface of the teeth. Veneers are made from porcelain or composite resin and can be used to improve the appearance of your smile. Veneers can be used to correct several dental problems, including stained or discolored teeth, chipped or cracked teeth, and misaligned teeth.
Veneers are usually placed on the teeth that show when you smile, but they can be placed on any tooth that needs to be repaired or improved. The procedure to place veneers is usually done in two visits to the dentist. During the first visit, the teeth are prepared for the veneers, and molds or impressions of the teeth are taken. These molds or impressions are then used to create the custom-made veneers.
During the second visit, the veneers are bonded to the front of the teeth with a block of special dental cement. Veneers can last for many years with proper care. Be sure to brush and floss regularly and see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
Inlays and Onlays:
Inlays and Onlays are another great option for restoring damaged or decayed teeth. Inlays are small, custom-made pieces of porcelain or composite resin that are used to fill in small cavities. Onlays, on the other hand, are larger pieces that are used to restore larger areas of damage. Inlays and onlays can be matched to the color of your natural teeth and are a great way to restore the function and appearance of your smile.
If you have a damaged or decayed tooth, inlays and onlays may be the best option for you. Inlays are small, custom-made pieces of porcelain or composite resin that are used to fill in small cavities. Onlays, on the other hand, are larger pieces that are used to restore larger areas of damage. Inlays and onlays can be matched to the color of your natural teeth and are a great way to restore the function and appearance of your smile.
Tooth-Colored Fillings:
Tooth-colored fillings are another excellent option for restoring damaged or decayed teeth. Unlike traditional metal fillings, tooth-colored fillings are made from a composite resin and can be matched to the color of your natural teeth. In addition to being more aesthetically pleasing, tooth-colored fillings are also stronger and more durable than traditional metal fillings.
If you have a tooth that is severely damaged or decayed, you may need to have a crown (or “cap”) placed over it. Crowns are made from porcelain or ceramic and are designed to match the color and shape of your natural teeth. In addition to restoring the function and appearance of your tooth, a crown can also help to prevent further damage or decay.
If you are missing one or more teeth, dental implants are an excellent option for replacement. Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone and act as a foundation for artificial teeth. Dental implants are strong and durable, and they can last a lifetime with proper care.
In some cases, it may be necessary to have a tooth extracted (or “pulled”). This is usually done if the tooth is too damaged to be repaired or if it is causing pain. After a tooth is extracted, you may need to have an artificial tooth (or “bridge”) placed to fill the space.
Dental Bonding:
Dental bonding is another popular option for restoring damaged or decayed teeth. Dental bonding is a process in which a composite resin is bonded to the surface of the tooth. Unlike veneers and crowns, dental bonding does not require the removal of any tooth structure. In addition to being less invasive, dental bonding can also be used to correct several different dental problems.
If you have a chipped, cracked, or discolored tooth, dental bonding may be the best option for you. Dental bonding can also be used to close gaps between teeth or to change the shape of your teeth. The process of dental bonding is relatively quick and easy, and it can be done in one visit to your dentist.
In Summary:
If you are interested in learning more about restorative dentistry, contact our office today to schedule an appointment. Our experienced team of dentists will be happy to discuss your options and help you find the best solution for your needs.
Welcome to Megan Mobley, DDS, your trusted dentist in West Lake Hills. We provide a wide range of dental services to help you achieve and maintain optimal oral health. Whether you need preventive care, restorative treatments, or cosmetic procedures, we are here to serve you.
We understand the importance of a beautiful smile, which is why we offer a variety of cosmetic dentistry services. From teeth whitening to veneers, we can help you achieve the smile of your dreams.
At Megan Mobley, DDS, we are dedicated to providing our patients with the highest quality of care. We use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to ensure that every treatment is delivered with precision and accuracy. We also offer convenient financing options to make dental care affordable for everyone.