When you lose a tooth, you have several options for replacing it. A dental bridge is a cost effective solution for a replacement tooth that stays in your mouth and is very similar to having a natural tooth. A bridge costs much less than a dental implant and can last about 10 years before needing replacement.

How a Bridge Works

A bridge works by placing an artificial tooth in the gap where your tooth is missing and supporting it with two crowns on either side. This is the most common type of bridge used for the replacement of a single missing tooth. The first step in getting a bridge is for your Uptown Charlotte dentist to prepare the teeth on either side of the gap to be fitted with crowns. These crowns are the support system for the artificial tooth, called a pontic. The pontic fits into the gap and the bridge is cemented in place.

Why Get a Bridge

A dental bridge could be considered cosmetic dentistry, but it is important for your oral health to replace missing teeth, even teeth in the back that don’t show when you smile. Just one missing tooth can cause problems including:

• Shifting of other teeth
• Oral hygiene problems from buildup of bacteria in the gap
• Problems with chewing or changes in speech
• Jaw soreness or TMJ symptoms

Other Types of Bridges

A bridge can be used to replace up to three consecutive missing teeth. If a missing tooth is on the side and has no tooth alongside of it, a different type of bridge can be used. This is called a cantilever bridge, and it relies on support from the teeth that are present on the other side of gap. This type of bridge is not as strong as a traditional bridge and may not last as long.

Materials Used for Bridges

Bridges and crowns are made of materials that are used in many restorative and cosmetic dentistry procedures. Porcelain is the most natural-looking material used in dentistry. Bridges can also be made of metal or porcelain that is fused to metal. Composite resin materials are cost effective and a popular choice for dental work.

Find Out More About Bridges and Crowns

Call our Uptown Charlotte dentist now if you’d like to learn more about bridges, crowns or any other restorative or cosmetic dental services. We can set up an appointment for you to come in and chat with us or have an initial exam.

When you have damaged or missing teeth your quality of life can suffer greatly. That’s why more and more dentists are now offering restorative dentistry.

Restorative dentistry is a process in which an experienced dentist performs a variety of different procedures to help restore the mouth to an aesthetic and functional state. The result is a healthy smile patients love to show off.

The top restorative procedures performed are as follows:

• Dentures
• Dental implants
• Dental bridges
• Root canal therapy
• Prosthetic tooth repairs
• Dental crowns

Benefits of Restorative Dentistry

There are of course many benefits associated with this type of treatment. With this article we will focus in on just two.

The first benefit is improved functionality. In some cases, when teeth are missing or severely damaged, it can make things such as chewing very difficult. A restorative procedure such as dental implants could completely restore your ability to chew.

The second benefit is improved aesthetics. If you have gaps in between your teeth the last thing you will want to do is smile. In this situation dental bridges can be used to fill the gaps and help restore your smile. Dentures and dental implants are also restorative procedures that can improve aesthetics.

What is The Best Type of Restorative Procedure?

When it comes to this type of dentistry there is no one size fits all. The procedure that’s best for you will depend on your individual situation. An experienced dentist will be able to exam your teeth to see what procedure would be best for you.

It is advised you speak with a dentist as soon as possible. Left untreated, missing or damaged teeth can lead to a host of health concerns that are not only more complicated, but also more expensive to take care of.

Thanks to the many advancements in technology you no longer have to tolerate missing or damaged teeth. To find out how we can help improve your quality of life, contact our dental office today. Schedule a private consultation so we can discuss the options available to you.

Restorative dentistry provides patients with some of the most advanced procedures in modern dentistry. The primary objective is to improve the quality of life for those patients who have missed, damaged, decayed or broken teeth. Many restorative treatments are necessary because teeth have been damaged because of disease, accidents, or just by years of neglect. An experienced dentist can diagnose severe dental problems and devise a comprehensive plan for treatment of the entire mouth. This treatment plan may require full-mouth restoration or involve cosmetic procedures such as porcelain crowns or fixed dental bridges. A thorough dental examination and medical and dental evaluation by an experienced dentist can provide available treatment options.

Dental Bridges
The type of dental bridge required depends on the proper foundation surrounding the missing tooth or teeth. If the foundation is weak, a bridge may be attached using dental implants as an anchor for support. Although most bridges are permanently attached to the teeth nearest the missing tooth, some are removable. These are sometimes referred to as partial dentures.

Dental Implants
Restorative dentistry provides patients with several options for giving them a realistic way to regain optimal dental health. Missing and damaged teeth can have severe detrimental effects for the patient. Modern dental treatments can be customized to fit the unique needs of everyone thus ensuring that they receive the ultimate results. Patients can enjoy an improvement in both functionality and appearance with dental implants.

Benefits of Dental Implants
1. Provide more stability than dentures.
2. Implants look and function more naturally.
3. Are designed to function like a natural tooth root.
4. Do not need to be replaced and can last a lifetime.
5. Are easier to clean and care for. Hygiene becomes less complicated.
6. Are more durable and stronger than natural teeth.

Severe dental problems cause pain and discomfort that could possibly be eliminated with restorative dental care. Good oral health is an important aspect of living a healthy life with self-confidence. Healthy teeth and a bright smile can be accomplished again with a restorative procedure. It can literally be life changing. Contact an experienced dentist to discuss the benefits of restorative treatments. Everyone can experience optimal dental health. The latest advances in modern dentistry can make a difference. Call for a personal consultation today.

The term cosmetic dentistry pertains to the enhancement of a smile through various restorative techniques typically used by local dentist office providers. Although its main focus is on aesthetics, many cosmetic procedures also improve the overall function of the mouth, such as speech patterns and mastication. In addition, a beautiful smile boosts the patient’s self confidence and poise.

Because of continuous advancements in technology, an array of cosmetic dentistry procedures can be performed to correct the teeth that have been chipped, fractured, stained or misaligned due to trauma, poor nutritional choices or genetics.

Tooth Bleaching

Perhaps the least invasive method of smile improvement recommended by a cosmetic dentist is tooth whitening or bleaching. The procedure is painless to the patient. Depending on the severity of the present staining, it can dramatically enhance the appearance of the teeth. Tooth bleaching requires periodic re-applications and can be maintained by proper oral care at home and changing individual eating and drinking habits.

Composite Restorations (Bonding)

By bonding durable tooth-colored material, the cosmetic dentist is able to restore the tooth structure lost because of decay or fractures. The composite compounds are also used to close small diastemas (spacing between teeth) or minor cracks. Due to the porosity of the material, the restorations may have to be occasionally replaced as they wear down.

Porcelain Veneers

More durable than composite and made of ceramic ingredients, the veneers are implemented when significant aesthetic discrepancies are present. They can only be applied within the anterior region of the mouth and considerably improve the patient’s smile. The shade of the ceramic restorations closely mimics the natural hue of the existing teeth.

Tooth Reshaping

Minimally invasive, this method is used for slightly misaligned teeth or dentition that could benefits from minute redesign. It is sometimes combined with bonding for better functional value.

Crowns and Bridges

Numerous types of materials are used in this type of restorations and depend on the location and function of the tooth in the oral area. All-ceramic crowns are often placed on anterior teeth. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are placed on posterior teeth as they provide added strength and durability needed for chewing and speaking. Dental bridges effectively replace missing teeth and have long-term prognosis.

Local dentist office professionals always offer full explanation of each option and guide the patient through the process with their skills and knowledge. New materials and techniques are continually developed, and the patients are encouraged to schedule their initial consultation to learn more.