Teeth suffer wear and tear due to decay, dental trauma, and advancing age. The tooth structure becomes weak and withers away with time. However, it is difficult to live with damaged or missing teeth. Teeth need to be in their optimal health for performing basic functions like chewing and biting.
Dental restorations are the different ways or methods a dentist uses to replace missing teeth or repair damaged teeth.
What are the different types of dental restorations?
1. Dental restorations for missing teeth
You may experience tooth loss due to advancing age, dental trauma, or decay. It is common and can affect anybody, coming from any walk of life. Missing teeth are hard to live with and impact your health and appearance negatively. They should be replaced as soon as possible. Some dental restorations used for replacing missing teeth are:
● Dental bridges
As the name suggests, dental bridges truly bridge or span the gap created by one or more missing teeth. A bridge consists of artificial teeth connected to dental crowns on one or both sides. The crowns sit on the teeth present adjacent to the gap left by missing teeth, while the artificial teeth fill the gap and restore your smile.
● Complete dentures
Full or complete dentures are removable dental prostheses used when a patient is missing all teeth on a dental arch. A complete denture consists of artificial teeth connected to a gum-colored base. The base sits comfortably on the gums and acts as a foundation, while the artificial teeth mimic the appearance and function of natural teeth.
● Partial dentures
Partial dentures are removable dental prostheses used to replace one or more missing teeth. Like complete dentures, they consist of a gum-colored base that sits on the gum tissues and artificial teeth that fill the gap left by a missing tooth or multiple teeth. The base is connected to a metal framework that holds the partial denture in place.
● Dental implants
Dental implants are titanium screws that are surgically installed in the jaw, below the gums. They fuse with the natural bone and act as false tooth roots. Dental restorations like crowns, bridges or overdentures are mounted on dental implants to restore the visible portion of missing teeth. Implants stand strong and sturdy in their position and do not come loose.
2. Dental restorations for improving the color, shape, and size of teeth
Cosmetic enhancements are made to improve the appearance of the smile. Some dental restorations that improve the cosmetic appeal of teeth are:
● Dental crowns
Dental crowns are custom-designed, tooth-shaped caps that are used to cover damaged or weak teeth to restore their shape, size, strength, and appearance. They are permanently cemented in place and cover the entire visible portion of natural teeth.
● Tooth fillings
Tooth fillings are dental restorations used to restore the function, appearance, and morphology of the missing tooth structure, resulting from decay or damage. They are made from pliable materials like porcelain, ceramic, amalgam, and alloys of various metals like gold and silver. The decay or damage is removed, and the filling material is placed in layers inside the cavity and the tooth is shaped and polished.
● Dental veneers
Dental veneers are very fine, custom-designed, tooth-colored porcelain jackets that are placed over the topical surface of teeth to cover imperfections like chips, cracks, discoloration, and gaps. 0.5 mm of tooth enamel is removed to make room for the veneer and a dental adhesive is used to permanently install it in place.
At Ayoub Dental we employ the practices of modern dentistry to systematically repair damage and enhance the appearance of your smile. We design a custom plan for each patient to meet their individual requirements. For further doubts and queries, book an appointment with us or visit our office today.
