Patients seek cosmetic dentistry for a number of reasons. For some, it’s because of imperfections, chips and cracks; other patients want to replace a missing tooth and help maintain their remaining teeth in the process.
At Dr. Saylor’s practice, we think that the best cosmetic dentistry provides the patient with a healthy, natural-looking smile. Dr. Saylor is one of the most favored dentists in the area – not just in general, but specifically when it comes to cosmetic dentistry. We offer a range of cosmetic dental procedures to get your smile looking its very best.
Do you suffer from gaps in your smile?
It is normal to feel self-conscious about gaps in your smile. The only options for treatment used to be bridges and removable dentures. Thanks to advancements in modern dentistry, you can now replace your missing tooth with a fixed dental implant. Fortunately, this is a long-lasting solution to restore your smile.
What is a dental implant?
Using biocompatible materials, an implant replaces the complete tooth – including its root – and makes it fit seamlessly into your smile when it comes to the colour, feel and function of it. No matter your situation, dental implants are usually the most beneficial solution as they provide a permanent, endurable and comfortable tooth replacement.
If you have lost a tooth, it is vital you have it replaced to restore your oral health. Missing teeth not only affect your look but also your jaw and your remaining teeth. One of the functional problems of tooth loss is that the jawbone surrounding the missing tooth will start to deteriorate due to the loss of stimulation. This can lead to further tooth loss down the road as well as a sunken and hollowed facial appearance. Other concerns include:
- Your bite can become unbalanced
- Reduced chewing and speech ability
- Further gaps due to displacement of surrounding teeth
Replacing a tooth provides support for your jaw and remaining teeth. At the moment, there is no dental treatment as effective as a dental implant when it comes to replacing missing teeth.
Restorative dentistry goes hand-in-hand with cosmetic dentistry
If you still have all your teeth but one or several are chipped or cracked, you don’t need to replace the entire tooth. Dr. Saylor and his team know that your oral health will benefit from keeping your own, natural teeth for as long as possible. Depending on the severity of the damage, we have different treatment options.
Dental Veneers and Crowns
If the chip or crack is purely cosmetic then you may only need one or two porcelain veneers. These thin shells of porcelain are bonded to the damaged tooth to give the appearance of healthy-looking teeth.
If the damage is functional, you may require a dental crown. A dental crown is usually a porcelain-on-metal cap which is placed onto a damaged tooth. The metal means the crown is strong enough to withstand the pressure exerted by your bite and the porcelain makes the restoration look like a natural tooth.
Dental crowns can last between 10 to 15 years if looked after properly.
Dental Check-ups
Even when your smile is looking flawless, it is still important to visit the dentist every six months for a check-up and cleaning. Once you have had any cosmetic or restorative work done, it is necessary to check on the health of your restoration.
We understand that your overall general health is connected to your oral health. Cosmetic dentistry is about more than white, sparkly teeth and we will always tailor our treatments to your specific needs so that the end result blends in beautifully with your face and appearance.
Are you interested in treating yourself to a new smile this year? Contact us to discuss your concerns and ideas!
