7 Options for Restoring Bad Teeth
Whether it be aging, accidents to the face and mouth, or general oral health neglect, there are endless reasons for a mouth full of bad teeth. While many patients may feel embarrassed, it’s common especially as we age to have teeth that are no longer in pristine condition. Luckily, as dental technology continues to advance, there’s no reason to live with even a single bad tooth. There are plenty of practical options available to help restore a beautiful and healthy smile, ranging from simple procedures like bridges and dentures to sophisticated solutions such as dental implants and All-on-4 full mouth restorations.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are revolutionary when it comes to tooth restoration. A dental implant is composed of a titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone and then an abutment piece connects the implant to a crown, which is the visible portion mimicking a tooth. The best part? They feel, look, and function like natural teeth! Additional advantages of implants include their ability to prevent bone loss and when taken care of properly, they can last decades making them a long term and cost effective option.
All-on-4 & All-on-6
For patients in need of extensive or full mouth tooth restoration, All-on-4 and All-on-6 are tremendous options. Similar to a dental implant, this innovative technique allows for an attachment of a full arch of teeth to just 4 or 6 strategically placed implants. This procedure can be more cost-effective, especially for patients that have several or all of their teeth missing.
Many patients who have bad teeth may not necessarily need surgical tooth replacement. For those seeking an upgrade to their smile without surgery, there are several non-invasive smile makeover options:
- Veneers: Dental veneers are essentially a porcelain exterior secured onto the surface of the tooth meant to improve the look of existing teeth. Common reasons for veneers include tooth discoloration, chips, gaps, and irregularities that may need to be covered.
- Bonding: Cosmetic dental bonding uses a resin that is molded to fit over the tooth and can adjust minor imperfections such as tooth discoloration, chips, and gaps.
- Dental Bridge: A dental bridge is a prosthetic and removable appliance that replaces a natural tooth after it has been lost. This can be a great solution to replace missing teeth without the need for surgery, which is required for implants and All-on-4.
- Braces & Invisalign: When the main problem is crooked teeth or a misaligned bite, braces and invisalign are the go-to options. Especially with Invisalign, adults (and children) can confidently straighten their teeth without feeling self-conscious about metal brackets. The process can take anywhere from 12-18 months, depending on the severity of the misalignment, but when you cross that bridge (pun intended!), you’ll have a perfectly straight smile.
Teeth Whitening: With so many indulgent drinks like tea, coffee, and red wine to lifestyle choices such as smoking, it can be hard to maintain a sparkly white smile. For yellowing teeth, professional teeth whitening is a fantastic option that can lighten teeth by several shades, enhancing their overall appearance.
Keep in mind that the above list is by no means exhaustive when it comes to all the options available for restoring bad teeth. Ultimately, it comes down to each patient’s unique needs and your dentist will work with you to determine the best next step.
Just like every mouth is unique, we understand that financial situations also differ from patient to patient. Financials can be a concern to some when seeking out cosmetic dental procedures, but rest assured that at Smile Designers we are committed to helping our patients obtain the financing they need to regain their confidence and oral health. At Smile Designers, we provide customized options and begin to end support that make sense for our patients specific goals. If you have 1 missing tooth, or need an entire smile makeover, call us today at (619) 222-6000 for a complimentary consultation.