Understanding Your Options When Considering Tooth Restoration

Dentist Blog

Sometimes getting your teeth fixed involves more than just repairing the damage to the teeth. In cases where the tooth needs cosmetic repair as well as damage repair, you may have some options. But keep in mind that not every method is going to work in every case, so you need to consult your dentist to best understand your options.

Cosmetic Veneers

A veneer is a layer of dental porcelain placed over the tooth to improve the look of it after a repair is finished. It can be made in several ways, though the most common is to make the veneer in the lab and bond it to the tooth with dental cement. The veneer, in essence, becomes part of the tooth and can make a damaged tooth that required a lot of repairs look nearly new again. There are veneers that are made from materials other than porcelain, but for the best looking and strongest repair, porcelain is the first choice of most dentists.

Full Veneers Versus Partial Veneers

Not all veneers are the same, and which one is best suited for you is a discussion you have to have with your dentist. In many cases, a laminate veneer is used to cover the front of the tooth and improve the aesthetic of the tooth. The laminate does little to make the tooth stronger, but it can enhance the look of the tooth and make you more confident and happier with your smile. A full veneer, on the other hand, is fabricated to fit over the tooth like a cap. It is still bonded to the tooth and still offers a cosmetic benefit but can also offer support to the tooth underneath it. Looking good and preserving the repaired tooth can be accomplished in one step this way.

Other Options To Improve Your Smile

In some cases, there is not a lot wrong with your teeth, and a good cleaning and whitening can make all the difference in the world. If you have discolored or stained teeth, talk to your dentist about what you can do to improve the look of them, and ask for a referral to a cosmetic dentist. Keep in mind though, many insurance companies will not cover cosmetic dentistry, so you may have to pay for any work they do out of your own pocket. The costs can be very high, but if you have the means and feel it is needed, take the time to meet with the dentist and discuss what they can do for you.

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24 April 2018