Cosmetic Dentistry Options for Damaged Tooth Restoration

Cosmetic Dentistry Mountain View, CA

Most people will need cosmetic dentistry restorations to repair damage to one or more teeth at some point in their lives. Your teeth are the strongest part of your body, and they are designed to withstand acid attacks and tremendous bite forces.

However, consistently being exposed to these things can damage teeth. They can also be damaged by trauma caused by blows to the face, falls, or accidents.

All damage to teeth requires cosmetic dentistry, regardless of how minor it appears. Cosmetic treatments aim to improve the appearance of teeth, but they can also provide restorative benefits. Teeth are protected by an outer layer called enamel, and that is the first part that comes off when a tooth is damaged. This leaves the more delicate dentin exposed to acids in the mouth, which it is not designed to withstand, making teeth more vulnerable to decay. Restorative treatments typically restore damaged enamel with dental restorations, helping to keep what is left of the tooth intact.

Cosmetic dentistry solutions for damaged teeth

Here are a few of the ways that a cosmetic dentist might go about repairing damaged teeth.

1. Composite bonding

This is one of the most versatile cosmetic treatments used in cosmetic dentistry. It can be used to repair issues like tooth decay, chips, and minor breaks. It is also one of the most affordable restorative treatments performed by dentists.

Restoring teeth with composite bonding usually involves directly applying composite resin to the tooth being treated. In some cases, the composite might be used to create a restoration in a lab before being cemented on the patient’s tooth. Restorations made with composite bonding have ideal aesthetics because these composites can be color-matched with the rest of the patient’s teeth.

Dental bonding provides a non-invasive way to restore damaged teeth. Anesthetic is typically not needed when teeth are being restored with composite, unless the dentist needs to remove decayed material from the tooth.

The dentist cleans and dries the tooth being treated during the procedure before roughening it up with an etching solution. The tooth is cleaned and dried for a second time before the composite is directly applied. The resin is molded as needed and hardened with ultraviolet light.

2. Dental crowns

Dental crowns are just as versatile when it comes to restoring damaged teeth. Also called caps, these restorations are placed over the visible part of teeth, restoring their appearance and function. They also protect the tooth from acids and other irritants in the mouth.

Getting a crown is a more invasive procedure than making repairs with composite bonding, but it provides a long-lasting solution. Crowns are designed to last up to 25 years, while repairs made with composite bonding only last about six years.

Placing a crown on a tooth starts with a dentist administering a shot of a local anesthetic. This numbs the tooth being worked on so the patient does not feel pain as the dentist removes enamel from its sides. Removing enamel creates a better fit for the crown.

The tooth's impression or digital image is then taken and passed on to a dental lab that makes restorations like crowns. It takes about two weeks for the custom restoration to get back to the dentist.

The patient gets a temporary crown to protect their prepared tooth while waiting for their custom crown. They return for a second appointment when their custom crown is ready, to finish the procedure.

3. Veneers

Veneers are thin shells that go on the front-facing parts of teeth. A veneer's role is to cover up any flaws on the front part of a tooth. Veneers can be used to treat cosmetic issues, like minor chips or discoloration, that primarily affect the front-facing parts of teeth.

Placing a veneer on a patient’s tooth is similar to placing a crown. The procedure starts with the dentist numbing the patient's tooth so enamel can be removed from its front. The quantity of enamel removed is proportional to the thickness of the veneer being used. Shaving enamel off the tooth being treated prevents the veneers from making the patient’s teeth appear abnormally bulky.

An impression of the prepared tooth is sent to a lab where veneers are made. The patient gets a temporary veneer in the meantime. They go back for a second appointment in about two weeks, when their restoration is ready.

We can fix your damaged teeth

Our dentist has the right solution for your teeth, regardless of how damaged they are. Give us a call or stop by our Mountain View clinic to set up an appointment.

Request an appointment here: https://smilesdental.com or call Smiles Dental Care at 6505631180 for an appointment in our Mountain View office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Cosmetic Dentistry in Mountain View, CA.

Recent Posts

Questions To Ask Before A Cosmetic Dentistry Procedure

Are you considering a cosmetic dentistry procedure? Read on to learn what questions you should ask during your consultation. Before you begin your cosmetic dentistry treatment plan, there are certain questions to ask the dental team to ensure you are able to prepare properly and know what to expect each step of the way. This…

What Cosmetic Dentistry Treatment Should You Choose?

Do you find yourself keeping your mouth closed in pictures? Do you turn your head away or hold your hand up to block your teeth when you speak? Sometimes even the smallest issues in the mouth, such as discoloration, a crooked tooth, or a misaligned bite, can cause discomfort or self-consciousness. If you are not…

The Role Of A Cosmetic Dentist

A cosmetic dentist can provide a number of services that can give you a beautiful smile. The dentist focuses on creating a positive change to a patient’s teeth and smile. They usually provide elective or desired treatments and services. But many of the treatments can also provide restorative benefits. Read on to learn more about…

Cosmetic Dental Treatment Aftercare

Many cosmetic dental treatments can be used to restore the appearance of a person's smile. Prosthetics like implants, crowns, veneers, bridges and dentures are often used to restore the look of a patient's teeth. Treatments like dental bonding and teeth whitening can help improve the color of your smile.The way the dentist decides to go…

Recent Posts

Reasons To Get A Smile Makeover

5 Reasons To Get A Smile Makeover

A smile makeover allows you to address concerns you may have with your smile, including but not limited to damaged teeth, stained teeth, missing teeth, short teeth, misalignments of the teeth and jaw, and a gummy smile. This review discusses the benefits of a smile makeover.The most notable benefits of getting a smile makeover include…

Tips For Preventing Gum Disease

3 Tips For Preventing Gum Disease

The CDC states that gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is one of the leading oral infections in the United States. In addition, the National Institute of Health cites it as the most common culprit for adults losing teeth. Because the early stages of periodontal disease often do not have noticeable symptoms, many patients…