Does procrastination come easily to you? In other words, do you put tasks or appointments that you probably shouldn’t off for as long as humanly possible? If you’re guilty of this when it comes to your teeth, you’re not alone, especially if the treatment you require is cosmetic in nature, such as filling a gap or replacing a cap.
If you’re someone who has always had a space between your teeth or simply lost a tooth and never gotten around to replacing it, it’s understandable why you haven’t gotten around to it. Life has a tendency to get busy, and with only 24 hours in a day, a morning or afternoon away from work may seem like precious time wasted.
But there are few better ways of using your time than restoring your smile. City Dentists has the treatment you need to buoy your self-confidence, improve your bite and take care of what you’ve been meaning to do for so long. Here, we’ll discuss several of the treatments we provide to get your teeth looking and feeling like they’re brand new.
What is a dental bridge?
Are you missing two, three or multiple teeth that are adjacent to one another? If so, a dental bridge may be in order. A long-lasting treatment, a dental bridge is just like it sounds — it’s an application that seamlessly “bridges” the existing gap in your mouth. Whether it’s near to the back of your mouth, along the top or the bottom, a dental bridge usually consists of three basic units: the false tooth and the two crowns that sit on either side. When three adjacent teeth are missing, or simply never emerged when you were younger, the bridge makes your smile more symmetrical.
What is a crown?
Did or do you play football, hockey or some other high contact sport that knocked a tooth out or broke one? A crown can get you back in the game. Virtually identical to a normal tooth, a crown sits atop the broken tooth. From porcelain (all ceramic) to all metal, to porcelain that is fused with metal — otherwise known as PFMs for short in the dental world — crowns can be made from a variety of materials. The kind selected is dependent upon the patient’s preference and the purpose of the crown itself. For example, if the crown is meant to restore an already broken tooth or to hold a dental bridge in place, one material may be better than another.
Another factor that may affect which material is placement. Because gold is very sturdy — but isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing — gold (metal) may be appropriate if the crown is in the back of the mouth. This is also where most chewing takes place, so the durability that metal crowns are known for makes it a worthwhile consideration.
What is a dental implant?
Maybe you’re missing just one tooth and the gap is right up front. In this case, a dental implant may be the best way to go. Unlike a bridge, which in some cases can be removed, a dental implant is physically implanted into the gum line so it’s permanent. This is done by using a metal rod or post that screws into the bottom of the tooth and is then inserted surgically. The screw is usually titanium, which is a metal that is highly reinforced for maximum grip.
Are there reasons beyond cosmetics to address dental gaps?
Absolutely. Odd as it may sound and hard as it may be to believe, your teeth are constantly pushing on one another. So when there is a space between them, what’s on either side will drift into that direction to fill the void. Granted, the subtleness is virtually undetectable, but as time marches on, the difference is not only visually noticeable but physically as well. It can alter and destabilise your bite, making it awkward or potentially painful to chew.
But even if there weren’t any practical purposes to filling gaps between your teeth, cosmetics alone is reason enough. The first thing people notice about you is your smile, and when you flash a winning one, it can make someone’s day a whole lot brighter. How you look and feel about your teeth can also impact your sense of self-confidence. That poise and self-assurance in yourself is truly priceless and is something you deserve to do for yourself.
So which solution should you choose: a crown, a bridge or an implant? At City Dentists, we customise all of our dental procedures so that they’re exclusive to you and what makes the most sense for your needs. Contact us today to learn more about all of the services that we have to offer. Stop procrastinating and start acting for your dental health and wellness.