Cosmetic Dentistry Treatment Options for Damaged Teeth

People who have damaged teeth and so prefer to avoid having their picture taken or smiling in public may find a solution in cosmetic dentistry. These procedures not only can make for a beautiful smile but can also adjust bites to prevent further damage to the teeth. More invasive procedures can be necessary when corrective action is not taken soon after teeth become damaged. 

Causes of teeth damage

Major accidents are not the only cause of teeth damage. Everyday routines, such as eating snacks, playing sports, drinking medications or juices can also end up damaging teeth.

Food

Candies can lead to cavities. Citric fruit and juices risk eroding the enamel in the teeth, which can result in decay. Sticky dried fruits may stay in the teeth, resulting in plaque formation and cavities. Chewing ice can result in a chipped tooth.

Activities

Using teeth as a tool to remove clothing tags or removing bottle caps can damage the enamel. Playing a contact sport, getting hit with a baseball in the mouth or wiping out headfirst while riding a bicycle can also cause serious damage to the teeth.

Dry mouth

Various substances, including alcoholic beverages and medications like antihistamines or pain relievers, can reduce the production of saliva. That can be detrimental to teeth as dry mouth allows bacteria, responsible for periodontal disease, to thrive.

Smoking

Tobacco affects oral health in more ways than one. The nicotine in tobacco can turn teeth yellow and cause oral cancer. Similarly, chewing tobacco can contribute to periodontal disease, tooth decay and staining of the teeth.

Cosmetic dentistry solutions

Cosmetic dentistry has a variety of dental procedures that can repair damaged teeth regardless of the cause:

• Dental implants: Used to replace missing or damaged teeth, implants can be used in people who are unable or unwilling to wear dentures. A cylinder made of titanium replaces the root portion of the missing tooth in the jawbone. An artificial tooth or crown is then placed on an extension of the cylinder. The cylinder subsequently fuses with the bone and heals tightly around the implant.
• Dental crown: A tooth-shaped cap or crown can be placed over a tooth. Crowns may be used to cover a discolored tooth, hold together a tooth that has cracked, support a tooth that has a large filling and not much tooth left, cover a tooth that is either broken or worn down, hold a dental bridge or modify a tooth cosmetically.
• Dental veneers: Used to improve the appearance of the tooth, veneers are custom-made porcelain tooth-colored laminates, placed in front of the teeth to change the color, length or shape of the teeth.
• Teeth whitening: Whitening agents treat stained teeth and produce a brighter smile. It can be done at home or in office by bleaching the teeth with hydrogen or carbamide peroxide.

Conclusion

Teeth that become damaged can make some people uncomfortable when they want to smile. If having good-looking teeth is important to you, consider cosmetic dentistry.

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