Damaged Teeth: Are My Teeth Too Far Gone to Benefit from Cosmetic Dental Procedures?
Despite our best efforts to take care of them, over time, it’s not at all unusual for teeth to become damaged or decayed. In fact, many people are so adversely affected by one or both issues that by 50 years old, most of us will have lost at least one permanent tooth. This could have been extracted or fallen out of its own accord. Fortunately, even if you have lost teeth, you don’t have to live with the consequences.
If your teeth are very badly damaged, you may be concerned that they are too far gone to be able to benefit from cosmetic dental procedures. However, we are thrilled to be able to dispel that myth. Thanks to innovations within modern dentistry, it is now possible to restore the function and appearance of any smile, irrespective of just how badly damaged or decayed it is.
Healthy teeth are more important than attractive teeth
One of the most important things to remember is that your dentist will always prioritize your oral health over the appearance of your teeth. There are a number of reasons for this. Firstly, unhealthy teeth are more likely to experience structural issues due to weakness caused by decay and bacteria.
Carrying out cosmetic work on teeth that are at a significant risk of breaking or falling out is a waste of time and money. Should the teeth then fall out or be extracted, further treatment will be needed anyway. It is far better to perform cosmetic treatments on strong, healthy teeth.
Secondly, patients with poor dental health could be putting themselves at risk of developing much more serious issues in the future. Decay can lead to severe dental pain, while the bacteria found in plaque on unhealthy teeth can cause gum disease. This is where the infection begins to ravage the soft tissue of the gums, causing bleeding, recession, and eventually destruction of the gums and structures supporting the teeth. Patients with advanced gum disease are believed to be more at risk of developing general health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and more.
Cosmetic dentistry treatments you could benefit from
Once your teeth are healthy, your dentist will be happy to talk to you about the options that you have for improving their appearance. Here are some of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments that are able to help restore even the most damaged smile.
Teeth whitening. As its name suggests, this treatment is focused on improving the color of your teeth. Rather than over the counter products which aren’t usually very effective, teeth whitening performed by a cosmetic dentist uses the strongest possible bleaching agent to achieve the best, most consistent, and long-lasting results.
Porcelain crowns. Crowns are largely functional and placed over the top of teeth to restore their strength, size, and overall appearance. However, modern crowns are made from porcelain which can be created in a shade to match existing teeth. They are also bespoke, made to blend in perfectly with the rest of your smile.
Veneers. Veneers are thin, porcelain shells that are attached to the front of teeth in order to cover small imperfections like cracks, chips, and stains. They can be used to cover small gaps or add height or thickness to undersized teeth too. Each veneer is bespoke and glazed in the shade to match the rest of your smile.
Dental bonding. Dental bonding is an alternative to teeth whitening. Like veneers, bonding covers the teeth, but rather than using bespoke shells of porcelain, the composite material is pasted onto the teeth and molded to them to enhance the appearance of your smile. The resin is hardened and polished to complete the treatment.
Dental implants. Implants are considered to be the premier choice for tooth replacement and can be used to support single missing teeth, bridges, partial or even full dentures. The concept uses a titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone, to which the visible element of the solution is attached in the form of a porcelain crown, bridge, or denture. Implants overcome many of the issues associated with other tooth loss solutions, including offering patients greater discretion, stability, convenience, and durability.
Invisalign. Invisalign is a clear aligner orthodontic solution that is designed to correct the alignment and positioning of your teeth. Unlike regular braces, it is worn over the top of teeth and removed for mealtimes and brushing. However, it still applies gentle and consistent force to the teeth that, over time, moves them into an improved position.
If you would like to know more about any of the cosmetic dentistry treatments listed above, or if you are concerned about the health of your teeth and would like to find out how we can help, don’t hesitate to contact our dental team today.
