How Do Restorative Dentists Transform Smiles?

A restorative dentist can help you to build the smile of your dreams. These are typically general dentists who spend a large portion of their time performing restorative treatments. While dental restorations focus primarily on restoring the function of damaged teeth, these treatments also provide cosmetic benefits.

The different ways a restorative dentist can transform your smile

Dental technology has made tremendous improvements in the past few decades, and we’re now at a point where any smile can be transformed into an amazing one. Some of the tools a restorative dentist might use to improve how your smile looks include:

1. Dental bonding

These are some of the most affordable restorative treatments dentists provide and entail rebuilding damaged teeth with composite resins. These composites are made from plastic and glass compounds and a restorative dentist can color-match them with a patient’s teeth.

This makes it virtually impossible to determine when a person has teeth restored with composite bonding. Composite bonding can also be used to treat issues like tooth decay, discoloration, and gaps between teeth. It is a non-invasive procedure that is often completed in less than 45 minutes.

2. Dental crowns

Dental crowns are restorations that are designed to fit over the visible portion of teeth. They are typically placed to protect what is left of damaged teeth and to restore their function. Dental crowns look like real teeth so they also restore the appearance of damaged teeth. Getting crowns placed on teeth usually entails two trips to the dentist, and a portion of enamel might need to be removed from the restored tooth.

3. Dental bridges

Dental bridges are restorations used to replace missing teeth. These devices come with two main parts: crowns that are used to hold the bridge in place and artificial teeth that replace the patient’s lost teeth. The two teeth closest to the space left behind by the patient’s missing teeth are typically used as anchors by placing the crowns attached to the bridge on them.

4. Root canals

A root canal is typically the last resort when it comes to saving severely damaged or infected teeth. The procedure involves drilling a hole in the affected tooth and using different-sized files to clean the pulp chamber, where the nerves and other soft tissues are located. Restored teeth are filled up with a rubbery substance known as gutta-percha and covered up with crowns to protect what is left.

5. Dental implants

Implants are the popular way to replace missing teeth these days thanks to their bone-preserving properties. Implants are typically titanium rods used to replace lost teeth roots. They serve as bases for oral restorations like crowns, which are used to replace the visible part of missing teeth.

Implants can also be combined with other missing teeth replacement options like dentures and bridges based on a patient's specific needs. Placing implants requires oral surgery so patients have to be cleared based on factors like their current health status and health history.

We can transform your smile

Tired of damaged teeth ruining how your smile looks? Call or stop by our clinic in Lakewood to set up an appointment with our dentist. 

Request an appointment here: https://www.leixdental.com or call Leix Dental at (815) 604-6104 for an appointment in our Lakewood office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Restorative Dentist in Lakewood, IL.