Having good teeth isn’t only good for the looks, it’s also hygienic and healthy. With good teeth, you don’t have to worry about bad breath. You don’t have to worry about tooth decay. And more importantly, you’re more confident. You can smile genuinely, and as everyone knows, a good smile can take you to places. Besides, having good teeth can reduce the risk of heart disease.
On the other hand, having bad teeth has been linked not only to heart disease but also to dementia. Studies show a staggering connection between having bad teeth and respiratory infections, pregnancy complications, infertility, erectile dysfunction, and cancer. There are many things you can do to fix this, even later in life. Here are your options:
Dental Implants
Dental implants might sound intimidating, but in actuality, these are some of the most common methods of replacing teeth. They look and feel real, and are actually very reliable. In fact, they are a good permanent solution to bad teeth. Although the process is actually lengthy—starting with replacing teeth roots to placing a dental crown once the implants have healed—research and reviews have reported very positive results.
Dental implants prevent bone loss, match your natural teeth, and restores bite force. These also prevent changes to the shape of your face, enables natural speech, prevents cavities, and are easy to care for. More importantly, you won’t have to be embarrassed about bad teeth anymore, and you can regain your smile.
On the flip side, it can take a while before the implants heal and fuse with the jaw bone. Moreover, many patients often need additional bone augmentation because the process requires a certain bone density. There is also the risk of infection and nerve damage, although dental implant procedures are generally safe.
Crowns
But what if there is too much decay? Sometimes, the filling isn’t enough and the dentist might have to remove a larger amount of the decayed part of the teeth, necessitating a crown replacement. The crown is like the top cap that covers the tooth.
By crowning, you can replace large or worn-out fillings. You can also restore the tooth’s original color, appearance, and function; or even improve minor discoloration and misalignment. Unfortunately, while the materials used for crowns are usually strong and durable, they can still sometimes crack and would need replacement.
Bonding
What if your tooth is chipped—what do you do? You can opt for dental bonding, a procedure that makes use of tooth-colored composite resin. This way, the appearance of teeth can be improved. This is usually done when the teeth are cracked, chipped, discolored, or if there are spaces between them.
Dental bonding can help with cracks, chipping, discoloration, and minor gaps. With little to no removal of the enamel, the health of the teeth is generally preserved. Unfortunately, the materials used for this procedure may stain, crack, or otherwise be damaged easier than those used for fillings and crowns.
Dentures
Dentures are used to replace missing teeth completely and are one of the most common options for older patients. They are designed to be removable and are often held in place by paste or clips. Dentures are among the most affordable choices for teeth restoration.
Dentures support facial muscles and structures as well as decrease the loss of oral bones. They are also an affordable way to restore the patient’s confidence and smile. Unfortunately, dentures require a lot of maintenance. They have to be removed and cleaned regularly. And when they don’t fit well, they are uncomfortable and contribute to problems in chewing.
Get Braces
What if you have crooked teeth or have awkward gaps you want to get rid of? Is there a procedure that cures under or overbite? How can you have a better smile? One of your options is to consult with an orthodontist. You can look for good orthodontist options in your area by searching. For instance, you might search for the best orthodontist in NYC if you live in New York. You might want to have braces to fix these issues.
The procedure takes about 2 to 3 hours. However, lingual braces may take a little bit longer. Although it doesn’t hurt, you might feel certain pressure in some parts of the process. You might also feel discomfort—perhaps some pain when you chew. You will experience a tender time wherein you’ll probably feel a generalized headache or discomfort in the jaw, lasting for several days. A difficult burden to bear in the moment, the important thing though is that eventually, you will have straighter teeth and a more confident smile.
As you can see, you have several options for taking care of your teeth even in later life. Each procedure and treatment has its own advantages and disadvantages, and your teeth are an important piece of you. Knowing your options is essential, but above all, it is highly recommended to speak with your dentist to learn more about and create a personalized dental plan for you.
