What is Smile Restoration Dentistry?

The term “Smile Restoration Dentistry” is often used by dentists who specialize in cosmetic dentistry. However, over the past several years the term has evolved to include all levels of dentistry. Simply put, smile restoration dentistry is bringing a person’s dental health and aesthetics back to an earlier stage of life.

Age and a lack of proper dental care are two of the main reasons people’s teeth become unhealthy. Often times, teeth get pulled when they are too far gone or the patient doesn’t have the insurance or money to cover the cost of root canals, crowns or other dental procedures that can save a tooth.

When it’s time to restore a smile, dentists often do a full mouth exam with x-rays followed by a detailed plan of the procedures necessary for healthy teeth and gums. Several of the following procedures are necessary in smile restoration dentistry:

•    Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are used to replace lost teeth, and attach to adjoining natural teeth. This is for aesthetics as well as health since missing teeth allows your other teeth to drift from their proper position. This in turn causes jaw pain, headaches and a higher increase of decay.

•    Tooth Crowns
Smile restoration often includes tooth crowns, often referred to as a “cap.” Crowns help to strengthen and protect tooth structure in case of fracture or heavy decay.

•    Dental Implants
Many dental patients choose dental implants over dental bridges. Implants are more permanent and are known to stop bone deterioration caused by tooth loss. In addition, dental implant specialists believe that implants add to a more youthful appearance, restores natural biting and chewing, and eliminates the pain and inconvenience of dentures, bridges and partials.

•    Dentures
When people have lost many or all of their natural teeth due to periodontal disease, tooth decay or injury, the best solution for restoring their smile is to create partial or complete dentures. With today’s technology, dentures look completely natural. In many cases, they improve speech and the ability to chew.

Dr. G is a general and cosmetic dentist in Millburn, New Jersey who specializes in Smile Restoration Dentistry. Visit the website at www.drgdds.com, or you can follow on Twitter or Facebook.