Regain the Health and Look of Your Smile

Restorative dentistry covers a wide range of treatment options that restore teeth after they’ve been affected by damage, decay, or disease. These treatments focus on restoring both function and appearance, along with ensuring long-term oral health.

There’s a significant overlap between many restorative and cosmetic dentistry treatments, with some procedures, such as dental crowns, being widely used for both aesthetic and functional purposes. In general, restorative treatment is more geared toward health and quality of life, but still provides a beautiful smile as well.

What is a full restorative smile makeover?

In many cases, patients can benefit from multiple restorative dentistry procedures to achieve the best results. 

A full restorative smile makeover starts with a consultation with your dentist to create a treatment plan based on your needs. Your smile makeover can include a variety of treatments focused on improving the function and appearance of your smile.

Some of the most commonly used treatments for smile makeovers are dental inlays and onlays. These are ceramic or resin inserts that are custom-made to fit the shape of your teeth. They’re attached to prevent further damage to a chipped, cracked, or decayed tooth and are often used when the damage is too severe for a basic dental filling.

Dental inlays are used when the cavity or other damage is roughly centered within the surface of the tooth. The inlays are set into the tooth and don’t cover the edges. A dental onlay, on the other hand, will cover the top of the tooth, making it suitable for replacing cracked, chipped, or decayed cusps.

Other options for a full restorative smile makeover include dental crowns and bridges. 

A dental crown is a ceramic or resin replacement tooth that is attached to the remains of a damaged or decayed tooth. In contrast, a dental bridge can be used to replace a tooth that’s missing entirely by using two teeth on either side of the gap as support.

Your full restorative smile makeover could also include cosmetic dentistry procedures, depending on your individual needs and goals. Veneers, teeth whitening, and even orthodontic treatment could play a role in your complete treatment plan.

What is advanced restorative dentistry?

There are also more advanced restorative dentistry treatments available for a wide range of situations. Dental implants are a versatile tooth-replacement option that delivers in terms of function, appearance, and long-term health. 

During tooth implant surgery, implant posts are embedded in the jawbone. They can then provide lasting support for a variety of tooth-replacement options, including crowns, bridges, and even full-arch replacements. There are even semi-permanent or removable implant-supported denture options as well.

One of the key benefits of dental implants is that they help preserve the jawbone in cases where most or all of a patient’s teeth are missing. The implants provide resistance to the jawbone deterioration that happens when teeth are missing, similar to the way that natural tooth roots do.

Direct Benefits of Restorative Dentistry

Restorative dentistry treatments have many direct benefits. First, they allow patients to bite into and chew food naturally. Options like dental crowns, bridges, and implants make eating with ease possible again.

The same is true for speaking. Patients with many missing teeth or a few specific teeth missing can experience difficulty speaking. Restorative treatments can solve this problem as well, allowing them to form sounds that rely on tongue placement against those teeth.

Restorative treatments are also key in the mouth-body connection of your overall health. Poor oral health is associated with medical issues, like heart conditions and diabetes. 

So, while restorative treatments can reduce the risk of a wide range of oral health issues, including jawbone deterioration, gum disease, and other conditions, these treatments can benefit your whole-body health as well.

The Confidence to Live Your Life Well

Having a full and functional smile can do wonders for your confidence. This benefit is particularly impactful when restorative treatments make eating and speaking feel natural again, letting patients face these everyday activities without fear of embarrassment.

You’ll also be able to show off your smile with confidence once again. Restorative treatments like dental crowns, bridges, and implants are all custom-made to present a flawless yet natural smile. You won’t have to worry about gaps, chipped teeth, or any other issues that might make you want to hide your smile away.

Find the Right Restorative Treatment Options for Your Needs

Whether you’re concerned about the function, appearance, or long-term health of your smile, the team at The Tooth Doc can meet all of your dental needs in Omaha, NE. To schedule a consultation and learn which restorative dentistry treatment options could help improve your confidence and your life, contact us today.