Crowns and Bridges
Missing teeth can cause a host of oral health problems. The empty space is a breeding ground for bacteria and additional plaque. Surrounding teeth shift, leaving crooked teeth and gaps. Jawbone deterioration may occur leading to a weakened mouth structure.
Dental crowns are caps used to cover a damaged tooth. Crowns can add strength and restore color, shape, and size to teeth. Crowns may be recommended for several reasons.
- Severe decay – When decay is too advanced to support a filling or most of the tooth is gone, a crown can repair the damage.
- Broken or chipped teeth – Crowns can cover and strengthen teeth with damage.
- Strengthen weak teeth – Crowns cover weak teeth adding strength and preventing further damage.
- Teeth that are discolored or misshapen – Crowns cover damage from daily life.
Crowns are also used with a dental bridge to replace missing teeth. The bridge is an artificial tooth or teeth and crowns are bonded to the healthy teeth on both sides of the gap. This results in a natural-looking tooth replacement that remains fixed in your mouth (does not have to be removed for cleaning).
Crowns and bridges are an affordable way to restore your smile. The process is complete with only 2 to 3 visits and the results match your natural teeth. Your teeth will be prepared for crowns on the first visit. When the permanent replacement is ready, it will be bonded to your teeth.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are the closest replacement to natural teeth. For the first time ever, there is a way to not only replace the missing tooth structure above the gum line but also the root. Made of titanium, these structures fuse to your jawbone and act like natural teeth to last a lifetime. Replacement of the root results in stronger replacement teeth and eliminates the risk of further jawbone deterioration.
The process for dental implants at Toothbar begins with a consultation to determine that you are a good candidate for dental implant surgery. At the following visit, your new implant will be placed into your jawbone. Your implant fuses to your jawbone over the next few months, and after your gums heal the replacement tooth is bonded to the implant. Patients are usually surprised to discover pain following surgery is minimal and often return to work the following day.
Partials and Dentures
Teeth that have been missing for a long time may be more difficult to replace. Dentures are full or partial removable replacements for missing teeth. Dentures may be used when surrounding tissue will not support other methods of tooth replacement. Full dentures are used when all of the teeth have been removed. A partial denture is used when some natural teeth are still healthy.
Dentures are created over a period of a few weeks. Our restorative toothologists will create a model to ensure comfort and fit before your permanent dentures are cast. Final adjustments are made when you receive your new dentures. Your new dentures are made to look like your natural teeth and may even improve and fill out your smile.
Night Guards and Mouthguards
Teeth grinding is a common problem and can do major damage to your mouth. Many people grind and clench their teeth while sleeping. This can lead to loss of enamel, cracked teeth, jaw pain, and headaches. Left untreated, bigger health problems can develop. Lost tooth enamel leads to cavities. Chronic teeth grinding and clenching can even result in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, a major cause of jaw pain and dysfunction. A night guard is a device placed in the mouth to act as a cushion between your teeth. While it doesn’t stop you from grinding your teeth it can prevent you from causing damage.
While a mouth guard is similar to a night guard, they serve different purposes. A mouth guard is used to protect from dental injury during sports. Athletes are 60 percent more likely to experience dental injuries when not wearing a night guard.
Guards can protect your teeth from major damage and additional work in the future. Toothbar custom fits night guards and mouth guards for patients of all ages. The result is a personalized comfortable piece that was created for the unique shape of your mouth.
If your oral health isn’t up to date, but you keep avoiding the dentist, contact our Toothbar specialists. With a relaxing atmosphere and personalized touch, you will find an experience that you want to return to for all of your oral health needs. Find a different kind of Austin restorative dentistry and get your beautiful healthy smile back in shape.