A dental inlay or overlay is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that is used to repair a damaged tooth. It is similar to a filling in that it is used to fill a cavity that has been discovered in a tooth. It is considered a more conservative approach to tooth repair than a crown would be since less of the original tooth needs to be removed to utilize an inlay. The dental inlay provides an excellent option for a patient with mild to moderate tooth decay and will last for years with proper cleaning and care.

The dental inlay is considered an indirect procedure because it is normally not done completely in the dentist’s office. Instead, an impression will be made of the patients tooth and sent to a specialized dental lab where the dental inlay will be crafted. The dentist will install a temporary inlay in the damaged tooth while the final inlay is being made. When the dental inlay is completed, a second visit will be scheduled and the temporary inlay will be removed and the finished inlay will be secured in place with the use of dental adhesives.

Dental inlays can be made of various materials and the most popular are porcelain, gold and ceramic resin. The kind of dental inlay the cosmetic dentist chooses depends on the patient’s preference and the position on the tooth where the repair is being done. The most popular material used is porcelain since it is the closest in color to the original tooth and provides excellent bonding capabilities. These dental inlays can be created to perfectly match the color of the original tooth and once applied to the damaged area of the tooth; they are virtually invisible and look like the original tooth. The inlay cost and quality can vary between dentists and is based on the experience of the dentist and the amount or position of the repair needed for the tooth. Even though a dental inlay may be more expensive than a standard filling, it will normally last longer and provides a better looking repair, especially if it is on your front teeth. Dental inlays are also covered by many insurance plans so be sure to check with your insurance provider to see if they are an option for you.

Dental inlays are a relatively painless procedure and cause no more discomfort than a normal filling for the patient. The provide a much more natural looking repair as well since they perfectly match the color and shape of the original tooth and will provide years of trouble-free use with the proper care. If you need to have a tooth repaired, ask about a dental inlay at your next visit with your dentist.

A crown is like a hollow tooth that fits over your own damaged, decayed or discolored tooth. A crown can be made of metal, porcelain, resin or a combination of porcelain fused to metal. Metal dental crowns are the strongest but not the most cosmetically desirable. Resin crowns are the least expensive but in the long term, they will need earlier replacement. Porcelain fused to metal crowns are often the best option for their attractiveness and strength. In some cases, a metal strip may show along the gum line. This intensifies if the gum is receding. Solid porcelain dental crowns are usually only used for front teeth due to their highly attractive nature.

On your initial dental visit, x-rays will be taken to determine the damage to the root. In some instances, the tooth will be badly decayed and will require a root canal prior to the crown fitting but this is not the case for everyone. To begin the procedure, you tooth and surrounding gums will be anesthetized. Generally, your tooth will be prepared for the dental crown by filing it down along the sides and top. If the tooth is severely decayed, the interior may need to be built up to support the new crown. Once the tooth is cleaned and sized, an impression will be taken. Impressions of the teeth above or below the damaged tooth are also taken to ensure that your bite is properly aligned. This impression is sent to a lab where permanent dental crowns are made. In the meantime, you will be fitted with a temporary crown. Your dentist will instruct you on any limitations the temporary crown will have.

When permanent dental crowns are ready, your dentist tests them for fit, comfort and appearance. It is important that your bite is not affected and that the dental crown fits tightly around the tooth. Once the crown is polished and determined to fit properly, it is permanently placed over the tooth with dental cement.

Most dental crowns will last for many years provided you maintain good oral hygiene habits. The tooth underneath the crown is not immune to decay so proper flossing and regular dentist visits will still be necessary. If you feel looseness around any dental crowns, see your dentist right away. A loose crown can allow fluids to leak in, causing decay. If the cement does not hold and a crown comes out, clean the tooth and the crown thoroughly. Replace the crown with dental adhesive and see your dentist to have it re-cemented. Your dental crowns will not require any special care, just the same care you would give to your regular teeth.

There are a few different types of dental bridges and the one used to repair your missing tooth depends on a few factors. For a dental bridge to be effective and long-lasting, it needs to be anchored to other teeth. Depending on where the missing tooth is in your mouth and the general health of the surrounding teeth and gums, a cosmetic dentist can make a choice between several solutions for your dental bridge. He also needs to consider the color and shape of the surrounding teeth to make sure the bridge looks natural once it is in place.

The most common type of dental bridge is the fixed bridge. This involves creating an extended crown for the teeth surrounding the missing tooth and has a false tooth, called a pontic, in the middle of the two crowns. This middle tooth will fill the gap of the missing tooth and will be anchored to the crowns on the two adjacent teeth. This is a very secure solution that will last for years and is a fairly straightforward procedure. This type of bridge does require that the teeth and gums to either side of the missing tooth are healthy and can support a crown. If this is the case, the adjacent teeth to the missing one are shaped to accept a crown and then an impression of the patient’s mouth is taken with a soft clay material. This impression is then sent to a lab that specializes in creating these bridges. The dentist will install temporary crowns on the two adjacent teeth while the bridge is being made. Once the bridge is ready for installation, the patient returns and the bridge is affixed to the adjacent teeth and the procedure is complete.

Another type of dental bridge is called a rosin bonded bridge. This is used primarily on teeth in the front of the mouth and is created in a similar fashion to the conventional bridge except that the teeth to either side of the missing tooth are not affected. Once the bridge is created by the lab, it is affixed to the adjacent teeth by bonding it to the rear of these teeth with a resin. This ensures an attractive look and is less intrusive to surrounding teeth.

A similar type of dental bridge to the rosin bonded bridge is called a cantilever bridge. This type of dental bridge is used when there is only one tooth adjacent to the missing tooth. The new tooth is attached to the back of the adjacent tooth and may extend to several teeth for support.

Dental bridges have improved greatly over the years and today offer a wonderful solution for patients that need to have a missing tooth replaced. The procedure is relatively painless and can be done quickly, and will have you smiling again in no time.

Dental crowns are an excellent solution for a tooth that is decayed but doesn’t have the proper strength structure it requires to hold a filling. This may be seen on a tooth that’s severely decayed to the point that there’s not much left to it or a tooth that may have become fractured due to an accident. Dental crowns are often the perfect solution as they can restore your tooth to its original appearance, if not better.

Unlike fillings which only cover part of the tooth, dental crowns will cover the entire tooth starting at the gum line and going right over the entire tooth. The base of the dental crowns is metal while the exterior and top is porcelain designed to match the natural color of your tooth. When done correctly, the dental crowns have the appearance of natural teeth, with the shade and size matching perfectly to your other teeth.

Dental bridgework is similar to dental crowns except whereas dental crowns are one tooth, dental bridgework is more than one crown. Dental bridgework is a group of dental crowns all joined together to fill in a space where you have missing teeth. The dental bridgework fills in all the spaces and gaps and used the teeth around them as support.

Missing teeth can not only affect your smile and appearance but will affect your ability to chew correctly. When you can’t chew correctly, your eating habits may be affected which will affect your overall diet. The entire structure of your face is affected by missing teeth, which puts more stress on the teeth you do have in your mouth. The places in your mouth that are missing teeth will often give your cheeks and entire face a thinner, sunken appearance, adding age to your face. Dental bridge work can take care of all these problems in just a few simple trips to your dentist or cosmetic dentist.

Dental bridge work has many advantages in your life. Not only will it give you a great looking appearance but it will also give your face a more youthful appearance. There is no worry about slipping and loose dentures as dental bridge work is cemented in your mouth so it will last and give you the same aesthetics, stability and comfort as your natural teeth.

Many people are apprehensive about dental crowns and dental bridge work because of the cost. Fortunately, individuals that have health or dental insurance usually find that these procedures are covered under their policy.