woman smiling

Today's dental technology has advanced to the point that it is possible for you to have a healthy and attractive smile regardless of the current condition of your teeth. Here are eight ways you can restore your oral health and have a smile that will last you a lifetime.

All On Four Implants

All On Four restoration is an advanced and total restoration of your smile. Your dentist will place four implants in the arch of your mouth. These implants will be used to hold your new set of teeth in place. A set of permanent dentures, designed especially for your mouth, is placed on the implants and locked into place.

You will clean your dentures normally, with either a brush or water and not have to worry about applying denture adhesives or your teeth coming loose while they're inside your mouth. Within days, your teeth will feel completely natural and be 100% functional.

Inlay Restorations

Inlay restorations are custom made fillings. After taking a mold of your mouth, the filling is designed at a dental lab. Your dentist will place the filling in your mouth during a second visit. The filling is made of either metal or composite material.

If made of composite material, the inlays can be made to look like your natural tooth color. The benefit to inlay restorations is they are not intrusive and can last for several years. However, after years of use, they might need to be repaired or replaced.

Onlay Restorations

Onlay restorations are similar to inlay restorations. The concept is similar, but onlay restorations are fillings used to repair teeth with cusps. They are also made at a dental lab and require two visits.

Often, they are referred to as partial crowns. However, they are less intrusive than a partial crown. Like inlay restorations, they are durable but might need to be repaired or replaced after prolonged use.

Composite Fillings

Fillings traditionally have been made of metals such as gold or silver. However, it is possible to have fillings made of composite material. The benefits of the composite material is it can be designed to look like your current teeth.

Composite fillings are tough and long-lasting, but they might require repair or replacement after years of use. Additionally, there could be sensitivity with the filling after it’s placed on your tooth.

Crowns

Crowns, also called saps, are created to cover damaged teeth. After being designed and custom manufactured to your mouth, they are affixed over the damaged teeth. Crowns can be made with your natural tooth color for a better and more engaging smile.

They are sturdy and will give you years of use. However, they will eventually need replacement.

Dentures

Dentures are one of the oldest yet one of the most reliable ways to make your smile look better. Depending on the condition of your teeth, you can have complete or partial dentures.

Also, if you need teeth repaired quickly, you can have them placed in your mouth after the removal of any bad teeth. The ideal treatment is for you to get a set of custom dentures, measured and made specifically for your mouth. This requires four to six weeks before they can be placed in your mouth.

Fixed Bridges

Bridges are used to replace missing teeth. A bridge is placed in your mouth and affixed to the two good teeth surrounding the missing tooth. This is a permanent fix, and they are an excellent alternative to partial dentures. They can be made to look like your natural teeth, and you won’t have to worry about using denture adhesives to keep them in place.

Root Canal

There are nerves inside your teeth, and they can decay or become damaged. A root canal is the process of cleaning away the decay and filling it with special material to keep the tooth in the mouth. Root canals help prevent teeth from getting pulled and allow you to retain your natural smile.

Dr. Kanehl has over 40 years of experience in dentistry. He has successfully treated thousands of patients.  If you have any questions or if you would like to have a free consultation with Dr. Kanehl, please feel free to contact us to learn which of these treatments would be the best option for you.