Category: Dental Restorations | Merrillville Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

What is Considered a Dental Restoration?

November 26, 2021November 15, 2021 by Admin

If you have teeth that are decayed, injured, or missing you may require a dental restoration. Common types of dental restorations include crowns, fillings, implants, dentures, and bridges. Never hesitate to call the dentist if you have an issue with your tooth. In many cases our team can save your tooth with a restoration before the tooth damage progresses. It is always important to address any issues with your teeth promptly, or more serious complications may develop.

What Are Dental Restorations?

Dental restorations are various ways your dentist can help restore your teeth. If you are missing parts of your tooth, have an injury, or decay, restorations can help restore your tooth and prevent further damage. If you have a portion of your tooth missing due to decay, or have an old restoration that is in need of replacement, dental restorations can help fix these issues.

Following a good oral hygiene routine at home can help keep your teeth and mouth healthy and prevent decay. We recommend attending your regular exams twice a year to ensure your teeth and mouth look healthy. During your regular visits our doctor will check for cavities, and make sure we don’t see any serious issues.

What Are the Different Types of Dental Restorations?

Fillings: Fillings are the most common type of dental restoration and can help save teeth from decay. There are many filling types from tooth colored composite fillings, to silver amalgam, and composite fillings. Depending on the size of the cavity and location, will determine what type of filling material is used.
Crowns: Crowns are a cap that is placed over a tooth. Crowns restore the shape and size of a tooth, and are matched to blend in with your natural teeth. Crown are used with dental implants, or after a root canal to restore the functionality of a tooth.
Bridges: Bridges are false teeth and help to bridge the gap for missing teeth. Bridges are used along side crowns, and cement is used to permanently secure the bridge into place.
Dental Implants: Dental Implants are similar to a screw that is placed into the jaw. Implants are posts that are made of titanium and attached to a connector or abutment. The implant is then covered with a crown. Implants are permanent and are highly durable, lasting upwards of 15 years.
Dentures: Dentures are made of acrylic resin combined with metal and are a removable replacement for missing teeth. If you still have some of your natural teeth, partial dentures can be used to help bridge the gap and give a natural look.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Restorations?

Dental restorations provide many benefits and help restore your smile. If you are missing teeth or have decay, and are looking to get that perfect smile back, contact Merrillville Family & Cosmetic Dentistry to help. Dental restorations can help you speak and eat easier, and give you a smile that restores your confidence.

Interested in Finding Out More About Dental Restorations?

If you are interested in finding out more about dental restorations contact Merrillville Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. Our doctors have years of experience in dental restorations, and love to help patients get the smile of their dreams. Your oral health is important to us, and we make our patients a priority, and always have your best interests in mind. Let our team get you on the road to a great smile!

To schedule your appointment with us contact Merrillville Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

What Is the Difference Between Composite Veneers & Porcelain Veneers?

August 24, 2021August 15, 2021 by Admin

If you have stained, chipped, or uneven teeth, veneers can help transform your teeth into a beautiful white smile. Veneers make teeth look uniform, and are bonded to your teeth using a cement material. There are a few different types of veneers, and to determine which type of veneer is best for you depends on the condition of your teeth. The two main types of veneers used today are composite and porcelain veneers.

Composite Veneers

Composite veneers are similar to porcelain veneers, and help with chips, gaps, or length. The process for applying composite veneers is quicker and can be done in just one visit. Composite veneers cost less compared to porcelain veneers, but also do not last as long. The average lifespan for composite veneers is 4-8 years.

Composite veneers are more easily fixed compared to porcelain veneers if a patient has a chip or crack. During your visit, your teeth are prepared and the resin material is added to your teeth. We then cure the area and polish your teeth, leaving you with a beautiful smile. The composite material matches the color and shade of your teeth giving you a natural looking smile.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are made out of durable ceramic and are easily customized to best fit your teeth. This type of veneer is also great for correcting chips, gaps, or uneven teeth. Porcelain veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are applied to the outer surface of your teeth. This type of veneer does require at least two visits to our office.

During the procedure we prepare your teeth by removing a thin layer. Impressions are taken and sent out to a lab. Temporary veneers are placed while you wait for your permanent veneers to be fabricated. When you return for your second appointment the veneers are bonded to your teeth, leaving you with a beautiful white smile.

Porcelain veneers are very durable and do last longer than composite veneers. On average, porcelain veneers last between 10-15 years. Porcelain veneers have less risk of chipping or breaking. If you do suffer damage to your porcelain veneers this requires the entire veneer to be replaced. Veneers catch light just like our natural teeth, and really give patients a natural look. Porcelain veneers are stain resistant, and stay bright white once they are applied. Porcelain veneers do cost more compared to composite veneers, but this is because the placement and process takes longer.

Which Type of Veneer is Best for Me?

When choosing the best type of veneer our team will begin with a detailed consultation. Depending on the severity of your teeth and work needed, will determine which type of veneer is best for you. Our team will listen to your goals, and discuss our recommendations for treatment. We want our patients to understand the differences between veneers, how long they last, and the benefits of each type available before making their decision.

Interested in Finding Out More About Dental Veneers?

If you are looking for a dentist near you that specializes in cosmetic dentistry, Merrillville Family & Cosmetic Dentistry can help. Our doctors have years of experience in cosmetic dentistry, and love to help patients get that perfect smile they have always wanted. Let us help you restore your confidence, and be proud to speak in front of others. Veneers can restore your smile and give you bright white natural looking teeth.

To schedule your cosmetic consultation with us, contact Merrillville Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

Are Dental Implants Noticeable

March 9, 2021March 1, 2021 by Admin

If you have missing, damaged, or broken teeth and are looking for the perfect restoration solution, dental implants may be the right choice for you. Dental Implants are a permanent solution and are durable and long lasting. Implants function like natural teeth, and allow patients to speak and eat normally. Implants are comfortable and do not slip or click like other restorative options.

Your bright white natural smile will be noticeable and will look natural. Implants act like an artificial tooth root and are made of titanium. Implants are placed into the jawbone and act like a screw. This provides the base for one or many crowns. Custom crowns are made to match the color and shape of your natural teeth giving patients a natural white smile.

As part of the implant consultation process we will check to make sure all patients have enough bone present in the jaw to support the new implants. If needed, bone grafting can be done to add the support that is needed. This helps to create that strong base that is required for the implants.

Once the implants are placed, an abutment or connector is set on top of the implant to hold the crown in place. Temporary crowns may be used until the permanent crowns are ready to be installed.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Provide patients with a natural looking smile and functions like natural teeth.
Provide long term value financially.
Implants are permanent and do not slip or click like other solutions.
Implants preserve the natural bone in the mouth, and this helps to stimulate new bone growth.
Dental implants are built to last upwards of 25 years, but can last a lifetime if they are cared for properly.

Interested in Finding Out More?

If you are interested in finding out if dental implants are right for you, we encourage you to set up your initial implant consultation in our office. This will give our team the opportunity to take a detailed look at your teeth and mouth, and discuss treatment options. We also will develop a customized treatment plan, and answer any questions or concerns you may have with the dental implant process.

Dental implants can be life changing, and can allow patients to live a normal healthy life eating and drinking as they would with natural teeth. Taking that first step is worth it to achieve that beautiful smile you have always wanted.

To schedule your implant consultation please call our office and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.