The Dental Bridge Procedure: A Comparison of Two Techniques
- By nat rosasco
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- 26 Nov, 2017
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Goduco Family Dentistry is a one-stop-shop for all of your dental needs, whether you require a simple refinement of your smile or a dramatic full-mouth restoration. For patients who are missing one or more of their natural teeth, we offer a comprehensive range of restorative dentistry treatments designed to return form, function, and health to the mouth. Among the most time-tested and highly effective of these treatments is the dental bridge.
In performing the dental bridge procedure at his Vernon Hills, IL practice, Dr. Philip V. Goduco can use one of two techniques. He can affix the dental bridge to the healthy natural teeth adjacent to a gap where teeth are missing via dental crowns, or he can attach the dental bridge to state-of-the-art dental implants. Both of these techniques will effectively make the patient’s smile whole again and help to restore his or her ability to bite, chew, speak, and smile with ease and confidence. The technique that is best suited to your particular case will depend on several factors, including your personal goals, the state of your mouth, and your budget.
If you are missing one or more of your natural teeth, it is imperative that you replace them as soon as possible. Please schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Goduco by contacting Goduco Family Dentistry today.
The Procedure: Fixed Dental Bridges
A conventional fixed dental bridge is composed of between one and three artificial teeth that are bookended by dental crowns. When these dental crowns are attached to the natural teeth on either side of a gap where teeth are missing, the artificial teeth fill the space to complete the smile. For the fixed dental bridge to be a viable option, the teeth to which the crowns will be attached must be strong and healthy enough to support the crowns. The one disadvantage of this technique is that these teeth must be filed down in order to accommodate the crowns prior to their placement.
The Procedure: Implant-supported Dental Bridges
Unlike fixed dental bridges, implant-supported dental bridges do not rely on natural teeth for support. Rather, they are attached to dental implants, tiny titanium posts that are surgically embedded into the jawbone. Because the human body does not recognize titanium as a foreign substance, the implants are able to fuse together with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. Once the implants and bone have fused together, the dental bridge can be secured to the implants. Dental implants provide exceptionally strong and durable support for dental bridges, plus they halt the degradation of the supportive gum and bone tissues that begins when teeth are lost. Patients emerge from treatment with fully restored oral health and function. The only disadvantage of implant-supported dental bridges compared to fixed dental bridges is their expense; however, over time, implant-supported restorations tend to be highly cost-effective.
Learn More about the Dental Bridge Procedure
To learn more about the dental bridge procedure, please contact Goduco Family Dentistry, your one-stop-shop for all of your dental needs, today.
Many patients practice all the right dental hygiene habits - regular brushing and flossing, routine trips to the dentist - only to see the appearance of their smile marred by the presence of cosmetic blemishes and imperfections. Understandably, it can be frustrating to maintain healthy teeth and gums, but be unable to enjoy the benefits of a beautiful smile. That is what cosmetic dentistry services are all about. Cosmetic dentistry treatments enhance the appearance of the teeth and gums so that a patient can enjoy a smile that is strong and healthy, and also aesthetically pleasing. One of the most popular and versatile cosmetic dentistry treatments offered at Goduco Family Dentistry is cosmetic dental bonding. Cosmetic dental bonding benefits our Vernon Hills, IL patients by concealing cosmetic flaws so the smile appears healthy and attractive.
Benefits of Cosmetic Dental Bonding
Cosmetic dental bonding is one of the most popular dental treatments among our patients who are looking to improve the appearance of the smile. Cosmetic dental bonding allows patients to address imperfections and enhance the beauty of the smile, all through a procedure that is safe, fast, and affordable. Below are some of the many benefits that make cosmetic dental bonding such a sought-after cosmetic dentistry treatment:
- Versatility: Cosmetic dental bonding is easily one of the most versatile cosmetic dental treatments available. Cosmetic dental bonding is applied directly to the surface of the teeth and can address a wide range of blemishes and imperfections, making it an appropriate treatment option for nearly all of our patients. Some conditions that can be improved through dental bonding treatment include stains, discoloration, misshapen teeth, poorly sized teeth, gapped teeth, chips, and cracks.
- Affordability: While most people are looking to improve the appearance of their smile, there are some cosmetic dentistry treatments that are simply beyond a person’s budget. Cosmetic dental bonding is a direct restoration that is applied in a single appointment right here at our dental offices. All of these factors combine to make dental bonding one of the most affordable cosmetic dentistry treatments available.
- Non-invasive: All dental treatments are performed with the patient’s utmost comfort and safety in mind. Still, we understand that many patients experience a great deal of anxiety surrounding professional dental care. Dental bonding is a non-invasive treatment. There is no need for any drills, shots, or anesthesia. Many patients find the non-invasive nature of dental bonding treatment to be very comforting.
- Effective: Dental bonding provides patients with a smile that looks whiter, more even, and generally more attractive. Fortunately, these results are built to last. With the durable bonding material that is used for treatment, patients can expect to benefit from a beautiful smile for several years before treatment will need to be repeated.
Contact Us
At Goduco Family Dentistry we understand that our patients care about the appearance of their smile. That is why we offer a wide range of cosmetic dentistry treatments. If you’d like to learn more about cosmetic dental bonding or any of our other cosmetic dentistry services, we’re here to answer any questions you may have. Contact us at your earliest convenience to find out how we can help you achieve your dream smile.
Here at Goduco Family Dentistry, we want to make sure that the people of Vernon Hills have something to smile about. That's why we offer advanced cosmetic dentistry and smile makeover treatments as well as the latest in general and restorative procedures. By taking an approach that considers health and aesthetics, we can better ensure that our patients look and feel their best.
Porcelain veneers often come up in conversation when it comes to cosmetic dentistry. Let's consider the basics of porcelain veneers and see who can benefit from having them placed.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin shells of dental ceramic that are affixed to the fronts of the teeth. These thin shells are custom fit to tooth being treated, and are also semi-transluscent so that light passes through them just like natural tooth structure. When in place, a porcelain veneers masks cosmetic imperfections and helps you smile look its absolute best.
One of the key advantages of porcelain veneers is their versatility. As you'll read below, porcelain veneers are able to address a whole host of aesthetic issues that affect your smile.
General Candidacy for Porcelain Veneers
Good candidates for porcelain veneers are people who experience cosmetic flaws that affect the appearance of their smile. Patients should be in otherwise good dental health and have teeth that are strong and have sufficient enamel in place. If there is a serious dental health problem that also affects smile aesthetics, a restorative procedure or orthodontic care may be more ideal to address the matter than the use of a veneer.
It's important that patients have realistic expectations about the treatment process, including the risks of undergoing treatment, the need for the removal of tooth structure in order to place the veneer, and proper after-care of the veneer following treatment.
Porcelain Veneers for Minor Chips and Cracks
Porcelain veneers are an excellent solution for small chips and cracks that may affect the appearance of your smile. These minor signs of damage can be concealed under a porcelain veneer, allowing patients to smile with absolute confidence.
Porcelain Veneers for Major Tooth Discoloration
When teeth are seriously stained or discolored, traditional dental bleaching may have limited impact, especially when the stain originates from within a tooth. In these cases, the use of a porcelain veneer will help ensure that the major discolorations is covered and that the tooth itself looks pristine and clean following treatment.
Porcelain Veneers for Cosmetic Tooth Alignment
Small gaps, issues with spacing, and problems with asymmetry are common cosmetic flaws for smiles. Sometimes orthodontic care is ideal for these matters, but if these flaws are predominantly cosmetic in nature, porcelain veneers are a great option to consider. In fact, the effects of porcelain veneers treatment can be quite profound, which is why some have nicknamed porcelain veneers “instant orthodontics.”
Smile Makeovers Accomplished with Porcelain Veneers
Dental problems rarely come one at a time. Many patients experience a number of issues that affect the appearance of their smile. In these complex cases, a total smile makeover is sometimes used, which involves combinations of treatments to improve smile aesthetics. Given the versatility of porcelain veneers, these thin shells sometimes do the majority of the work in a patient's smile makeover.
Learn More About Porcelain Veneers
For more information about porcelain veneers and how they can help you have the smile of your dreams, be sure to contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry practice today. The entire team here at Goduco Family Dentistry will help you smile with renewed confidence.
