Most Americans are dealing with a cosmetic or health-related oral problem. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 40% of Americans over the age of 30 are missing at least one tooth, and as many as 40 million are missing all of their natural teeth. Unfortunately, the problem is only expected to get worse in the coming decades.
Whether you’re living with full or partial tooth loss or just want to make some cosmetic improvements, there are many cosmetic dentistry options available for every situation and budget.
At Scott Young, DDS, our dentists offer cosmetic and general dentistry services at our practice in The Woodlands, Texas.
Dental technology and procedures have dramatically improved over the last few decades, so even traditional services like fillings and dentures are more modern and natural-looking than ever.
Choosing the best treatment for you depends on several factors, such as your oral health, individual circumstances, and budget.
If you have cracked, severely decayed, or missing teeth, the following are some of our treatment options:
Implants are very similar a natural tooth. They consist of two parts: the implant, which replaces the root, and the prosthetic (visible) portion of the tooth. Dental implants prevent bone loss in your gums, which is a common side effect of tooth loss and a risk factor in developing gum disease.
The implant is surgically placed in the jaw, and once it heals the cosmetic crown or other prosthetic like a bridge or denture is attached. The entire process takes a few months. With good oral hygiene and follow up care, dental implants have a high success rate.
To qualify for dental implants, you must be an adult in good general health and have enough bone tissue to support the implant.
Dental crowns are some of the most versatile dental prosthetics. If you have extensive tooth decay or a cavity is too large to fill with a traditional filling, a dental crown can save your tooth from further damage and possible extraction.
Dental crowns (also known as caps because they literally cover a damaged tooth) are also an option if you need to fix cosmetic or structural damage to a tooth, like chips, cracks, fractures, or stains and discolorations that can’t be removed with teeth whitening treatments.
A dental bridge fills the gap created by a missing tooth. It consists of an artificial replacement tooth and an anchor crown on either side to secure the bridge in place.
Crowns and bridges are usually more affordable than implants, but they generally don’t last as long. Our dentists consult with you to help you choose the best option for your needs and budget.
For more information about the cosmetic dentistry services we offer, contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our general dentists at our office in The Woodlands, Texas, or request an appointment online.
