How to Fix Your Smile Without Getting Dental Implants

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If you want to improve your smile but don’t want to or can’t afford to get dental implants, there are other options. Your dentist in Foley, AL, will go over them with you.

But until then, here are some options for you to consider.

How to Fix Your Smile Without Getting Dental Implants

Two of the best ways to fix your smile without getting dental implants are dental bonding and dental contouring.

Let’s go over them.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding in Foley, AL, is a cosmetic dental process that uses tooth-colored resin to fix damaged teeth.

You can use dental bonding to correct the following.

  • Chipped and cracked teeth
  • Low tooth height caused by grinding
  • Severe stains that don’t respond to whitening treatments
  • Change the shape of teeth (lengthening or smoothing)
  • Close gaps between teeth
  • Protect an exposed tooth root
  • And more

Dental Contouring

Dental contouring is a method used to reshape your teeth instead of adding resin to them. It’s used to remove imperfections. Dental contouring uses a special tool to smooth the surface of a tooth. Or, if you have a jagged tooth or one or more teeth that are too long, dental contouring can be used to fix those issues as well. The dental contouring procedure is sometimes used in conjunction with dental bonding.

Other Ways to Fix Your Smile Without Having to Get Dental Implants

In addition to dental bonding and contouring, you can explore tooth whitening or porcelain veneers to improve your smile. Ask your dentist what they recommend for your specific situation.

Are You Looking for a Reputable Dentist in Foley, AL?

If you want to fix your smile, please Contact Sand Dollar Dental today. We would love to go over the different ways to improve your smile without getting dental implants (unless you decide you want them).

4 Excellent Benefits of Dental Implants

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When you’re missing a tooth, it’s important to get it replaced. Dental implants are one of the most effective artificial teeth options available. If you’re missing a tooth and considering dental implants to replace your missing teeth, your dentist in Foley, AL can help. Knowing the benefits of dental implants can also help you decide if dental implants are the best option for your mouth. We’ve listed four excellent benefits of dental implants below.

1. Dental Implants Look Natural

Dental implants look like natural teeth. When you get a dental implant, it will be custom-made to fit in your mouth. It will look like your other teeth. It will also be colored like your other teeth, so it does not stand out. No one can tell you have a dental implant once it’s in place.

2. Dental Implants Are Easy to Maintain

Dental implants are easy to maintain, just like your regular teeth. You can take care of dental implants by brushing them twice daily with non-abrasive toothpaste, and by seeing your dentist regularly for dental checkups.

3. Dental Implants Function Like Normal Teeth

Dental implants function just like normal teeth. They can chew and bite while you’re eating, and they can help you talk as well.

4. Dental Implants Help Maintain A Healthy Jaw

Teeth stimulate your jaw, helping the bone stay healthy. When a tooth is missing, your jaw can lose density and volume in that location. Installing a dental implant in place of a missing tooth is good for your jaw.

Want to know more about dental implants in Foley, AL? Call the dental professionals at Sand Dollar Dental today.

Top 7 Procedures for Smile Restoration

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Interested in improving your smile? Your dentist in Foley, AL, has solutions, including these seven most common procedures:

1. Clear Aligners

Clear Aligners perform many of the same duties as braces, but with less visibility. Instead of using wires and brackets that attach to your teeth, clear aligners use a series of clear plastic trays.

2. Veneers

Porcelain veneers are shells that attach to the front of a tooth that has a flaw. They can cover stains, chips, cracks, and more.They’re permanently affixed and can be dyed to match the exact shade of white of the surrounding teeth.

3. Dental Implants

Dental implants are made of three parts — a metal post that is implanted into your jawbone, an abutment that’s place atop the post, and a tooth-shaped crown that slips over the abutment. Once in place, they look and function like natural teeth and can last up to 15 years.

4. Dental Bonding

Dental bonding can hide flaws much the same way that veneers do. But instead of a porcelain shell, your dentist uses a putty-like resin material that they then harden using a light. Dental bonding can fix the appearance of a misshapen tooth, fill cracks and tiny holes, and make teeth look flawless again.

5. Tooth Extraction

If your teeth appear crowded, sometimes extracting one or two can help. This is especially true of wisdom teeth. Often, when wisdom teeth grow in, they cause existing teeth to shift. By pulling out the extra teeth, your dentist can leave room for the rest to move back into seamless position.

6. Crowns

Crowns look just like natural teeth, except for the fact that they’re hollow shells. They fit into place over existing teeth to add structure or to seal the tooth from infection, such as in the case of a root canal.

7. Dentures

If many or all of your teeth can’t be saved, dentures may be the solution. Dentures consist of complete or partial sets of prosthetic teeth that are fastened to an acrylic resin base.

For more information on smile improvement in Foley, AL, contact Sand Dollar Dental today.

Can I Wear A Bridge While Waiting For My Implant?

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Losing a tooth can be a distressing experience, and it’s natural to want a solution that restores your smile as soon as possible. Dental implants in Foley, AL are an excellent option for replacing missing teeth, but the process can take several months to complete. A common question that arises during this waiting period is whether you can wear a dental bridge to fill the gap temporarily.

Using a Temporary Bridge During the Implant Process

A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring a false tooth, called a pontic, to adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. While waiting for your dental implant to heal, your dentist in Foley, AL might talk to you about wearing a temporary bridge to fill the gap and maintain your appearance.

In many cases, wearing a temporary bridge is possible, but it depends on the specific circumstances and the recommendations of your dentist. A removable partial denture, also known as a “flipper,” may be another viable option to consider. These temporary solutions can help you maintain your smile and speech while the implant process is underway.

Pros and Cons of Wearing a Bridge During the Implant Process

Wearing a temporary bridge or removable partial denture while waiting for your dental implant offers several benefits, including:

  • Improved appearance – Filling the gap in your smile can boost your confidence and maintain a more natural appearance.
  • Better functionality – A temporary solution can help with chewing and speaking, which can be affected by a missing tooth.

However, there are also potential drawbacks to consider:

  • Additional cost – A temporary bridge or partial denture may come with additional costs that may not be covered by dental insurance.
  • Potential complications – Depending on the location of the implant and the type of temporary restoration, there might be a risk of complications or damage to the healing implant site.

Wearing a bridge while waiting for your dental implant is a possibility, but it’s essential to discuss your options with your dentist. They will consider your individual circumstances and recommend the best course of action to ensure a successful and aesthetically pleasing result. Contact us for an appointment to discuss your dental implant options.