The journey to a confident smile often involves navigating the world of traditional dentistry, where the promise of fixing failing teeth can become an endless cycle of frustration. Many individuals find themselves trapped in a cycle of patchwork repairs, investing substantial time and money, only to be met with disappointing outcomes. This article delves into the shortcomings of traditional dental approaches and explores transformative solutions that offer a more permanent and satisfying resolution to missing or damaged teeth:
What Are Some Examples of Traditional Restoration Procedures?
Because traditional dental restoration procedures (procedures to repair or replace missing or damaged teeth) have been prevalent for decades, they are probably what most readily come to mind when you think about visiting the dentist. Below, we’ve outlined four of the most common:
Dental Fillings
Almost everyone has had a cavity at some point in their lives and received a dental filling to repair it. Dental cavities (also known as caries) are areas of tooth decay that can spread and lead to larger dental problems if left untreated.
The traditional treatment for cavities is dental fillings, which are used to fill the hole left behind in a tooth once all decay has been removed. Dental fillings can be composed of a variety of different materials, including gold, porcelain, silver amalgam, composite resins, glass ionomer, or resin-modified glass ionomer. The lifespan of a filling depends on many factors and can range between about 5 and 30 years.
Crowns
A dental crown is essentially a tooth-shaped protective cap that is placed over a damaged or compromised tooth. Traditionally, dental crowns are used to:
- Repair teeth with cavities too large for fillings
- Repair teeth that are weak, cracked, or worn down
- Support bridges for adjacent missing teeth
- Protect teeth that have undergone a root canal procedure
The average lifespan of a dental crown is approximately 15 years.
Veneers
Veneers are a traditional cosmetic dental solution for improving the appearance of chipped, uneven, or otherwise damaged teeth. Usually composed of porcelain or composite resin, they act as shells to cover the fronts of one or more teeth. Veneers are not a permanent tooth repair option and typically need to be replaced or repaired.
Bonding
Like veneers, bonding is a traditional cosmetic dental procedure. Tooth-colored composite resin is applied to teeth and hardened under ultraviolet light to create an attractive, uniform appearance. Bonding is less sturdy than veneers and highly prone to chipping. This type of procedure is often followed by subsequent restorative procedures.
What Problems Are Experienced With Traditional Dentistry?
As the field of dentistry advances and evolves, traditional procedures are under constant evaluation. New technologies, techniques, and approaches are continually emerging to address the limitations of traditional dentistry, which include:
Does Not Maintain the Structure of Your Natural Tooth
Most traditional dental restorations involve the removal of significant portions of healthy tooth structure in order to accommodate restorative materials and structures. Unfortunately, this can weaken teeth more than necessary and often results in a negative cascade effect. The more natural tooth structure that is lost, the greater the chance of complications like sensitivity, pain, cracks, and fractures. Subsequent restorations become necessary, and tooth structure is further compromised over time.
Structural Integrity of Intact Natural Teeth is Compromised
Natural, healthy teeth work as a whole and integrated system, balancing flexibility, durability, and strength for optimal biomechanical function. Compromising the structural integrity of natural teeth, even for restorative purposes, can lead to complications, discomfort, and the need for ongoing repairs and restorative interventions.
Cycle of Frustration
Returning to your dentist time and time again for touch-ups, repairs, and restorations of restorations can create a never-ending cycle of frustration. If you are experiencing chronic dental issues, endless restorative procedures, and ongoing discomfort in your mouth, it may be time to consider an alternative approach. Full mouth dental implants could be the solution you are looking for.
The 6 Hour Smile
When it comes to full mouth dental restoration procedures, dental implants are by far the most advanced and permanent solution. Offering many benefits over options like traditional dentures, they look, feel, and function just like natural teeth.
In addition to improving speech and chewing and providing you with confidence in your smile, dental implants also stimulate jaw bone growth and are not prone to needing frequent repairs, adjustments, or alterations. They are a restoration option that offers ongoing comfort and function, beautiful aesthetics, and peace of mind.
At Doctors Implants, our renowned team of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons has refined a cutting-edge, all-in-one dental implant procedure we call the 6 Hour Smile. To learn more about why full mouth dental implants may be the ideal restorative option for your damaged or missing teeth, contact us directly at 1-844-SMILES2. We look forward to meeting you!
