Some people are fortunate enough to enjoy excellent dental health their entire lives. That’s what happens when the permanent teeth come in without any crowding or unpleasant angles. It’s also true when there are no cavities, cracks, or chips along the way.
Since you’re not among the lucky ones who enjoy this exalted level of dental health, you need some help. In fact, you’re wondering if it would be best to repair your damaged teeth or replace them altogether. Here are some tips that will help you make the right choice.
Start With a Full Dental Examination
Before you spend any time trying to figure out what to do, start with a complete dental examination. A dentist will take a look at each tooth as well as the condition of your gums. The goal is to determine if there is a problem present and how severe it happens to be. Once the exam is finished, it will be a lot easier to know what’s wrong and begin to explore the options for resolving those problems.
Straightening Your Teeth as an Adult
You might have teeth that are in generally good condition. The main issue is that come of them are crooked. The fact that you’re an adult does not mean it’s impossible to straighten those crooked teeth. In fact, there’s a solution that tends to work particularly well for adults.
The solution for you could be to wear invisible braces for the next couple of years. These braces are clear and can be removed after meals. That’s great in terms of being able to brush your teeth and keep the mouth fresh. The aligners are designed in a series that gradually moves your teeth into the right position. Since they are clear, they are harder for others to detect. You also don’t have to worry about metal wires stabbing the insides of your mouth.
Restoring Damaged Teeth
Maybe you have a small cavity or a chipped tooth. These are issues that can be remedied with relative ease. A dentist can remove the decayed portion of the tooth and then fill the space. A cap is often added to provide more protection. That cap can be tinted to match the rest of the tooth.
With chipped teeth, it’s possible to use a combination of veneers and caps to restore the look of the tooth. This will also prevent further chipping as well as reduce the risk of a crack developing. While the veneer may need to be replaced after several years, this will be a relatively simple procedure.
How About Replacement Options?
Maybe the condition of your teeth makes repairs impractical. If that’s the case, talk with the dentist about replacement options. You may find that individual or all-on-four implants would be the perfect solution for you. The dentist can point out the merits of each choice and even make sure you’re a good candidate for this solution. If it turns out that implants are not feasible, there’s always the possibility of going for dentures.
Even when you do your best to take care of the teeth, things can happen. Don’t hesitate to talk with a dentist about what can be done. In many cases, the solution will be a lot simpler than you anticipated.
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