How to Restore Bad Teeth

Unlike great white sharks, we do not replace a broken tooth with another one from a back row. Any damage to our teeth as adults is permanent. Therefore, how do we restore bad teeth when necessary? Join us in this article as we break down the processes of tooth restoration.

Several factors, like tooth decay or poor hygiene, can lead to rotten teeth. However, never lose hope in restoring your pearly whites. The teeth restoration process can return your teeth to their relatively natural state. The process can also prevent further tooth decay. Furthermore, you’ll be able to wear a broad smile confidently once again after restoration.

We shall define bad teeth and highlight the causes of bad teeth. We’ll also suggest ways to avoid these pitfalls. In addition, we’ll also discuss the importance of dental restoration and the options available for restoration.

What are Bad Teeth?

Bad teeth are the deterioration of a person’s dentition over time due to internal and external factors. Bad teeth don’t manifest in an instance because it takes time for the damage to show. The damage to bad teeth can be temporary or permanent, depending on how quickly you act.

There are many ways to skin a fish, so also are there many ways to ruin your teeth. The teeth may be tough, but they aren’t invincible. You’ll have to look out for these factors that cause bad teeth.

Watching out for these causes will limit your chances of restoring bad teeth. Additionally, you can limit cavities and prolong the longevity of your dentition. Here are some of the causes of bad teeth:

• High level consumption of sugary foods can empower the bacteria in your teeth to produce acids that will decay your teeth
• Teeth located at the back of the mouth like the molars have grooves that can collect food and are usually hard to reach when brushing
• Leftover food particles in the gums can harbour bacteria that’ll eat at the root of your tooth
• Insufficient brushing of the teeth increase the chances of the dental restoration process due to the presence of plaque build up
• Inadequate consumption of water leaves the mouth dry which limits the amount of saliva that usually washes away food particles and plaque
• Heartburn can send acidic gastric juices into the mouth which can erode the enamel in your teeth
• Gum diseases can eat at the base and root of your teeth and cause them to fall out
• Eating hard food substances like candy can fracture the tooth and expose it to infections
• Late-night snacking will leave sugary food particles in your mouth overnight, serving as a breeding ground for tooth-damaging bacteria

Importance of Dental Restoration

Restoring bad teeth is crucial to social and healthy living. In a society that values a perfect smile, your dentition makes or breaks a first impression. Discoloration, crooked teeth, dental stains and more can affect your self-confidence.

Aside from the social aspect, bad teeth can also severely affect your physical health. When a cavity worsens and expands, the damage can spread to the tooth’s root canals. Once the hole reaches the roots, it can lead to excruciating pain in your jaw.

However, there’s hope on the horizon as there are numerous options for dental restoration. Each one has its unique trait that suits a particularly bad tooth. So, in this day and age, don’t allow a misshaped dentition to prevent you from living your best life.

You may start experiencing sharp pain in your jaw or notice strange coloration on your teeth. Once you notice any of these issues, we advise you to go for a dental restoration procedure at any quality dentist’s office in your area.

Best Ways to Restore Bad Teeth

There are many options available to restore a bad tooth which means bad teeth aren’t a death sentence. These restoration processes all depend on the damage to your teeth already. Some of the procedures are permanent, while some are temporal.

Below are some of the best ways to fix bad teeth upon discovery. However, endeavour to get a proper check-up before any dental restoration procedure. The dentist will be the one to proffer the best option for your current situation

Bonding

Bonding is a common way of rectifying bad teeth. The bonding material consists of porcelain or resin. Furthermore, the dentist dyes the bonding material to match the natural colours of your teeth.

This procedure is the best option for replacing a chipped or broken tooth. The process involves the dentist filling the space from the breakage with the bonding material. Then, the dentist manipulates the bonding until it sets and appears natural.

The bonding can also reattach a broken-off part of a tooth to the rest of the tooth. The adhesive sticks the connecting elements together seamlessly while masking the fracture. Therefore, your toothy smile will remain perfect without any noticeable blemish.

The teeth restoration process for bonding requires only one sitting. There is no need for any customization at a lab when applying the bond. Therefore, the bonding process is a very affordable option for restoring bad teeth.

Dental Bridges

Another option available to restore bad teeth is the use of dental bridges. Just like a conventional bridge, a dental bridge functions by filling the gap left behind, albeit by some missing teeth. The dentist places a dental bridge on either side of the opening. The anchor points of the dental bridge lie close to the remaining teeth on both sides. Then, artificial teeth fill up those empty spaces.

The process is best for you if you are missing many teeth in a row. However, there are two main types of dental bridges.

Tooth Supported Dental Bridge

The dental restoration process of this dental bridge design requires the abrasion of the teeth that will serve as anchor points. The grinding process makes the anchor tooth rugged so that it can accommodate the crown necessary for securing the bridge. This way, the bridge can stand firm due to its embedment into the natural tooth.

However, the tooth-supported dental bridge requires the grinding down of the anchor tooth and may be an unfavourable option to some people. Nevertheless, there’s a second option for the dental bridge.

Resin-Bonded Bridge

The resin-bonded bridge involves bonding materials consisting of porcelain to the anchor teeth. People tend to prefer this resin bond option over the tooth-supported bridge. Unfortunately, the resin-bonded bridge doesn’t last very long.

Fillings

The most common option for restoring bad teeth is through the addition of fillings. Fillings are beneficial for significant tooth decay and damage.

Fillings don’t replenish an entire tooth but are great for replacing total cavities. Regardless of tooth decay, fillings can occupy the vacant spot and make the tooth feel whole again.

Furthermore, once the tooth filling is in place, it prevents further deterioration. The tooth filling protects the remaining healthy tooth.

There are different types of fillings available for use. Make sure to do a pre-examination with a certified dentist before carrying out a dental restoration procedure involving fillings. Otherwise, you may be allergic to a specific type of filling.

Here are the different types of tooth filling you can have. We’ll highlight the pros and cons of each filling.

Crowning

The use of a crown to restore bad teeth is quite popular and not so. The crown option is ideal for extensive damage to the top of a tooth. When significant damage happens on the head of the tooth, the dentist places a crown to cover the damage yielding an inconspicuous result.

The dentist customizes the crown to match the top of the decayed tooth. So, the crowns last for a considerable amount of years. Nevertheless, you’ll have to reduce or avoid brittle and hard foods and you’ll also have to avoid chewing on ice.

Furthermore, if you grind your teeth intuitively when you sleep, you’ll have to ask your dentist for a night guard. The night guard will protect your teeth from involuntary grinding.

However, the crown option for dental restoration can be expensive. Hence, you’ll have to get a premium insurance plan that will cover it.

Removable Partials

These removable partials are a very temporary option. The partials are prostheses that you can wear to cover tooth decay and are very affordable. However, the partials can be very uncomfortable and can interrupt your speech pattern.

The partials can also obstruct the way you eat and deteriorate quickly because they don’t stimulate the jawbone. So, once again, the partials are a temporary option until you find a more permanent solution.

Dentures

Dentures are removable teeth wear that you can use to replace entire rows of missing teeth. Dentures don’t necessarily restore bad teeth, but they cover them. In fact, if you no longer have any teeth at all, the dentures can replace the entire missing dentition.

Since the dentures are removable, they do not attach to the jawbone. Therefore, you’ll have to use a special paste to hold them in place. The upper denture covers the entire roof of the mouth while the lower denture, shaped like a horseshoe leaves room for the tongue.

Dentures are an affordable option but they can be uncomfortable to wear. Due to the removability of the dentures, they can move freely in the mouth and interrupt speech and food consumption.

Dental Implants

Dentists know how to restore bad teeth with dental implants so that they become indistinguishable from real teeth. Furthermore, dental implants are permanent and long-lasting. The dental implants also replace the lost tooth at its base, eliminating any future pains.

Once the artificial root is set, the dentist places a realistic crown on the evident section of the tooth. The implants will appear fully natural to unsuspecting onlookers. However, dental implants are quite expensive but they are the most realistic-looking option.

In addition, the implants are extremely durable and you can chew on any conventional food with them. Furthermore, you can brush and floss them like any natural tooth without worries.

Veneers

Veneers are a costly option for dental restoration. Nevertheless, the veneers are long-lasting and can last up to 20 years and more.

Veneers are custom-built pieces of porcelain that fit tooth irregularities. However, the veneers are irreversible after insemination. Hence, you need to be certain about this choice before going ahead with it.

The veneers fill up any gaps and holes easily and present you with astonishing white teeth. The veneers offer a gorgeous and natural-looking result while also providing you with durability and resilience.

Professional Teeth Whitening

Another option for fixing bad teeth is through professional teeth whitening. As you age, your teeth will slowly begin to colourize as the enamel fades. Hence, the dentin underneath which is yellow in colour will begin to show.

Also, you may consume foods that colour your teeth over time like chocolate, tea, wines etc. Additionally, smoking can severely alter the colour of your teeth. Hence, discoloration of the teeth can make you feel self-conscious.

Fortunately, there’s a treatment to help whiten your teeth once more. Teeth whitening will supersede any previously dull colour on your teeth, leaving them looking sparkling white.

The process involves the use of hydrogen peroxide in the presence of a special heating lamp. Therefore, you can rejuvenate the shine of your teeth with this procedure.

Related Article: 5 Different Types of Tooth Restoration

Watch What You Put on Your Teeth

Grills are mouth accessories that you can wear over your teeth for decorative purposes. However, please bear in mind that the grills can do damage to your teeth. Occasionally, the metals in the grills can be of poor quality and this is dangerous for your teeth and gum.

You could react negatively to the grills and develop irritations. These irritations can cause tooth decay. Therefore, to prevent having to restore bad teeth, we advise that you consult with a dentist before wearing a set of grills.

Moreover, always confirm the quality of the grills as well. Finally, remember to always take out the grills before you eat or sleep and always wash them before wearing them back.

Furthermore, when it comes to the percentage of the population and of seniors without any natural teeth, Canada also places towards the bottom of the scale. This fact is a crucial precaution since the loss of all of one’s natural teeth can cause speech difficulties, dietary changes, vitamin deficiencies, and involuntary weight loss.

In Canada, 6% of people aged 20 to 79 and 22% of those aged 60 to 79 did not have any natural teeth in 2020. Hence, watch what you put in your mouth.

Alternatives to Restoring Bad Teeth

While learning on how to restore bad teeth, you may find yourself looking for alternative means. Particularly in the case of restoring your enamel. The enamel is one of the most delicate parts of the tooth and when it deteriorates, it can be difficult to restore.

However, there are actions you can take to strengthen your enamel again. These alternatives also restore bad teeth as a whole by giving your enamel a new life. Here are some alternatives to restoring your bad teeth.

Remineralisation

Once your enamel erodes, it can be difficult to restore it. However, you can strengthen the weak enamel by reinforcing its mineral content. You can carry out remineralisation through the following methods

• Stay away from sugary food substances that wear down the enamel
• Brush your teeth regularly with fluoride toothpaste as the paste contains remineralising agents
• Drink more water frequently, especially tap water due to the presence of fluoride in it
• Chew on sugar free chewing gum more often to counteract acids that degrade the enamel

Once you can adhere to these habits, your enamel will gain its strength back gradually. Therefore, combine these habits with a visit to a dentist for a dental restoration procedure today. The remineralisation process will make the restoration process faster.

Sealants

Sealants are common in young kids, especially ones with early onset teeth decay. The dentist places the sealant at the back of the teeth which hardens in the presence of ultraviolet light. The procedure can last several years. Furthermore, the process will eliminate further enamel decay but may not restore damaged enamel.

However, sealants do contain trace amounts of bisphenol acid which is thankfully not harmful in the tiny amount necessary. Also, the bisphenol acid only lasts about 3 hours on the sealant after application. Hence, get in touch with a dentist today and find out if sealants are ideal for your teeth.

Related Article: How Long is Recovery from a Tooth Extraction?

In the End

There are many ways to restore bad teeth and reclaim your self-confidence. Each process has its benefits and drawbacks, so you’ll have to take your time before making a decision. If you’re unsure of where to begin, visit a dental office in your area.

Our dental services at Osmine Denture can cater to your questions and make suitable suggestions for you. We’ll explain each process to you and guide you through the process. We offer multiple options for restoring bad teeth and guarantee you a return to your bright and confident smile.

Call 647-294-3310 today to book an appointment.