If you have missing teeth or major problems with your oral health that requires you to get restorative dentistry, the results will be truly amazing – a healthy, strong, beautiful smile. However, many patients are likely to experience an adjustment period after dental implants, dentures, bridges, or porcelain crowns. Time to learn how to make decisions about restorations for your smile and, then, how to get used to having a complete smile.
1. Take the Prep Seriously
Many people who need dental restorations are in that situation because they are missing teeth or have deteriorating teeth due to gum disease. Poor gum health needs to be addressed before any repairs can be made to your smile – healthy gums are a requirement so restorations will fit and work properly. This treatment may set back your timeline for a smile makeover, but no dentist will change your smile without cleaning it up first. Commit to good oral health and then you can commit to a strong, healthy smile.
2. Be Open to Unexpected Solutions
You may enter your Red Bank dentist’s office with every intention of saying no to dentures, but this tooth replacement option is not like it used to be. Restorative dentistry innovations have made modern dentures very wearable, usable, and comfortable.
Even if dentures are unappealing, if dental implants or a dental bridge isn’t right for you, consider your dentist’s suggestion. It’s better to fill the holes in your smile than leave them open and a partial denture may get the job done. With this type of solution, combined with dental implants, an appliance is permanently fitted in place to replace multiple teeth at once without covering the palate.
3. Invest in a Permanent Solution
Modern dental restorations are made to last but no procedure lasts longer than dental implants. Both tooth root and tooth crown are replaced with a permanent solution so you can feel great about the condition of your smile forever. Having a restoration above and below the gum line means your smile is that much stronger and natural-looking and you can speak, bite, and chew with confidence.
Dental implants can be combined with dentures to provide a full-arch or partial-arch solution, eliminating the need for any sort of unreliable adhesive. An implant can also be done for just one missing tooth. It is always better to fill a hole in your smile than to allow room to move and interrupt your oral health, damage tissues, or impact the condition of jaw health.
4. Be Patient as You Adjust
Modern tooth replacement options are pretty wonderful. They look and feel natural. The thing that feels different for many people is finally having teeth where they may not have had any for a long time. Encountering a tooth where there used to be a space will feel strange for your tongue and when eating. Even your cheeks, gums, lips, and palate need to get used to these changes.
Be patient with yourself and what you’re experiencing – eventually your dental implants, dentures, or bridges will blend into your mouth and the discomfort will fade. Discuss your questions and concerns with the dental team at Red Bank Dentistry. Contact us to schedule a consultation.