Tooth enamel is the strongest substance in the human body, but it can be eroded by certain foods and drinks or by years of wear and tear. Damaged tooth enamel cannot regenerate on its own and requires specialized treatment.
A team led by MIT engineering professor Elizabeth Gilbert and University of Pittsburgh oral biology professor Elia Beniash has used cutting edge imaging to get a better look at enamel crystals, which are made of hydroxyapatite. Their findings were published in Nature Communications on Sept. 26.
Dental Bonding
Tooth bonding is one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments for three reasons: it’s quick, painless and relatively inexpensive compared to other restorations like veneers or crowns. During this treatment, composite resin is applied directly to your tooth surface to repair or resto 韓国歯科 re its appearance. Your dentist will choose a resin material that matches your natural teeth for an aesthetic look and then use a high-intensity light to set it in place. The procedure usually takes 30-60 minutes per tooth.
Dental bonding is typically less invasive than indirect methods because it’s only done in-office and not at a laboratory. The dentist may need to roughen up your tooth, apply an adhesive or filler, and reshape it before starting the bonding process. You’ll likely need anesthesia if the dentist needs to reshape your tooth by drilling.
The lifespan of your bonded tooth depends on the type of bonding material, your oral habits and how much pressure you put on your teeth. Biting hard substances or chewing endlessly on your chewing gum can crack or destroy the bonding material. You can extend the life of your bonding by brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily and maintaining good oral hygiene routines including regular professional cleanings. This includes avoiding pigmented foods and making sure to use a mouthwash.
Veneers
Veneers are wafer thin “shells” that are permanently bonded over the front of imperfect teeth. They mimic the appearance of natural enamel so that only a dentist and you will know that they are there. The procedure is minimally invasive and requires only a small amount of the tooth’s enamel to be removed before it can be attached. 韓国歯科
The dentist will disinfect and numb the area, then take an impression of the affected teeth to send off for a lab that constructs your veneers. At your final appointment, the dentist will check that the colour and size are right before bonding them to your teeth using a unique dental cement.
In addition to improving your smile’s aesthetics, porcelain veneers can also help with the health of your natural teeth by protecting your damaged enamel. They form an impenetrable barrier that prevents acids in food and drink from eroding the tooth’s surface and creating sensitivity or decay.
Veneers do not require any special care apart from regular brushing and flossing, but the patient should avoid staining foods and drinks such as coffee, tea and red wine to lengthen their lifespan. If underlying causes of enamel loss such as teeth grinding (bruxism) are not addressed, the veneers may need to be replaced sooner.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are a great way to restore your teeth if they have suffered serious damage. They provide protection from further damage, reduce sensitivity and give your teeth a more natural look. You can also use them to correct crooked or misshapen teeth. While there are other ways to fix these problems, crowns are a long term solution that will last for many years if cared for properly.
If you’ve suffered a tooth injury, whether from an accident or just normal wear and tear, it can be devastating. Even a small crack or chip can weaken the tooth, making it more vulnerable to future complications like infections that require extensive dental work to fix. This is why it’s important to get prompt treatment, so a dentist can place a dental crown on the damaged tooth.
Dental crowns are similar to fillings, but they cover the entire tooth instead of just the damaged parts. They are often made from ceramic and fused to metal alloys to increase their strength. Your dentist will prepare the tooth (which can involve a root canal or a filling) before taking a mold of the area and creating a dental crown that fits perfectly in the affected tooth. Once the crown is ready, your dentist will cement it to the damaged tooth and use a temporary restoration to protect the tooth until the permanent crown arrives.
Tooth Whitening
A common cosmetic dentistry procedure, tooth whitening involves using a bleaching agent to lighten the color of teeth. The whitening agent penetrates the enamel and dentin to remove discoloration caused by food, drinks, medications and more. However, a dentist should assess the condition of your mouth before performing a tooth whitening treatment to ensure it is safe and effective. Tooth whitening can also be used to improve the appearance of damaged teeth.
If you’re worried about the health of your teeth, it’s important to visit your dentist on a regular basis for routine cleanings and fluoride treatments. This will help to keep your teeth strong and healthy, which can prevent enamel erosion. It’s also important to avoid eating and drinking acidic foods and drinks, use a soft-bristled toothbrush, rinse with fluoride water after meals, eat calcium-rich and dairy-rich foods and limit sugar intake.
It’s impossible to re-grow lost tooth enamel, but you can prevent further damage with the help of dental treatment and healthy habits. If you’ve already suffered significant enamel erosion, your dentist may recommend dental bonding or veneers. Dental bonding is a resin that is applied to the tooth to protect and restore damaged surfaces, while veneers are thin porcelain shells that can cover the front of severely damaged teeth. Severe damage can also be repaired with a dental crown, which is like a cap that fits over the entire surface of a damaged tooth.