Repairing broken, damaged teeth is at the heart of modern dentistry, allowing millions of people to have the smiles they want.
Damaged teeth can be incredibly detrimental to our self-image. Teeth that are stained or starting to yellow work to prematurely age us and create an overall less attractive appearance.
Repairing damaged teeth is typically done using three methods offered by Dr. Sands—porcelain veneers, dental implants, and dental bonding—that all help restore and brighten smiles.
Porcelain Veneers
One of the first dental porcelain veneers came as a result of Hollywood, where stars—and their megawatt smiles—have to look their best to always keep shining.
Veneers have continued evolving since their Tinsel Town origins, becoming one of the most popular ways to update your smile and get teeth dazzling again.
How Veneers Are Done
An impression of the patient’s teeth is first made that helps Dr. Sands create porcelain veneers customized to each patient.
Temporary veneers are used between treatments. Once these are removed, the custom veneers are bonded to teeth’s surface for immediate, visible improvement.
Benefits of Veneers
- Natural-looking results
- Versatile and easily adapted to each patient’s needs
- Can last up to 15 years
- Strong and stain-resistant
Veneer Candidates
Patients with moderate to severe yellowing or stains across the surface of the teeth are great candidates for porcelain veneers, as they repair and strengthen the surface.
Veneers are also useful for repairing teeth that are crooked or fixing large gaps between teeth.
Dental Implants
Teeth with extensive damage may need more than just surface treatment. Some teeth may be so damaged as to need replacement, which is where dental implants come in.
Using implants made of titanium or zirconium, dental implants help repair teeth that are damaged and restore functionality for a beautiful, naturally healthy smile
How Dental Implants Are Done
There are three phases to placing a dental implant:
Phase 1: The titanium or zirconium implant is placed into the jawbone. It gradually fuses into the jawbone to serve as the new tooth’s root.
Phase 2: An abutment and crown are created for the new tooth.
Phase 3: The crown and abutment are fixed to the implant to create a new, repaired tooth.
Benefits of Dental Implants
- Replaces damaged or broken teeth
- Improves functionality lost due to damage
- Improves overall smile appearance
- Lasts an entire lifetime
Dental Implant Candidates
Dental implants are a good treatment for patients who are missing teeth due to trauma or have damaged teeth that need to be replaced.
They’re also great for fixing wide gaps between teeth or crooked, misshapen teeth.
Compared to dentures or other measures, dental implants are hygienic and designed to last a lifetime, improving overall oral health.
Dental Bonding
Similar to veneers, dental bonding uses a process that targets the surface of the teeth to create a bright, beautiful smile again.
Dental bonding is a quick process with minimal downtime, making it an appealing option for patients on the go.
How Dental Bonding Is Done
Dr. Sands carefully chooses a bonding shade that will match and naturally enhance existing teeth.
The surfaces of the teeth are lightly etched and brushed with a bonding liquid that keeps the resin adhered to teeth. This resin is sculpted, molded, and hardened with a special light.
Benefits of Dental Bonding
- Quick, painless procedure
- Provides immediate, visible improvement
- Lasts up to 10 years
- Easily customizable
Dental Bonding Candidates
Patients looking to repair years of discoloration or staining are great candidates for dental bonding. Its minimally invasive process provides a quick improvement to your smile that lasts for years.
For patients who are simply looking for cosmetic improvement or whose teeth are only slightly damaged, dental bonding is a better alternative than more invasive methods like dental implants.
Interested in Learning More?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Sands by calling our Beverly Hills office at 310-273-0111 or using our contact form online.