Cosmetic Dentistry Can Restore Your Bright Smile

Your smile is one of the first things that others see when they look at you, but if you feel self-conscious about the way your teeth look, you probably find yourself smiling less and less. Fortunately, dentists and orthodontists offer procedures designed to improve your teeth’s appearance and get you smiling again. Learn more about two popular dental cosmetic procedures before your next appointment.

Bronx Dentists Install Durable Dental Implants

A dental implant is an excellent alternative to dentures or bridges. Cosmetic dentists in the Bronx, NY can install artificial implants into empty jaw sockets that once held natural teeth. After a tooth is knocked out accidentally or extracted on purpose, empty space may become occupied by surrounding teeth. In order to prevent some teeth from shifting, it's important that the gap be filled with an implant as soon as possible.

There are several major steps in the installation of an implant. First, a surgical incision is made deep into the jaw in order to properly insert a titanium screw or anchor. It may take several months for the metallic part to naturally bond with bone tissue and fully heal. This fascinating biological process is known as osseointegration, when live bones fuse together with external materials that are implanted by humans.

The second step in dental implantation involves the attachment of an abutment, which is a small hook that is used to securely connect a screw with a crown. Made from porcelain, a dental crown is available in a myriad of colors that are designed to mimic the natural texture of enamel. A cosmetic dentist has the expertise to match artificial crowns with a patient’s surrounding teeth.

For healthy adults, the time span for complete installation of a dental implant may take well over six months. Such a comprehensive procedure requires plenty of patience especially if complications arise such as infections around the metal anchor or crown.

Dental Implants in Bronx Improve Self-Esteem

Neglected tooth decay and fatal trauma are common causes of permanent teeth loss in American adults. Tooth loss could ruin an otherwise beautiful smile, eventually contributing to reduced self-esteem and poor oral health. For permanent tooth loss, dental implants are the most effective remedy.

What Are Dental Implants?

The Academy of Osseointegration defines dental implant as a prosthetic device that replaces lost teeth and blends naturally with the original ones. Dental implants replace the tooth’s root or the lower part that connects to the jawbone, while providing a firm hold to which an artificial crown could be attached. Dental implants nowadays are made of titanium and fuse well with the bone, making them more durable and lasting.