Restorative dentistry solutions for imperfect smiles
Hackensack, New Jersey patients who need restorative dentistry can work with our husband-and-wife team at State Street Smiles to learn more about the options available to them.
What are some of the more common restorative dentistry procedures available at State Street Smiles?
Drs. Edward and Dina Jackson of State Street Smiles are pleased to offer the following restorative solutions for patients:
- Dental fillings. Dental fillings repair broken or decayed teeth. Our dentists will remove the decay and then fill the tooth with a special filling material known as composite resin bonding, which looks just like natural tooth enamel.
- Dental crowns. Also known as ācaps,ā dental crowns are used to restore severely damaged teeth. A crown can be made of porcelain, gold, or other materials. It acts like coverage for the entire visible part of the natural tooth structure above the gum line to strengthen it and help it look better aesthetically.
- Dental bridges. These devices are often used when one or more missing teeth need to be replaced. A bridge consists of one or more false teeth held in place by metal or porcelain crowns attached to the natural teeth on either side of the gap.
- Root canal therapy. Root canal therapy is used when a tooth becomes infected due to decay or injury. Our dentists will remove the infected pulp and replace it with a filling to save the tooth from unnecessary extraction.
- Full and partial dentures. For those with multiple missing teeth, full and partial dentures can provide a lifelike replacement option. Full or complete dentures are complete sets of artificial teeth, while partials are just for one section of the mouth. Both types sit atop an acrylic base that fits snugly onto your gums and provides support for chewing food.
Schedule an appointment with us to find out more about restorative treatments!
At State Street Smiles of Hackensack, NJ, we are committed to ensuring patients of all ages in our community have access to affordable and quality restorative dentistry procedures. If you require repair work for your teeth and gums, call our office today to request an appointment at 405 Main Street. Our practice can be reached by calling (201) 389-2183 and serves patients in the surrounding communities of Maywood, Teaneck, and Paramus, NJ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can restorative dental work improve my bite alignment?
Yes, restorative dentistry can significantly improve bite alignment. Procedures like dental crowns, bridges, or implants replace or repair damaged teeth and restore proper alignment. A misaligned bite can lead to issues like uneven tooth wear, jaw pain, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems. By restoring missing or damaged teeth, dentists can correct how your teeth come together, ensuring a balanced bite. This can enhance both function and comfort, reducing the risk of long-term complications like TMJ disorders or chronic headaches.
How does restorative dentistry affect facial aesthetics?
Restorative dentistry can enhance facial aesthetics by supporting facial structure and preventing the sunken appearance often associated with tooth loss. Missing or damaged teeth can lead to a loss of bone density in the jaw, causing the face to sag and making patients appear older. Dental implants, crowns, and bridges restore tooth function and help maintain the shape of your face. Well-aligned and healthy teeth also contribute to a more youthful appearance, improving your smile and overall facial harmony, giving you a more confident look.
What are inlays and onlays, and how do they differ from crowns?
Inlays and onlays are custom-made dental restorations that repair damage to the biting surface of a tooth. An inlay fits within the grooves of a tooth, while an onlay covers one or more of the tooth’s cusps. Both are used when a tooth is too damaged for a filling but not enough to require a full crown. Crowns, on the other hand, cover the entire tooth, providing more extensive protection. Inlays and onlays preserve more of the natural tooth structure, offering a less invasive solution when compared to crowns.
Can someone with dental restorations like veneers or crowns have their teeth whitened?
Crowns, veneers, and fillings are restorations not impacted by teeth whitening procedures, which only function on natural tooth enamel. If you undergo whitening, the restored teeth may remain the same shade, leading to uneven coloring between natural teeth and restorations. However, dentists can color-match new restorations to your whitened teeth for a uniform appearance. It’s important to discuss whitening goals with your dentist before any restorative work so they can help you achieve a seamless smile. If you already have restorations, you may need to replace them to match your whitened teeth.
Can dental fillings or crowns break or wear down over time?
Dental fillings and crowns can wear down or break over time, especially if subjected to excessive force from teeth grinding (bruxism) or chewing on hard objects. Although restorative materials like composite resin and porcelain are durable, they are not indestructible. Regular wear and tear, poor oral hygiene, or trauma can compromise the longevity of fillings or crowns. Dentists recommend routine check-ups to monitor the condition of restorations and make repairs or replacements when necessary. Proper care, including avoiding hard foods and addressing grinding, can help extend the life of these restorations.
How do dental implants affect surrounding natural teeth?
Dental implants provide a stand-alone tooth replacement solution that does not affect surrounding natural teeth. Unlike bridges, which rely on neighboring teeth for support, implants are anchored directly into the jawbone. This helps preserve the health and structure of adjacent teeth. Additionally, implants prevent teeth from shifting into the gap left by a missing tooth, maintaining the alignment of your bite. Implants can even improve the stability of your entire dental arch by distributing the forces of chewing more evenly across your teeth.
Can restorative dentistry improve my ability to chew?
Yes, restorative dentistry can significantly improve your ability to chew. Missing or damaged teeth can make it difficult to break down food properly, leading to digestion issues and discomfort. Restorative treatments such as crowns, bridges, dentures, or implants restore the function of your teeth, allowing you to chew more effectively. Dental implants, in particular, provide a stable foundation that mimics the strength of natural teeth, making it easier to eat a wide variety of foods. By restoring your teeth, you can enjoy improved function, comfort, and a more balanced diet.
