Frequently Asked Questions about Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry
The dentists at Geissberger, DDS use restorative dentistry with an emphasis on aesthetics to treat discolored, misaligned, broken, or missing teeth as well as cavities, excess gum tissue, and other dental problems. For answers to additional questions, contact our practice today.
- What is restorative dentistry?
- I have several missing teeth. What can be done?
- What’s the difference between a filling and an inlay?
- My dentist suggested I get a bridge. What are my other options?
- My crown keeps falling out. Can this be fixed?
- What is cosmetic dentistry?
- My teeth are stained. Is there anything I can do?
- Are there options besides braces for crooked teeth?
- How are porcelain veneers different from dental bonding?
- Can anything be done to fix my “gummy” smile?
- How can I completely make over my smile?
- I have a lot of silver and gold fillings. Can they be replaced with something less noticeable?
- Does your practice offer general dental care?
- What is the best way to keep my smile healthy?
- What is a periodontal disease?
- I hear popping noises when I chew. What should I do?
Restorative Dentistry Questions
- What is restorative dentistry? Restorative dentistry is used to fix structural problems including damaged and missing teeth. Restorative devices such as crowns and bridges, dentures, inlays and onlays, and implants can be used to restore full function to the mouth.
- I have several missing teeth. What can be done? Your restorative dentist will determine the best course of treatment to replace your missing teeth using crowns, bridges, dentures, or dental implants.
- What’s the difference between a filling and an inlay? With fillings, after the cavity is drilled, the gold, silver, or tooth-colored filling material is applied to fill the cavity. With inlays, the dentist measures the shape of the cavity, and the porcelain inlay is laboratory-crafted to fit that shape. In a second visit, the cavity is drilled so that the inlay can be inserted.
- My dentist suggested I get a bridge. What are my other options? While dental bridges are appropriate for some patients, dental implants are a more permanent solution for replacing lost teeth. Since implants are rooted in the gums like natural teeth, they are able to secure artificial crowns and full and partial dentures without using surrounding teeth for support. Implants feel completely natural and achieve lasting results.
- My crown keeps falling out. Can this be fixed? Crowns that do not fit or do not have enough supporting tooth structure can fall out. Your restorative dentist can fix this problem by reattaching the crown, securing it with a bridge, or installing a dental implant.
Cosmetic Dentistry Questions
- What is cosmetic dentistry? While other fields of dentistry focus on repairing functional dental problems, cosmetic dentistry is concerned with aesthetic enhancement. Many patients’ smiles function well but have aesthetic flaws, including misaligned or discolored teeth. Cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, and Invisalign® teeth straightening can eliminate such issues to enhance patients’ overall appearance.
- My teeth are stained. Is there anything I can do? Geissberger, DDS offers a highly effective and convenient teeth whitening treatment that you can use in the comfort of your own home. Simply wear your teeth whitening trays overnight for about a week to enjoy a remarkably brighter smile.
- Are there options besides braces for crooked teeth? Thanks to Invisalign®, adults wishing to straighten misaligned teeth do not have to wear awkward orthodontic braces. The Invisalign® clear plastic aligners reposition your teeth discreetly and comfortably. Patients who wear them day and night and remove them only to eat, floss, and brush see results in as little as six months to a year.
- How are porcelain veneers different from dental bonding? Dental bonding and porcelain veneers are used to cover the front of the tooth to mask imperfections. Dental bonding material is applied to the tooth in one office visit to cover small chips and discolorations. The application of veneers is more complicated since it requires that part of the tooth be removed in an initial dental visit. The veneer is then crafted in a dental laboratory and affixed to the tooth about two weeks later. Veneers generally achieve a more radical transformation than bonding, making a person's entire smile look brighter and more harmonious.
- Can anything be done to fix my “gummy” smile? Gum contouring is an excellent option for patients who would like to raise the level of their gums to improve their smile. During the procedure, the excess gum tissue is removed to reveal more of the underlying tooth structure, thereby achieving a brighter, more balanced smile overall.
- How can I completely make over my smile? Restorative and cosmetic dentistry techniques can be combined to completely revitalize your smile. Restorative procedures such as crowns, bridges, full and partial dentures, inlays and onlays, and implants restore badly damaged and missing teeth. Cosmetic dentistry offers an array of aesthetic options such as teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, dental bonding, tooth-colored fillings, elective gum contouring, and Invisalign®. When combined to meet your needs, these cutting-edge options can make your dream smile a reality in just a few visits to our office.
- I have a lot of silver and gold fillings. Can they be replaced with something less noticeable? Your dentist can remove silver and gold fillings and replace them with tooth-colored fillings. Tooth-colored fillings are made of high-grade dental porcelain and blend unobtrusively with the natural color of your teeth.
General Dentistry Questions
- Does your practice offer general dental care? Yes. Geissberger, DDS offers routine cleanings and extractions, preventive care and education, periodontal care, orthotic splints, and TMJ treatment. Your overall dental health is our top priority.
- What is the best way to keep my smile healthy? To maintain optimal dental health, you must practice consistent oral hygiene by brushing and flossing daily; maintain a healthy diet, and schedule a routine cleaning with your dentist every six months.
- What is a periodontal disease? Periodontal disease is a chronic infection of the gums and jawbone by bacteria in residual plaque. If left untreated, it can require extraction of the infected tooth. Geissberger, DDS offers periodontal care to treat gum disease.
- I hear popping noises when I chew. What should I do? If you hear popping noises when you chew, experience jaw pain, or have frequent neck pain or headaches, you may have TMJ disorder. TMJ problems affect the muscles, ligaments, and bones of the TM (“temporomandibular”) joints that control the movement of the mouth. NTI appliances and orthotic splints effectively treat TMJ disorder.
NTI appliances utilize the body’s natural NTI (nociceptive trigeminal inhibitory) reflex, which keeps the mouth from fully biting down on hard objects. The clear plastic appliance fits over the top front teeth like a tiny sleeve. This temporarily enlarges the top teeth so they come into contact with the bottom teeth earlier, triggering the NTI reflex and preventing the jaw from fully clenching. This lessens the strain on the jaw caused by over-clenching.
Orthotic splints are used to treat jaw pain caused by bite occlusion. Instead of restoring all the teeth, the splint repositions the jaw and prevents clenching. The plastic splint resembles a mouth guard and can be worn day or night.
Contact Geissberger, DDS to Learn More
Our dentists and staff welcome your questions and concerns. To get more information or to schedule a consultation, contact our practice today.