Restore 

The most common way to treat a cavity is for your dentist to remove the decay and fill the tooth with one of several different materials. These filling materials include gold, porcelain, silver amalgam (which consists of mercury mixed with silver, tin, zinc and copper), tooth-colored plastic or composite resin.

A composite resin veneer is made from a tooth-colored filling material that is bonded to the tooth.

Benefits of composite resin veneers:

• usually, less tooth enamel needs to be removed than for a crown or a porcelain veneer
• may mean fewer visits to the dentist; sometimes a composite resin veneer can take just one visit
• cost less than porcelain veneers
• are easy to fix if they get damaged; although composite veneers are generally not as stain-resistant or wear-resistant as porcelain veneers, they can be repaired easily and quickly

Tips for taking care of your restorative dentistry work
 

• Brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day.

• Maintain a strict schedule for routine cleaning and exam.

• Electric toothbrushes can help remove plaque from your teeth and restorative work.

• Make sure to floss around your teeth, dental implants, crowns, and bridges every day.

• Try not to chew on hard or sticky foods. These can damage your implant, bridge, or crown.

• Use an antibacterial mouthwash to help fight plaque bacteria around restorative work.

A crown is a cover or "cap" your dentist can put over a tooth. The crown restores the tooth to its normal shape, size, and function. A crown can make the tooth stronger or improve the way it looks.

Why do I need a crown?
You may need a crown if you:
• have a cavity that is too large for a filling
• have a tooth that is cracked, worn down, or otherwise weakened
• have had root canal treatment-the crown will protect the restored tooth
• want to cover a discolored or badly shaped tooth and improve your smile

If you want to improve your smile, dental veneers are a simple option. Veneers are thin coverings that are placed over the front (visible) part of the tooth. They look like natural teeth. Veneers can be used to correct a wide range of dental issues, such as:

• teeth that are permanently stained and can't be whitened
• chipped or worn teeth
• crooked or misshapen teeth
• uneven spaces or a large gap between the upper front teeth

Veneers are made of either porcelain or composite resin. As your dentist, I will help you choose the material that is best for you. Each type of veneer has its own benefits.

Porcelain Veneers
A porcelain veneer is a thin shell that is custom-made to fit on the front surface of your tooth.

Benefits of porcelain veneers:

• they are strong and long-lasting
• they have a natural-looking surface
• less tooth enamel needs to be removed than with a crown or cap
• they don't stain easily

Steps to placing a porcelain veneer:

1. To prepare the tooth, your dentist usually removes a small amount of enamel from the front and sides of your tooth. This makes room for the veneers so that your teeth look natural.
2. Your dentist makes an impression, or a mold, of the prepared tooth. They also work with you to decide on the veneer shade that will look best for your smile.
3. The impression is sent to a dental lab that custom-makes the porcelain veneer to fit your tooth. This may take several days. Your dentist may give you a temporary veneer to wear until your porcelain veneer is ready.
4. At the next visit, your dentist places the veneer on your tooth to check its fit and shape. After any adjustments, your teeth are cleaned and the veneer is bonded to the tooth.
5. Your dentist may need to make minor adjustments to your bite at a later appointment.