Bridges are a more traditional way to replace a tooth or missing teeth. A crown is made to fit onto at least one tooth adjacent to the space of the missing tooth. The false tooth or teeth are then joined to the crown on the existing tooth and the whole structure is then cemented into position. The patient cannot remove the bridge once it has been put in place. To clean the bridge requires special cleaning equipment.
Many patients who have a cleft lip or palate have missing teeth in the area of the cleft and require attention from a prosthodontist. Many palates with defects are closed surgically, however some may require an obturator to close the palate. Jessica A.Pandich, DDS, can help fabricate an obturator that will aid the patient in both speech and swallowing.
If you have missing teeth or misshapen teeth because they never developed properly then Jessica A.Pandich, DDS can help. They can provide the best solution to replace and/or restore these teeth. If the tooth structure throughout your mouth is underdeveloped then a prosthodontist can help restore your teeth to their proper form and function.
A crown is fitted to the biting surface of tooth to restore normal tooth function. They can be made from a range of materials including metal and porcelain or a mixture of both. Crowns can be used for teeth with large fillings, those that have had root canals, teeth that have fractured or misshapen and or discolored teeth.
Dental implants are usually made of titanium that are fixed onto the jawbone and capped with a natural-looking crown. They may be used to replace one or more missing teeth.
Dentures are a traditional method of replacing teeth, usually when all or many are missing. However, many patients find it difficult wearing dentures because of the decreased stability and chewing function. For this reason dental implants are the preferred option.
Jessica A.Pandich, DDS, specializes in performing techniques that help enhance the appearance of a smile. She can perform techniques such as teeth whitening, reshaping of natural teeth or the bonding of tooth-colored material to teeth to help improve the esthetics of a smile.
Removable partial dentures are used to replace teeth when there are multiple missing teeth, weak anchor teeth, or no posterior teeth to anchor on to. The structure is usually made with a plastic base that holds the teeth and is tied together with a metal frame. They must be taken out each night to be cleaned.
You may grind your teeth at night because you are either stressed, tired or both. The pressure exerted on your teeth and the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) can have damaging effects. You can protect your teeth and TMJ by using a custom made night guard.
There are many products available designed to help whiten teeth. These include at-home techniques such as strips, custom made trays with a bleaching gel, or UV light or laser treatment performed at a dental office.
Sleep apnea is the term used to describe the temporary stopping of breathing while sleeping. The usual cause of sleep apnea is that a person’s anatomy causes an obstruction in the airway. Placing a specifically designed night guard in the mouth can reposition the lower jaw and improve the airflow.
If you want to change the shape or color of your teeth you could use porcelain veneers. These are thin layers of porcelain that are etched and then bonded to the enamel of the teeth. To benefit from veneers some preparation is needed beforehand so that the teeth do not result in a bulky appearance.