Tooth damage can come in many forms — decay, cavities, chips to the enamel, and bacteria buildup are all issues that can detract from the health and beauty of your smile, as well as cause mouth pain, sensitivity, and interfere with proper occlusion (biting function). When left untreated, minor tooth damage can spiral into more serious or widespread issues. For this reason, our team of dentists strive to treat any concerns as early as possible with our ultimate philosophy: “Prevention is superior to Intervention.” Based on the type of tooth damage requiring treatment, potential treatments include:
- Crowns (Partial or Fully Bonded): Dental crowns are restorations placed over a damaged tooth to add strength, reinforcement, and protection from further harm. They can help address a crack, chip, or fracture in the enamel, or heal a tooth affected by extensive decay. In most cases, dental crowns are utilized to protect the molar teeth and/or placed in complement with other treatments, such as dental implants.
- Veneers or “Creneers” (Wrap Veneers): Composite or porcelain veneers can be ideal when trying to improve more cosmetic issues, including gaps, misalignments, and discoloration. Veneers work to hide these aesthetic flaws, but cannot effectively address pain or other functional problems.
- Bonding and Composite Restorations: Cosmetic and functional bonding involves a biomimetic, conservative treatment to repair mild tooth damage. A composite resin is applied to the tooth in layers and sculpted, restoring a full, healthy tooth structure for enamel damaged by minor chips and cracks.
- Full mouth reconstruction: A more extensive treatment plan can be created for individuals who have multiple issues with the form and/or function of their teeth. With full mouth rehabilitation, treatments are combined to address tooth loss, pain, a poor bite, and cosmetic issues, among other forms of damage. This is often staged with transitional bonding, which can make the project more financially conservative for the patient.
Depending on the severity of damage observed, certain treatments may be combined to achieve the best results. If your smile is affected by decay, bacteria buildup, or gum disease, preventative treatments like cavity fillings/restorations and periodontal therapy may also be suggested. Ultimately, our cosmetic dentist and multi-skilled team will work with you to develop a custom treatment plan tailored for your individual needs. Our goal is to not only renew your smile, but also to repair damage and identify any issues with your oral health.
Dr Clarence Tam and our knowledgeable team of dentists are passionate about helping each patient find the right solution to improve their concerns and restore a beautifully healthy smile. Don’t hesitate to contact Tam Dental Group at our Auckland office for more information, or to talk about your goals in a personal consultation.