Understanding the Range of Your Treatment Options: From Porcelain Veneers, Crowns, Dental Implants, and Everything in Between

Is your smiles problem isolated, involving only a few teeth, or does it go deeper, involving many teeth or even the overall structure of your bite? The key is to define and understand the problem and the various approaches that may help to correct it.

For minor tooth problems, you’re looking for a minor fix. For major problems, you’re looking for a major fix. Certainly it’s easier to deal with a specific problem. For example, if you have lost a tooth, then it’s easy to live with the space, or get an implant, denture, or bridge. But the greater the problem, the more comprehensive a solution you need.

Dentists may not be able to correct the problem of short teeth by simply lengthening the teeth – they may have to work with the gums, or change the overall bite.

It’s important to understand that there are several potential treatments for every problem. There may be four different treatment choices for your particular situation, or there may be only two. Just make sure that your dentist explains the full spectrum of treatment options. Ask what your options are, all the way from doing nothing to pursuing the most comprehensive possible course of treatment.

Read all about this and a lot more in my book, A Guide to the Perfect Smile. Happy reading!

Edward S. Philips, D.D.S.