It is a fact of life that as we age our once bright, white smile starts to change, and not for the better. Sometimes those changes come in the form of stains and discoloration, other times it comes in the form of cracked or broken teeth.
When these changes happen, many people just accept it. They believe it is just a sign of getting older, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Prosthodontics can help.
What is Prosthodontics?
Prosthodontics is a form of dentistry that is concerned with helping to improve the look and appearance of the teeth. While a general dentist may offer services that promise to replace teeth, it is a prosthodontist that most people rely upon for this service. It is their goal to create replacement teeth that are realistic looking.
Do Prosthodontists Have Additional Training or Education?
Prosthodontists have gone through extensive training and continuing education courses in order to provide the services they do to patients. Once an individual has completed general dentist school, he or she must take an additional three years of classes before the term ‘prosthodontist’ can be used.
The additional three years of schooling allows dentists to perfect their skills as a dentist. They learn how to diagnosis and treat dental problems that require the help of a prosthodontist, interact with other dentists to create a dental plan that helps the patient, and how to create prosthodontics that look realistic.
What Services May I Need as I Age?
Prosthodontists offer a number of services that you will find valuable as you age. Some of the services offered by prosthodontists include:
• Dental implants
• Full dentures
• Partial dentures
• Bridges
• Veneers
• Crowns
These services can help you replace one or more missing teeth, as well as help with the replacement of gums.
How Do I Know What Dental Services are Right for Me?
Every individual is different when it comes to what dental services they will need. For example, an individual trying to brighten and whiten their smile may be able to do so with veneers or professional teeth whitening services, while someone with missing or broken teeth may need partial dentures or dental implants.
The best, and only, way to determine what services you need to help you get your smile back to its former self is to schedule a consultation with a prosthodontist. During the consultation, the prosthodontist will evaluate your situation and determine what dental services you may need in order to restore your smile.
Depending upon your situation and what you need done, you may receive several recommendations for treatment. Other times, you may only have one option available to you. It is important to discuss your options with your prosthodontist to determine which one is the best for you.
Don’t assume you have to live with stained teeth or broken/missing teeth just because you are older. Schedule an appointment with Denver prosthodontist Dr. Aldo Leoparti to see how your smile can be restored in just a few visits.