Dental problems, such as cavities, fractures, or worn teeth, often require restoration to improve both function and appearance. Modern dental care provides various types of restorative options, each designed for different needs and levels of damage. If you’re thinking about dental treatments in Southeast Asia, including a dental inlay Thailand, its a service worth exploring due to its advanced techniques and affordability.
Fillings
When it comes to minor tooth decay or small cavities, dental fillings are a common solution. Dentists typically use materials like amalgam, composite resin, or glass ionomer to fill the damaged area. Composite resin is particularly popular as it blends with the natural color of your teeth. This restorative method is quick and generally performed in a single visit.
Dental Inlays for Moderate Damage
For damage that’s too extensive for fillings but not severe enough for a crown, dental inlays serve as the ideal solution. These are custom-made pieces, often made of porcelain or composite material, which fit perfectly into a tooth’s grooves. They offer great durability and preserve much of the natural tooth structure. Thailand offers high-quality treatments for dental inlays, making it a sought-after destination for such care.
Onlays for Larger Repairs
Similarly to inlays, onlays also repair decayed or damaged teeth, but they cover a larger portion of the tooth. Often referred to as “partial crowns,” these restorations extend over the tooth’s biting surface. Onlays are versatile, providing strength while minimizing the need to remove too much of the tooth’s original structure.
Dental Crowns
When a tooth is severely damaged, cracked, or weakened, crowns come into play. Crowns are caps that completely cover the visible portion of a tooth, restoring its shape, size, and strength. Made from materials like ceramic, metal alloys, or porcelain fused to metal, crowns are highly durable and long-lasting. This option is well-suited for teeth that have undergone root canal treatment or have large fillings.
Veneers
While primarily used for cosmetic purposes, dental veneers can sometimes restore teeth that are slightly damaged or worn. These thin shells of porcelain or composite material are bonded to the front surface of a tooth, improving its appearance while adding structural integrity. Veneers are most effective for front teeth in need of minor repairs or aesthetic upgrades.
Bridges for Replacing Missing Teeth
For patients with missing teeth, dental bridges offer a functional and aesthetic solution. These restorations consist of artificial teeth anchored by crowns placed on adjacent natural teeth. Bridges restore the ability to chew and speak effectively while preventing the surrounding teeth from shifting out of position.
Implants
Dental implants are a modern option for replacing missing teeth entirely. Made of titanium, these are surgically placed into the jawbone to act as a replacement root. Once the implant heals, a crown or bridge is placed atop it. Dental implants are a permanent solution that closely mimics the function of natural teeth, making them a preferred choice for many people.
Dentures
For individuals who have lost more than a few teeth or even an entire arch, dentures remain a practical option. Available as full or partial sets, dentures are removable prosthetics that restore basic functions like chewing and speaking. Advances in materials have made dentures more comfortable and natural-looking than in the past.