James T Gray DDS

BONDINGBonding involves matching composite resin material to the color of the tooth and then adhering the material to the front of the tooth. This is done to repair damage done to the tooth by decay, to alter the alignment of the tooth, to close gaps between teeth or for cosmetic purposes.BRIDGESThis is an option for filling the space created by a missing tooth. The bridge is formed to look like the missing tooth and it takes the tooth{s place in the mouth. The sides of a bridge use the two surrounding teeth for support, hence the name. A bridge replaces the missing tooth, both functionally and cosmetically. Bridgework is as much an art as it is an exact science. The materials used may be gold alloys, porcelain bonded to a metal alloy, or all-ceramic material. The choice of material depends on requirements for strength, wear and / or esthetics.It is important that a missing tooth be replaced as soon as possible for several reasons. If not treated, the teeth surrounding the gap begin to shift inward, creating a whole negative chain reaction. Teeth use their neighbors for support and with one missing tooth, they start to "fall." As this worsens, the bite changes in response to the pressure. This can eventually result in problems with the entire jaw, such as TMJ. The surrounding teeth deteriorate and it is just a matter of time before they’re lost. Gum disease becomes a serious problem, with the difficulty of treatment increasing as the neglect continues.