When teeth are damaged or missing, it affects more than just your smile—it can impact your ability to chew, speak, and feel confident. Dental or teeth restorations provide effective solutions to repair and replace teeth, restoring both function and aesthetics.

Let’s explore what dental restorations are, the options available, and how they can improve your oral health and confidence.

What Are Dental Restorations?

Dental restorations are procedures used to repair or replace damaged, decayed, or missing teeth. They are essential for maintaining oral health, improving the appearance of your smile, and restoring proper function. Whether you’re dealing with minor tooth damage or the loss of multiple teeth, there’s a restoration option designed to meet your needs.

Types of Tooth Restorations

1. Composite Fillings

Composite fillings are used to repair minor cavities or chipped teeth. Made of tooth-colored resin, they blend seamlessly with natural teeth, providing a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution.

2. Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are custom-made caps that cover damaged or weakened teeth, restoring their shape, size, and strength. They are often used after root canal treatment or to protect teeth with large fillings.

3. Dentures and Partial Dentures

Dentures are removable devices that take the place of missing teeth. Full dentures replace all the teeth in the top or bottom of your mouth, while partial dentures are for people who still have some of their natural teeth. Both types help you chew better and improve your smile.

4. Fixed Bridges

A fixed bridge is a dental solution that fills in gaps created by missing teeth. It involves attaching artificial teeth to the natural teeth next to the gap. Bridges are a strong and reliable way to restore your smile.

5. Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment saves teeth that are severely decayed or infected. The damaged pulp is removed during the procedure, and the tooth is sealed to prevent further infection. A crown is often placed afterward to restore strength and function.

6. Dental Implants

Dental implants are a long-lasting way to replace missing teeth. A small titanium post is placed in the jawbone to act like a tooth root, and a crown is attached to it to look and work like a real tooth. Implants are very strong and stable.

Benefits of Dental Restorations

Restoring damaged or missing teeth offers many benefits, including:

• Improved Oral Function: Restorations make chewing, speaking, and maintaining proper bite alignment easier.
• Enhanced Aesthetics: Repairs and replacements improve the appearance of your teeth, boosting your confidence.
• Prevention of Further Damage: Addressing issues promptly prevents more extensive dental problems down the road.
• Better Oral Health: Filling gaps and treating decay helps maintain overall dental hygiene and health.

Why Choose Plaistow Dental for Your Restorative Care?

At Plaistow Dental, we combine advanced technology with a personalized approach to deliver exceptional results. Our experienced team takes the time to understand your unique needs, ensuring that you receive the most effective and comfortable care possible. Whether you need a simple filling or a full-mouth restoration, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Restore Your Smile Today

Dental restorations are more than just repairs—they’re a way to reclaim your oral health and confidence. Plaistow Dental in Plaistow, NH, is ready to help if you’re dealing with damaged or missing teeth.

Take the first step toward better health. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.

If you’re considering straightening your teeth, you’ve likely heard about Invisalign^®. These clear aligners started a revolution in orthodontic treatment by offering a discreet, comfortable, and effective way to improve your smile. But is Invisalign^® the right choice for you? At Plaistow Dental in Plaistow, NH, we’re here to help you decide. Here are five key signs that you may be a good candidate for Invisalign^®.

1. You Have Mild to Moderate Alignment Issues

Invisalign^® is an excellent solution for correcting common dental alignment problems, such as:

• Crowded teeth.
• Gaps or spacing issues.
• Mild overbites, underbites, or crossbites.

During an Invisalign^® consultation, your dentist will evaluate your oral health, checking for issues like cavities or gum disease. They’ll assess your teeth and jaw alignment to determine if Invisalign^® suits your needs. We use digital scans to create 3D models of your teeth and show potential results.

You’ll discuss your goals, and if you’re a good candidate, you’ll receive a personalized treatment plan with estimated costs and a timeline. If Invisalign^® isn’t right for you, alternative options may be suggested. Additionally, traditional braces or other orthodontic treatments may be recommended for more complex cases.

A consultation at Plaistow Dental can determine if Invisalign^® can effectively address your specific alignment needs.

2. You Have Good Oral Health

Healthy teeth and gums are essential before starting Invisalign^® treatment. Issues like cavities or gum disease can interfere with the process and should be addressed beforehand. At Plaistow Dental, we’ll ensure your oral health is in top condition before moving forward with aligners.

3. You’re Committed to Wearing Aligners Consistently

To achieve the best results, patients must wear Invisalign^® aligners for 20–22 hours daily. This means keeping them in while sleeping, working, and even during social activities, only removing them for meals or brushing your teeth. If you’re disciplined and ready to commit, Invisalign^® could be a perfect fit for your lifestyle.

4. You Want a Discreet Orthodontic Option

One of the biggest advantages of Invisalign^® is its nearly invisible appearance. Whether you’re a professional adult or a self-conscious teen, Invisalign^® provides a subtle solution that doesn’t draw attention to your treatment. If discretion is a priority for you, Invisalign^® is likely an ideal choice.

5. Invisalign^® Fits Your Lifestyle

Invisalign^® aligners are removable, making them more convenient than traditional braces. They’re a great option if you:

• Want to enjoy your favorite foods without restrictions.
• Participate in sports or play musical instruments that might be affected by braces.
• Prefer a treatment option that allows for easy brushing and flossing.

The flexibility of Invisalign^® ensures that it integrates seamlessly into your daily routine.

Why Choose Plaistow Dental for Your Invisalign^® Treatment?

At Plaistow Dental, we’re proud to offer personalized Invisalign^® treatment plans tailored to your needs. Our advanced technology, such as digital impressions, ensures a precise fit for your aligners. Plus, our compassionate team is here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring your journey to a straighter smile is as comfortable and efficient as possible.

Contact us today to schedule your Invisalign^® consultation.

If you or your child is having a frenotomy to fix tongue-tie, it’s important to know that this procedure is just the first step to improving mouth function. A frenotomy helps release the tightness from tongue-tie, but myofunctional therapy is crucial for long-term success. This therapy strengthens the oral muscles, improves tongue movement, and enhances essential functions like speaking and swallowing. Myofunctional therapy before and after surgery can help patients achieve the best results.

How is Tongue-Tie Treated?

Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition that affects the tongue’s mobility due to an unusually short or tight band of tissue (the lingual frenulum) connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth. While it may seem like a minor issue, tongue-tie can significantly affect oral function, speech, and overall quality of life.

Tongue-tie can affect individuals of all ages, from infants struggling with breastfeeding to adults experiencing speech difficulties or jaw tension. Common treatment options include:

• Frenotomy: A quick, minimally invasive procedure to release the restricted tissue and improve tongue mobility, providing immediate physical relief.
• Myofunctional Therapy: Exercises and techniques designed to strengthen oral muscles and improve function before and after a frenotomy.

Many patients find that combining both approaches gives the best results, ensuring that the tongue not only can move but also functions well after the surgery.

How can Myofunctional Therapy Benefit You?

1. Improve Tongue Mobility: Myofunctional therapists will guide patients through specific exercises designed to increase the tongue’s range of motion. These exercises help the tongue move freely and fulfill its necessary functions.
2. Enhance Oral Function: The therapy addresses habits and functions like swallowing, chewing, and speech. Proper tongue posture is essential for these activities, and therapy can help re-train the muscles involved.
3. Facilitate Breathing: Myofunctional therapy encourages nasal rather than oral breathing, which is crucial for optimal oral and facial development.
4. Support Posture and Alignment: The position of the tongue is connected to overall posture. Through therapy, patients can learn how to maintain better posture that supports oral health.
5. Prepare for Surgical Intervention: If surgical options like frenectomy (the surgical release of the tongue-tie) are considered, myofunctional therapy can be beneficial before and after the procedure. Pre-surgery therapy can help prepare the muscles for optimal recovery, while post-surgery therapy can assist in maintaining the benefits of the surgery.

The  Role of Myofunctional Therapy in Tongue-Tie Treatment

Myofunctional therapy takes a complete approach to treating tongue-tie. It looks at not just the physical issues but also how the tongue works and its importance to overall health. While frenotomy addresses the physical restriction, myofunctional therapy ensures the muscles learn to work effectively post-procedure.

• Pre-Procedure: Therapy helps prepare the tongue and surrounding muscles for the frenotomy, making the procedure smoother.
• Post-Procedure: Exercises improve tongue mobility, promote healing, and prevent complications like reattachment.

Coordinated Teamwork

Dentists are uniquely trained to identify tongue-tie and its impacts on oral health and function. At Plaistow Dental, our advanced diagnostic tools allow us to assess the severity of tongue-tie and recommend the most effective treatment plan.

When dentists and myofunctional therapists work together, patients receive a seamless experience that improves both outcomes and recovery times. At Plaistow Dental, we integrate these treatments to deliver a holistic solution tailored to each patient’s unique needs.

Transform Your Oral Function and Quality of Life

Addressing tongue-tie can profoundly impact daily life, improving everything from speech and chewing to overall comfort. Contact Plaistow Dental in Plaistow, NH, today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a healthier, more functional smile.