Every year, hundreds of thousands of individuals make the decision to get clean and stop doing drugs. While renewed energy, a brighter future, and better health are advantages of this lifestyle change, reminders of the addiction can still remain. This is especially true for those who were addicted to drugs such as heroin, meth, and cocaine, as those can leave teeth stained and damaged. For those who want to eliminate these reminders, modern dentistry can help. The solutions below are a few examples of some of the most effective ways to bring back a beautiful smile.
1. Fillings
For individuals who neglected to care for their teeth during their addiction, fillings may be necessary to restore dental health. While silver fillings are still common, those that are tooth-colored can offer a more natural appearance. Teeth that are considerably damaged may need to have a root canal done before a filling can be placed.
2. Veneers
Veneers can cover imperfect and damaged teeth to create the perfect smile in an instant. Traditionally made of extremely thin porcelain, veneers are permanently bonded to the top of teeth with careful thought to placement. Most veneers require that natural teeth are structurally altered before veneers are applied so they feel comfortable and natural in the mouth. Veneers are custom made for each individual in order to ensure the teeth fit the mouth perfectly and give the most natural appearance possible.
3. Dentures
In situations where the removal of teeth is necessary, dentures can be a viable way to restore the look of a full smile. These can be created for one or multiple teeth and are not permanent. Instead, they are custom made for each individual and then temporarily bonded so they can be easily cleaned. Most individuals who wear these take them out at night in a cleaning solution so they stay looking white. Dentures do look like natural teeth, although they may take a while to get used to for those who are missing a few teeth.
4. Crowns
Like veneers, crowns cover natural teeth in order to hide cracks, stains, and other imperfections. However, these are more similar to caps, as they cover the entire tooth to help restore structural integrity. These can help save teeth that are otherwise too weak or damaged to handle the pressure of chewing food. Each crown is custom made to ensure a secure and comfortable fit.
5. Dental Implants
For those who want a more permanent solution for a missing tooth, dental implants are the way to go. These are custom made for each individual and surgically implanted into the gums with a metal post in the jawbone. The procedure to have this done is more involved than dentures, although the more permanent solution makes it appealing. When looking at a dental implant, it’s difficult to tell the difference between it and a natural tooth because they look so realistic.
6. Whitening
Professional teeth whitening can help soften the look of stains that can become evident after lengthy drug use. Some whitening procedures can even lift the color of the teeth several shades in order to create a brighter smile.
7. Extractions
Tooth Extractions are often necessary to remove extremely damaged or decayed teeth and eliminate infections. While this will leave a gap along the gum line, it can help improve your oral and overall health while eliminating the risk of infection. Most individuals choose dental implants in order to achieve a healthier aesthetic with their smile. The time it takes to heal is minimal and dentures or implants can remedy the gap.
Which Solution is Right for You?
In order to determine the ideal dental solutions that are needed to restore your smile, it’s imperative to speak with a dentist. They will analyze the damage, whether it is multiple cavities or extensive decay, and determine which is best for your oral health. While it’s true that drug use can take a toll on your teeth, the damage left behind doesn’t have to last forever. The solutions your dentist finds can help give you a smile you can feel proud to show off in your new sober life. For some, this is a long road, albeit one that ends up being well worth it for beautiful teeth.