 |
  |
     |
|
   |
|
    |
 |
---• Tooth-Colored Fillings ---• Crowns ---• Bridges What is Bonding? Bonding is the application of tooth-colored composite resin directly to a tooth. Bonding can be used cosmetically to change the size or shape of a tooth creating a more attractive smile. In some instances, it may be an alternative to orthodontic treatment. Tooth stains and discolorations that do not respond to tooth whitening systems may be concealed with Bonding. Bonding does not last as long as Porcelain Veneers or Crowns, but can last many years with proper care. What can you expect during and after the Bonding procedure? This procedure can be completed in one visit. The dentist will remove a very small amount of the tooth structure giving an area for adhesion. A conditioning agent may be applied, then the application of adhesive and composite resin. The dentist contours the resin for appearance and is hardened by a special curing light. The bonded area can be maintained in the same fashion as your natural teeth with regular brushing and flossing at home and regular examinations in our office.What are Tooth-Colored Fillings? Tooth-Colored Fillings are alternate option to metal fillings. These fillings may follow one of two processes: 1) Direct restoration – a composite resin applied in one visit, 2) Indirect restoration – porcelain or composite resin custom-designed by our dental laboratory (inlay or onlay) taking two appointments. What are the advantages of Tooth-Colored Fillings? There are many benefits in choosing Tooth-Colored Fillings: ---• Natural looking, aesthetically pleasing ---• Biocompatibility ---• Minimal chance of allergic reaction ---• No metal sensitivity occurring or mercury use ---• Strong and durable What can you expect during and after this Tooth-Colored Filling procedure? The Direct restoration is completed in one appointment. The affected area is prepared and composite resin is applied directly. The Indirect process requires two visits to our office. First, we will prepare the affected area(s) and make impressions of your teeth that our lab will use to create a replica of your mouth. We will place a temporary filling onto the tooth for protection. During the second appointment, the temporary is removed and the new inlay or onlay is adhered. Both procedures can be cared for with normal, dental hygiene. What is a Crown (or Cap)? Crowns are dental restorations, similar to Porcelain Veneers, but used in instances when the tooth is extremely weak or worn. A Crown is bonded all the way around the tooth to add more strength and durability. The Crown is applied to protect and preserve the remaining portion of a tooth that has large defects caused by grinding of teeth, tooth decay, root canals, decay beneath a filling, lost filling, chipping or cracking of the enamel. Natural-looking crowns made of porcelain can be an option to enhance your smile, as a metal-free, tooth-colored crown may be used or can replace an older crown. What are the benefits of a Crown? Crowns offer several aesthetic advantages: ---• Strengthen or preserve tooth function ---• Improve overall health of mouth ---• Porcelain or composite resin Crowns are almost impossible to differentiate from natural teeth What can you expect when you receive a Crown? At the time of your first visit, the dentist will need to prepare the teeth by making an impression. The dental lab will then fashion a replica of your mouth and fabricate the new Crowns. A temporary restoration is secured to protect the prepared teeth. During the second appointment, the dentist removes the temporary, tests the new Crown, and permanently secures it with an adhesive bonding. A regimen of proper dental care will keep your Crowns easily maintained.
A Bridge basically functions as a replacement for
a missing tooth or teeth. In cases of missing teeth, a Bridge prevents
remaining teeth from shifting. They may be used as a permanent (non-removable)
alternative to partials or full dentures. There are several types
of Bridges: 1) Crowns placed on either side of the missing tooth
attaching the replacement tooth or teeth to them, 2) Replacement
tooth attached to adjacent teeth with fitted, wing-like pieces,
3) Supported by dental implants. |
|
