RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY
COMPOSITE RESTORATIONS
(Dental Fillings)
Dental Fillings are a restorative treatment option to repair decay or broken teeth that are of a small to moderate size. In the past, amalgam (silvery metal) material was used for its strength and durability. With modern advancements, a tooth coloured resin material is now preferable and used instead by most modern practices.
Some of the advantages of composite over the silver coloured amalgam fillings are:
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Look fantastic because they are usually the same colour as your natural tooth!
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Don't require as much natural tooth to be cut back because it adheres to the surface.
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Doesn't significantly expand & contract, meaning it shouldn't contribute to cracks & unnecessary tooth loss!
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Doesn't contain any mercury like amalgams, meaning that potential health risk is eliminated.
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It is better for the environment because there is no mercury involved.
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Amalgam mercury fillings have been outlawed in a growing number of countries around the world including Germany.
Composite resign restorations are bonded directly to your tooth and can also be used to repair chipped or misshapen teeth during a single appointment. Other options such as Porcelain Dental Crowns, Inlays & Onlays may also be considered in many cases if appropriate for an even more durable solution especially if the restoration would cover a lot of the tooth or the tooth experiences a lot of pressure.
PORCELAIN RESTORATIONS
INLAYS & ONLAYS
Inlays and onlays are initially similar in appearance to tooth coloured composite fillings, but they are formed out of porcelain either by a ceramist at a dental laboratory or by our onsite Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Milling machine (CAD/CAM) which both use the latest in quality porcelain restoration technology. This type of restoration is ideal as it is made to fit in or around your tooth exactly as it should and it is then bonded directly onto or into the appropriate part of your tooth and may even strengthen your overall tooth, potentially protecting it from further cracks or breakage. They should normally last much longer than composite resign solutions and they are made to match the tooth and they look fantastic!
Inlay
Onlay
Crown
(Colour made to match tooth)
CROWNS
A crown is a treatment option recommended when your tooth requires additional strength or protection or if too many surfaces are damaged. A crown covers your tooth completely and is normally formed out of porcelain either by a ceramist at a dental laboratory or by our onsite Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Milling machine (CAD/CAM) which both use the latest in quality porcelain restoration technology. This treatment option may require multiple visits to our practice if a laboratory is involved for the purpose of preparing the tooth, record taking, dental impressions to shape the restoration, and the placement of the finished work. We will carefully colour match your crown so that it blends well with your natural teeth thereby creating the seamless integration of the restoration.
The crown is firmly cemented in place and the technique can be used to restore front, back or multiple teeth creating improved aesthetics and effective function helping you once again shine those precious pearly whites!