Tooth Colored Fillings
Dr. Braunlin can repair damaged and decayed teeth so that they resemble a natural tooth. Thanks to modern dental composite restorations (Tooth Colored Fillings), the dentists routinely use this esthetic and functional option for most dental fillings.
The result is a beautiful smile!
If damage to the teeth is severe and large amounts of tooth are missing, sometimes fillings will not be a good long term option and other restorative options may be needed to properly fix your tooth.
Dental Amalgam
Dental Amalgam is a commonly used dental filling that has been used for over 150 years. It is a mixture of silver and other metals. Amalgam has many advantages over other restorative material, such as low cost, strength, durability, and bacteriostatic effects.
We like to use “Cosmetic” tooth colored fillings wherever possible, but recognizes the benefits of traditional “silver fillings”.
Amalgam is used in dentistry for a number of reasons. It is relatively easy to use and manipulate during placement; it remains soft for a short time so it can be packed to fill any irregular volume, and then forms a hard compound. Amalgam can possesses greater longevity than other direct restorative materials, such as composite. However, with recent improvements in composite material science and a better understanding of the technique-sensitivity of placement, it should be noted that this difference is decreasing.
There are circumstances in which composite (white fillings) serves better than amalgam; when amalgam is not indicated, or when a more conservative preparation would be beneficial, composite is the recommended restorative material. These situations would include small occlusal restorations, in which amalgam would require the removal of a more sound tooth structure, as well as in “enamel sites beyond the height of contour.”
The American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs has concluded that both amalgam and composite materials are considered safe and effective for tooth restoration.
Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and Onlays are just “special fillings” made outside the mouth. They are a great alternative to dental crowns in certain situations. Here is how they are made.
Your First Appointment:
- The old filling is removed along with any additional decay.
- An impression is made of your teeth. A model of your teeth is made and sent to the lab.
- A temporary onlay is placed on the tooth.
At the Lab: A resin is carefully placed into the model of your teeth. It is then designed to look natural.
Your Second Appointment:
- The temporary onlay is removed.
- A conditioning gel is placed on your tooth to prepare it for the new onlay.
- Bonding cement is placed on the tooth and a high intensity light bonds the resin to the tooth.
- The tooth is then polished.
Your teeth are restored to a natural look and feel, they are stronger and the tooth is protected!