Restorative Dentistry
White or Composite Fillings
A composite (tooth-coloured) filling is used to mend a tooth that is affected by decay, cracks, fractures or discoloration. The decayed or affected portion of the tooth is removed and then filled with a tooth-coloured filling.
There are many types of filling materials available today, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. In the past almaglum fillings were used, but this type of filling has begun to lose favor due to its mercury content and dark silver colour. Composite fillings or tooth-coloured fillings are the most widely-used fillings today. You and your dentist can discuss the best options for restoring your teeth.
Because composite fillings are tooth-coloured they can be closely matched to the existing teeth. Therefore, they are more pleasing to the eye and aesthetically suited for visible areas of your smile.
Composite fillings are very durable; they can last for many years and will provide you with a long-lasting broad, beautiful smile. But as with most dental restorations, composite fillings are not permanent and may someday need to be replaced.
Reasons for composite fillings:
• Chipped tooth or teeth
• Closing a space between two front teeth
• Cracked or broken teeth
• Decayed teeth
• Worn teeth
How are Composite fillings place in the mouth?
Tooth-coloured fillings are usually placed in one appointment. While the tooth is numb your doctor will remove the decayed portion of the tooth, as necessary, while preserving as much tooth tissue as possible. The remaining tooth will be thoroughly cleaned and carefully prepared before the new filling is placed. If the decay was near the tooth pulp, a special medication may be needed for added protection.
The composite tooth filling will then be precisely placed shaped, molded and polished, restoring your tooth to the original shape and colour.
It is very normal to experience hot and cold sensitivity when composite fillings are first placed. However, this will subside shortly after your tooth acclimatizes to the new filling.
Good oral hygiene practices, flossing your teeth, together with good eating habits and regular dental visits, will prolong the life of your filling.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are very thin pieces of highly durable, tooth-coloured porcelain that are custom-made to fit on the front of your teeth. These thin porcelain slithers are bonded on the front of your teeth to create a beautiful and attractive smile.
Veneers can completely re-shape your teeth and smile. They are often alternatives to crowns and ideal solutions in treating many difficult conditions. If you have a gap between your teeth, porcelain veneers may be the solution. Porcelain veneers are also ideal should you have multiple discolored or brown-stained teeth.
Reason for porcelain veneers:
• Crooked teeth
• Reshaping the teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Severely discolored or stained teeth
• Teeth that are too small or large
• Unwanted or uneven spaces
• Worn or chipped teeth
What does getting a porcelain veneer involve?
Getting porcelain veneers usually requires two visits to complete the process. During the first visit the teeth are slightly buffed and shaped on the frontal surface of the teeth to allow for the thickness of the veneer. A mould or impression is taken of your teeth; the colour shade is also taken to closely match your existing teeth.
On your second visit the tooth will be cleansed with special liquids to achieve a strong durable bond. The bonding cement is then placed between the teeth and the veneer and a special light beam is used to harden and set the teeth.
You will receive careful instructions on the care of you porcelain veneers, including proper brushing and good oral hygiene, which will aid in the lifespan of your veneers.