Tooth Fillings
Dental Fillings
As society becomes more and more health conscious, you the consumer, have become more interested in what goes into your body. In dentistry there are a variety of materials that are used to restore missing tooth structure. Many people still have silver/mercury fillings in their mouths from years past. These fillings are not particularly pleasing to the eye, and we know that by unavoidable design, silver/mercury fillings ultimately result in a weaker tooth structure. Porcelain inlays and Tooth Coloured Restorations (onlays) create fillings that are not only beautiful (or unnoticeable) but also add strength to weakened teeth. These restorations are esthetically pleasing and very strong thanks to new bonding technologies.
Disadvantages of Silver fillings:
Silver fillings have many drawbacks. The edges of the silver filling can wear down, become weak or break. This results in the tooth not being protected and lets cavities get started once again. With age, the metal of a silver filling expands, contracts, and can split. Because of the huge difference in material properties between human enamel and silver filling material, the result is that over time silver fillings will break teeth.
Fortunately, when indicated, silver fillings can safely be replaced with Tooth Coloured Restorations. Restorations such as these, which closely represent the physical characteristics of human tooth structure are possible now with modern dental technology.
Advantages of Tooth-Colored Restorations
There are many advantages to tooth colored restorations. Porcelain CEREC onlays are bonded to the teeth creating a tight, superior fit to the natural tooth. Such restorations can be used in instances where much of the tooth structure has been lost. The tooth remains intact and stronger.
This specially engineered porcelain behaves exactly like human enamel. The physical properties of these two materials are virtually the same – the result, a stronger more natural looking and functioning restoration. Furthermore, the porcelain wears just like natural tooth and does not require placement at the gum line, which is healthier for your gums and easier to maintain!
The result is a beautiful smile!
Replacing Silver fillings with a Tooth Colored Restoration
You can have your silver fillings replaced with Tooth colored CEREC restorations (onlays). This process requires only ONE appointment!
At this Appointment:
1. The old filling is removed and any additional decay.
2. An optical impression is made of your teeth with the use of an infrared camera. A computer-generated 3D model of your teeth is made on our computer right in front of you.
3. Dr. Bartsch will then customize your restoration to fit your existing arch and bite. Once designed, the computer will then mill right in our lab in about 15 minutes. You have to see it to believe it.
4. Once milled, Dr. Bartsch will then ensure the proper fit and condition your teeth to ensure they are ready to be bonded. The porcelain restoration is also conditioned prior to bonding. The restoration is then polished to a high glaze and bonded in place permanently.
An porcelain CEREC onlay is the closest restoration to natural tooth structure that exists today.
Your teeth are restored to a natural look and feel, they are stronger and the tooth is protected! See for yourself. CEREC Photo Gallery