Fillings
Over the years, technology has produced a change in something as simple as tooth fillings. At one time, dentists used silver and other metals to fill cavities. Modern cosmetic dentists use materials with a natural look to create long-lasting restorations to damaged teeth. At Matthews Smiles Dental in Provo, UT, we do not use fillings made of metals. Our goal is to restore each tooth to its natural appearance.
The Latest Advancements In Bonding Technology
Silver fillings have long been the standard option for filling cavities, but they have always had the potential to crack easily. Advances in bonding technology have provided a much superior option. The fillings currently used are far greater in their ability to bond with your natural teeth. It is also much easier for dentists to repair silver fillings that have cracked.
Weaknesses In Silver Fillings
Specific weaknesses have always been obvious in silver fillings:
- They almost always eventually crack. The constant expanding/contracting of silver during temperature changes eventually weakens the silver.
- They tend to wear down around the edges as time passes. This will eventually cause the filling to break.
- Once the filling breaks, the affected tooth is exposed to the possibility of additional decay.
- They are at least partially composed of mercury. When a silver filling breaks, there is a strong likelihood that the leaking mercury will stain nearby teeth and gums.
Benefits Of Tooth-Colored Fillings
At Matthews Smiles Dental, we are committed to using the latest advancements in dental materials to ensure your smile remains both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Tooth-colored fillings, also known as composite fillings, are made from durable resins that can be matched to the exact shade of your natural teeth. Unlike silver fillings, these composite materials not only provide a seamless, natural appearance but also bond directly to the tooth structure, strengthening it in the process. Tooth-colored fillings are resistant to wear and tear, and because they expand and contract at a similar rate to natural teeth, the risk of cracking or weakening is significantly reduced.
Onlays
Think of onlays as partial crowns. These porcelain pieces are placed directly onto your natural teeth that have been damaged or stained. Onlays can restore your smile to a natural and beautiful look. Porcelain is used in order to make it look like a natural tooth and because porcelain is strong and durable.
When Are Onlays Used?
When a tooth is weak or damaged, an onlay is used to provide strength and protection for the natural tooth that remains. An onlay is placed directly onto an existing tooth and is used when the damage to a tooth is more extensive and the cusp of the tooth has been damaged.
What Is The Process For An Onlay?
First, the dentist will remove any decayed or damaged portion of the tooth. After that portion has been removed, an impression of the tooth will be created. A dental lab will use this impression and create an onlay to restore the natural look of the tooth. While you are waiting for your onlay, a temporary one will be placed on your tooth. On the second visit, the dentist will bond the onlay to your tooth with special cement. Your damaged tooth will now look natural again and will blend in with your other natural teeth.
