Cosmetic
/ Esthetic Dentistry
Cosmetic
dentistry is the name given to a group
of procedures that are performed to create a more
aesthetically pleasing smile. A
cosmetic dentist can whiten
teeth, replace missing teeth,
and repair chipped teeth through
a variety of cosmetic dentistry options, including
tooth bleaching, porcelain veneers, bonding, porcelain
crowns, and dental bridges, etc. |
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Inlays and Onlays
To repair damage involving over 1/3 of the tooth’s
chewing surface, rather than using a simple filling, or
a crown, it can be used inlay or onlay.
Inlays and onlays for functional reasons both are made
of gold, however, porcelain is now becoming the material
of choise because of it’s strength and potential
to match the natural color of your tooth.
Usually, inlay or onlay can be placed in two dental visits.
At the first visit, the old filling or decay is removed,
and the tooth is prepared for the inlay/onlay. The impression
of the prepared tooth will be taken and send to a dental
laboratory. The impression will be used by dental technician
in the laboratory to construct a porcelain or gold inlay/onlay
that will fit exactly into your tooth. At this time a
temporary sealing on your tooth will be made and will
be scheduled a second appointment.
At the second appointment, the temporary is removed and
the inlay/onlay will be bonded into the tooth with strong
bonding resin, and will be polished smooth.
Considerations:
Typically fillings can reduce the strength of the tooth
by up to 50%. Inlays and onlays, however, because they
are bonded directly into the tooth with special resin,
can actually increase the strength of the tooth up to
75%. As a result, they can last for 10-30 years, and in
some cases provide a good alternative to a crown.
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