VENEERS

Dental composite is a mix of plastics. Unlike porcelain veneers, composite veneers are not sent to a lab for processing. Instead, the composite is applied, in layers, directly on the tooth. Because of the physical limitations of the material, composite veneers are not always as durable or as lifelike as porcelain veneers.

FILLINGS

When a cavity is removed from a tooth, the tooth must be filled with something. There are several options available. While it is most convenient to have a tooth filled at one appointment, we are limited by the restorative materials available that can be placed as a soft, malleable material which will harden in a short period of time. There are currently only two types of material that can be placed at the same appointment in which the cavity is removed. One is composite bonding, which can also be used for veneers and the other is dental amalgam. Porcelain, gold and a variety of other materials require two appointments. These materials require extreme heat to make them melt and fit the tooth, so the restoration must be made on a model of the tooth, not an actual tooth. Incidentally, they are superior to composite and amalgam.

Composite bonding is the aesthetic and mercury free alternative to amalgam fillings. Like the traditional silver fillings, the composite fillings can be placed in one office visit, opposed to a lab fabricated restoration. Unlike silver fillings, composite materials do not have the fillings are not as strong as their predecessors. Until there is a stronger composite material, or the like, patients seeking mercury free restorations will have to opt for more costly, albeit superior, restorations.

OTHER DENTAL MATERIALS

DENTAL AMALGAM

Amalgam is a mixture of several metals, including nickel, silver and mercury. Mercury is what enables the material to be malleable, so the dentist can place it in the prepared tooth. The material then hardens and becomes locked into the tooth. In addition to containing mercury, dental amalgam can cause teeth to fracture. For these reasons, amalgam is less commonly used.

GOLD

Gold is an excellent option for inlays, onlays or crowns on back teeth.
Since the gold restoration is made in a laboratory, it can be made to support a tooth and help prevent it from fracturing.
You may also use it on front teeth, if that is your thing. It is the strongest of all the dental materials and is the kindest to the opposing teeth. Due to its strength, less tooth structure needs to be removed. Some people also feel gold is a beneficial element for the body.

PORCELAIN

Porcelain is the strongest tooth colored material available. It is excellent for inlays, onlays or crowns. You may use it on the back or front teeth.
Since the porcelain restoration is made in a laboratory, it can be made to support a tooth and help prevent it from fracturing.
Since porcelain is fragile, it can sometimes fracture. It is also harder than natural tooth structure, which means it will wear the enamel on the teeth opposing the porcelain restoration. It also requires more thickness, for strength, than gold, which means more tooth structure must be removed. It is generally recommended that patients who receive porcelain restorations also have a dental mouthguard.

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