The following solutions are appropriate for those patients interested in improving the appearance of their smile, mainly concerning the teeth that show when you smile.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain Veneers are custom-made laminates that are affixed directly to the teeth. They are a great option for closing gaps or disguising discolored teeth that did not respond well to whitening procedures. They can also achieve straightening without braces. They are very long lasting and are stain and chip resistant.
Lumineers
Lumineers is another type of ultra thin porcelain veneers for simple cosmetic corrections.
Form and Function
The following solutions are excellent choices for those interested in form and function, repairing and reinforcing those important molars to last for the rest of your life!
First, it is important to understand the types of restorative materials available:
Three Types of Restorative Materials
A lot of dentists still use Civil War era technology, i.e. silver mercury fillings. We haven't done these in our office for years. There is more information on silver mercury fillings later on in this section.
There are two types of Tooth Colored Restoration Materials. They are plastic and porcelain. Plastic tends to stain, chip, yellow, and is not a very strong material. It is an okay material for a "quick fix" or for a small one surface filling material. However, do not let a dentist place this material in a back molar as it is not strong enough to hold up to heavy chewing forces. This is my opinion based on 25 years of clinical experience.
Porcelain tooth colored restorations are incredibly strong, look like real teeth, and should last the rest of your life with proper care. They do not stain, chip, yellow, or break. Porcelain is by far the material of choice when restoring back teeth.
Our office offers Cerec technology for porcelain restorations. Click here for more information on Cerec!
