A dental filling can correct and repair tooth decay, tooth fractures and other similar damage . They can be made of: porcelain, composite or amalgam (silver).
Composite fillings are often chosen for their natural tooth colored appearance. These composites are used to fill cavities, restore chips and cracks , seal gaps between teeth and build up teeth edges that are worn-down.
The strength of composite fillings has increased over the years and they can now be used for all types of tooth restorations, including molars and they do not weaken the tooth structure as much as amalgam fillings. The composite filling is cured with an ultraviolet light causing it to harden and be ready for chewing immediately.
Tooth bonding involves the direct application of tooth-colored composite resin and is done in one visit. Tooth bonding can change the size or shape of your teeth. It provides a fast solution for a more attractive smile and may eliminate the need for orthodontic treatment. Teeth stains and discolorations that resist professional teeth whitening procedures, may also be masked by tooth bonding. Tooth bonding is not as long lasting as porcelain veneers or dental crowns.
Inlays / Onlays or Indirect Dental Fillings
Inlays / Onlays or Indirect fillings, save more of the tooth structure than a dental crown. The Inlays / Onlays are made from composite materials or porcelain and are fabricated in a dental laboratory and bonded into place.
An Inlay is bonded on the chewing surface of a tooth, while an Onlay restores one or more of the cusps of the tooth, along with the biting surface. Inlays / Onlays do not shrink over time as is seen with composite resins and consequently they do not get discoloured. They fit perfectly and are easier to clean than a dental crown.
Temporaries
A temporary is a provisional restoration for extensive treatment that cannot be completed in a single appointment. Temporaries will give patients the opportunity to analyze the result of the procedure with regard to size, feel, shape, colour and function. Sometimes temporaries may come off, necessitating re-cementing or re-making them.