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Composite resin is a filling material designed for aesthetic dental restorations. Formulated to resemble the colour of your natural tooth, composite resin is often used for filling dental cavities or for dental bonding front teeth.
Composite resin consists of glass or quartz filler added to a resin medium, which produces a tooth-coloured filling. The invention of composite resin offers a substitute to the amalgam dental fillings we've grown so accustomed to. This plastic and glass mixture contains no metal and can be shaped to resemble a real tooth. Onlookers usually can't tell that a tooth has even been filled!
For years, amalgam was the only option for filling teeth. Those who wanted natural-looking restorations had to opt for more expensive cosmetic treatments, such as a dental crown. Composite resin enables dentists to cosmetically treat dental cavities without using invasive procedures.
Although composite resin has only recently gained popularity, white fillings were originally introduced in the 60s. At that time, composite consisted of a different material, and was not sturdy enough to be used on back teeth. The first composite fillings tended to wear down easily, subjecting the tooth to even more tooth decay or breakage. It has taken years of development for scientists to find the right mixture of composite resin and justify it as a safe, effective filling material.
The procedure for placing a composite resin dental filling is a bit more complicated than it is for an amalgam filling:
As you might imagine, patients often choose composite resin for aesthetic purposes. But dentists have other reasons to promote composite resin as a dental filling material. While amalgam fillings require a larger section of the tooth to be removed, dentists only need to drill away the diseased part of the tooth to place composite resin. This preserves the existing tooth structure for years to come.
Amalgam tends to expand and contract with heat, causing teeth to crack. Composite is actually bonded to the tooth, however, and can withstand the pressure from chewing rather well. Composite resin also supports the tooth structure, insulates it from extreme temperatures, and remains sturdy when used for small to medium dental fillings.
There's been a lot of discussion about whether composite resin is safer than amalgam. Throughout its 150 year history, there's been no evidence linking amalgam to the diseases some say it causes. Amalgam is a stable filling material deemed safe by many public health organizations - it is much more likely you'll obtain mercury from fish or polluted air than from it leaking out of silver dental fillings. But if you do prefer mercury-free restorations, speak with your dentist about your concerns.
Before you start replacing all of the silver in your mouth with composite resin dental fillings, keep in mind that it may not be for everyone. Here's what you need to know about composite resin before you have any work done:
Your smile creates an immediate, subconscious, visual impact on people you meet. A brighter smile gives the impression of youth, vitality, radiant health, happiness, and warmth. A bright smile is perceived as a healthy smile. Dr.Kiernan is a member of the British Dental Bleaching Society which is the only UK body to offer certification of tooth whitening procedures to members of the dental team. This ensures the dental team can gain the required level of clinical and academic knowledge and skills necessary to provide safe and predictable results.
The safety of Hydrogen Peroxide in tooth whitening products has been under discussion at EU level for some time. Following extensive assessment by the European Commission’s Committee on Consumer Safety the European Council Directive 2011/84/EU was adopted in 2011 and came into force in 2012. This directive states that the use of tooth whitening or bleaching products containing greater than 0.1 % hydrogen peroxide ,up to a maximum of 6% hydrogen peroxide, can be used under the professional supervision of a dental practitioner only.
Deciduous (baby) teeth are typically whiter than the adult teeth that appear later. As we age, our adult teeth often become darker, yellower, or stained. This is partly why white teeth make people appear more youthful.
Just as there are a number of ways to lighten or brighten teeth, there are also several different ways for teeth to become discoloured. The main causes of darkened teeth are genetics, antibiotics, and certain foods, plus teeth tend to darken as we age. Internal tooth discoloration is caused by changes in the enamel of the tooth and the dentin. The main causes of internal tooth discoloration are exposure to high levels of fluoride, tetracycline, use of antibiotics as a child, developmental disorders, tooth decay, restorations, root canal issues, and trauma.
External tooth discoloration is caused by factors outside the body, mainly foods and tobacco. The main causes of external tooth yellowing are smoking, foods with tannins, coffee, tea, carrots, oranges, and other foods.
With home bleaching, the dentist takes an impression for a model of the teeth, fabricates a custom-fitted tray and prescribes a bleaching agent that comes in the form of a bleaching gel. The gel is placed in the custom-fitted tray and worn up to four hours daily or at night for about three weeks. The amount of time the custom-fitted tray is worn and the duration may vary according to a person’s individual need and the recommendations of the dentist. The dentist will monitor the entire process of home bleaching to assure its effectiveness and safety.
Tooth whitening when done at home using the night whitening technique is the safest and most effective method available. The main reason for this is because a much lower concentration of the chemical used to whiten teeth is required compared to that used in a chair side power whitening techniques. The advantages of using the lower concentrations over a longer period are:
Here at Belvedere Dental Care we use Zoom Nitewhite Bleaching Gel. This gel is the only take-home whitener to combine the power of ACP (Amorphous Calcium Phosphate) with potassium nitrate and fluoride. This patented technology is clinically proven to help reduce sensitivity and to improve the surface and luster of enamel.
How Do Crowns Work?
A crown is used to entirely cover or "cap" a damaged tooth. Besides strengthening a damaged tooth, a crown can be used to improve its appearance, shape or alignment. Porcelain or ceramic crowns can be matched to the colour of your natural teeth. Other materials include gold and metal alloys, acrylic and ceramic. These alloys are generally stronger than porcelain and may be recommended for back teeth. Porcelain bonded to a metal shell is often used because it is both strong and attractive.
Your dentist may recommend a crown to:
How Do Bridges Work?
bridge may be recommended if you're missing one or more teeth. Gaps left by missing teeth eventually cause the remaining teeth to rotate or shift into the empty spaces, resulting in a bad bite. The imbalance caused by missing teeth can also lead to gum disease and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
Bridges are commonly used to replace one or more missing teeth. They span the space where the teeth are missing. Bridges are cemented to the natural teeth or implants surrounding the empty space. These teeth, called abutments, serve as anchors for the bridge. A replacement tooth, called a pontic, is attached to the crowns that cover the abutments. As with crowns, you have a choice of materials for bridges. Your dentist can help you decide which to use, based on the location of the missing tooth (or teeth), its function, aesthetic considerations and cost. Porcelain or ceramic bridges can be matched to the colour of your natural teeth.
Before either a crown or a bridge can be made, the tooth (or teeth) must be reduced in size so that the crown or bridge will fit over it properly. After reducing the tooth/teeth, your dentist will take an impression to provide an exact mould for the crown or bridge. If porcelain is to be used, your dentist will determine the correct shade for the crown or bridge to match the colour of your existing teeth.
Using this impression, a dental lab then makes your crown or bridge, in the material your dentist specifies. A temporary crown or bridge will be put in place to cover the prepared tooth while the permanent crown or bridge is being made. When the permanent crown or bridge is ready, the temporary crown or bridge is removed, and the new crown or bridge is cemented over your prepared tooth or teeth.
While crowns and bridges can last a lifetime, they do sometimes come loose or fall out. The most important step you can take to ensure the longevity of your crown or bridge is to practice good oral hygiene. A bridge can lose its support if the teeth or bone holding it in place are damaged by dental disease. Keep your gums and teeth healthy by Brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and flossing daily. Also see your dentist and hygienist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings.
To prevent damage to your new crown or bridge, avoid chewing hard foods, ice or other hard objects.
Dental veneers are wafer-thin, custom-made shells of tooth-coloured materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth to improve your appearance. These shells are bonded to the front of the teeth changing their colour, shape, size, or length. Dental veneers can be made from porcelain or from resin composite materials. Porcelain veneers resist stains better than resin veneers and better mimic the light reflecting properties of natural teeth. Resin veneers are thinner and require removal of less of the tooth surface before placement. You will need to discuss the best choice of veneer material for you with your dentist.
Veneers are routinely used to fix:
Getting a dental veneer usually requires three trips to the dentist – one for a consultation and two to make and apply the veneers. One tooth or many teeth can simultaneously undergo the veneering process described below.
Diagnosis and treatment planning. This first step involves your active participation. Explain to your dentist the result that you are trying to achieve. During this appointment, your dentist will examine your teeth to make sure dental veneers are appropriate for you and discuss what the procedure will involve and some of its limitations. He or she also may take X-rays and possibly make impressions of your mouth and teeth.
Preparation. To prepare a tooth for a veneer, your dentist will remove about 1/2 millimeter of enamel from the tooth surface, which is an amount nearly equal to the thickness of the veneer to be added to the tooth surface. Next, your dentist will make a model or impression of your tooth. This model is sent out to a dental laboratory, which in turn constructs your veneer. It usually takes 1-2 weeks for your dentist to receive the veneers back from the laboratory. For very unsightly teeth, temporary dental veneers can be placed.
Bonding. Before the dental veneer is permanently cemented to your tooth, your dentist will temporarily place it on your tooth to examine its fit and colour. He or she will repeatedly remove and trim the veneer as needed to achieve the proper fit; the veneer colour can be adjusted with the shade of cement to be used. Next, to prepare your tooth to receive the veneer, your tooth will be cleaned, polished, and etched -- which roughens the tooth to allow for a strong bonding process. A special cement is applied to the veneer and the veneer is then placed on your tooth. Once properly position on the tooth, your dentist will apply a special light beam to the dental veneer, which activates chemicals in the cement, causing it to harden or cure very quickly. The final steps involve removing any excess cement, evaluating your bite and making any final adjustments in the veneer as necessary. Your dentist may ask you to return for a follow-up visit in a couple of weeks to check how your gums are responding to the presence of your veneer and to once again examine the veneer's placement.
If you’ve lost your natural teeth, whether from gum disease, tooth decay or injury, dentures can be a way to replace your missing teeth and restore your natural smile. Dentures support the facial muscles which will reduce sagging, making a person look more youthful. You’ll be able to eat and speak—which may have been difficult or painful with missing teeth.
For many years, partial dentures have been used to replace groups of teeth or a few teeth scattered across the lower or upper jaw. There are a variety of removable partial dentures available to patients and each one comes with its own set of benefits and disadvantages. All partial dentures attach to remaining teeth and have a gum-coloured portion meant to blend into the existing gum, with prosthetic teeth to replace the missing teeth.
Full dentures are similar to partial dentures in that they are prosthetic teeth and gums used to replace missing teeth. The main difference between full and partial dentures is that full dentures are a total replacement system for either upper or lower teeth and, in some cases, both.
The denture development process takes about three to six weeks and several appointments. Once your dentist determines what type of appliance is best for you, the general steps are to: