Restorations

Composite Fillings

A composite filling is a tooth colored quartz-like material. After tooth decay is removed and cleaned, this tooth colored material is layered into the tooth. Each layer is hardened or cured with highly intense visible light, and the final surface is shaped and polished to match the tooth. The final restoration is virtually invisible.

ADVANTAGES:

Composite fillings are more than just attractive. They are environmentally non-toxic because they use no mercury. They are stronger because they bond directly to the surface of the tooth. They protect the tooth from fracturing because they don't require the severe "undercut" (removal of healthy tooth structure) of a mercury filling.

Why don't dentists use Silver Fillings anymore?
Silver fillings do not bond (stick) to the tooth structure. This requires the preparation to be "undercut," creating a chamber that is smaller at the surface of the tooth and wider inside. The problem is that the creation of this undercut requires the removal of more healthy tooth structure than is necessary. This weakens the tooth and predisposes it to fracture when biting into hard items. Since fillings will break down from normal wear, they will eventually need to be replaced, and this will require the removal of even more healthy tooth structure.

Silver fillings also contain some mercury and we do know that mercury is a highly toxic material that can cause neurological and kidney disease. Adults and children have even been warned to limit the consumption of certain types of fish that carry high levels of environmental mercury. Even if there are no direct risks to patients, the extensive use of mercury in fillings may have a long term environmental impact.

CEREC One Stop Restorations

CEREC means we can quickly and economically restore damaged teeth using a durable ceramic material that matches the natural color of other teeth in your mouth. The restoration can be performed in a single session, usually in about one and a half hours, so there's no need for a second visit!

Computer Aided Design technology helps us design the restoration from the optical impression. Then CEREC creates an extremely precise restoration. A high-speed diamond bur and a disk work simultaneously to mill the restoration out of a solid block of ceramic material.

What advantages does CEREC offer me?

First and foremost, the restoration can be performed in a single session, usually in about one hour. With CEREC there's no need for us to make an impression and send it to a lab. We won't inconvienience you by asking you to return for a second visit.

Secondly, the restoration is natural looking, because it is made of tooth-colored ceramic material. It's metal-free---no silver fillings to discolor your smile! The ceramic material is compatible with tissue in your mouth and is high-grade, anti-abrasive and plaque-resistant. It allows us to be extremely precise and save more of the healthy part of your tooth.

How does CEREC work?

First, we prepare the damaged tooth by applying a thin layer of reflective powder directly on the tooth's surface. Using a special camera, we then take a picture of the tooth. We work from this photo, which is actually a pin-sharp optical impression of the tooth.

Computer Aided Design technology helps us design the restoration from the optical impression. You can actually watch us design your new restoration on a full-color computer monitor right before your eyes!

Then CEREC creates an extremely precise restoration. A high-speed diamond bur and a disk work simultaneously to mill the restoration out of a solid block of ceramic material. Finally, we bond the newly milled restoration to the tooth using state-of-the-art adhesive dentistry.

Over a decade of clinical research and experience supports the CEREC technology. User input and research have helped the manufacturer improve the product during this time. Dentists have performed over four million restorations worldwide.

Ceramic Reconstruction Step by Step

The defective filling and decay is removed. A reflective powder layer prepares the tooth for imaging.

  • An optical 3D image is acquired with a small camera, directly in your mouth.
  • The Restoration is created on the screen using the image data.
  • Diamond coated instruments mill a ceramic block to reproduce the design.
  • This is accomplished during a single appointment using Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacture (CAD/CAM).
  • After polishing the new restoration fits precisely.
  • A unique lights hardens the bonding material, uniting porcelain and tooth.
  • Polishing or glazing ensures a pleasantly smooth and natural feel.
  • The color and appearance make the special ceramic material blend with your tooth.
  • Perfectly bonded porcelain ensures an extremely long life for your teeth.
  • Maximum strength, great looks!