What are non metallic restorations?
Non metallic restorations are part of modern dentistry. A dental restoration, also known as a tooth restoration, is a material used to restore the function and integrity of a tooth that has been damaged due to decay or trauma. Take a look at the mouth of someone over 50 and you might see dark fillings or silver crowns on their back teeth. These metallic materials were once very common because of their durability and affordability, but dentists and their patients are now moving toward more esthetically-pleasing restorations to ensure a natural-looking appearance, as well as optimal tooth functioning.
Direct Restorations
A direct restoration is performed by first preparing the tooth. This is done by removing any decay present. Then Dr. Denes places a composite resin, which is a soft, malleable material, onto the prepared space on the tooth. The material is hardened under an ultraviolet light, restoring the tooth to its original size and shape.
Indirect Restorations
Indirect restorations differ from direct restorations in that they are prepared outside of the mouth and then bonded onto the teeth. Indirect restorations used by Drs. Denes and Denes include:
- Porcelain inlays and onlays. If tooth damage or decay is too extensive for a filling, inlays and onlays are often used. This type of hard filling is constructed outside the mouth and then placed either in the depressions of the molars (inlay) or on the cusps (onlay).
- Porcelain crowns. Also known as caps, crowns cover the entire tooth when decay or tooth damage is too severe to be treated with fillings, inlays, or onlays.
- Porcelain veneers. These thin porcelain shells are bonded to the front of a damaged or discolored tooth to restore its functionality and appearance
Reasons for Replacing Metallic Tooth Restorations
Recent controversy over the mercury content in amalgam fillings has motivated many patients to replace them with composite resin fillings. Although the FDA has deemed amalgam generally safe for most adults and children over six, you may want to have your silver fillings replaced if you feel they are contributing to any chronic health problems. Amalgam also expands over time and may cause your teeth to crack, so you may want to remove them to avoid tooth breakage. Another reason to replace your metallic restorations is their appearance. Replacing your silver fillings and stainless steel crowns with natural-looking, tooth-colored fillings, crowns, or veneers will beautify your smile and boost your confidence.