Cosmetic
Tooth-Colored Fillings (BPA-Free)
Composite, or tooth-colored, fillings are very popular because they look so natural
Tooth Colored Fillings
Tooth colored fillings are strong durable and esthetic filling material that imitate the natural enamel of your tooth providing optimum esthetic results. These fillings are made from a metal free, composite resin material that look and feel just like your natural teeth.
Indications for tooth colored filling include:
- A cavity on a tooth
- Recurrent cavity under a pre-existing filling
- Replacement of metal amalgam fillings
- Improvement of esthetics on chipped teeth
What does a tooth colored filling involve?
Usually a one visit procedure, where the tooth is contoured properly removing any cavity present or undermined tooth structure. After careful preparation of the tooth with special material, the filling is placed and permanently secured by activating a special light for 20 seconds. The filling is then polished to ensure it fits, feels and looks just like your natural teeth. Careful home care instructions are given along with emphasis on regular dental visits in order to aid in the longevity and health of your new smile.
Bonding
Bonding is a conservative way to repair slightly chipped, discolored, or crooked teeth. During dental bonding, a white filling is placed onto your tooth to improve its appearance. The filling “bonds” with your teeth, and because it comes in a variety of tooth-colored shades, it closely matches the appearance of your natural teeth.
Tooth bonding can also be used for teeth fillings instead of amalgam fillings. Many patients prefer bonded fillings because the white color is much less noticeable than the silver amalgam fillings. Bonding fillings can be used on front and back teeth depending on the location and extent of tooth decay.
Bonding is less expensive than other cosmetic treatments and usually can be completed in one visit to our office. However, bonding can stain and is easier to break than other cosmetic treatments such as porcelain veneers. If it does break or chip, tell your doctor. The bonding generally can be easily patched or repaired in one visit.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are durable, porcelain laminates bonded to your tooth with minimal tooth preparation, that most of the time requires no anesthetic prior to the procedure.
Some indications for porcelain veneers include:
- Cosmetic correction of smile, including shape and size of teeth
- Internal discoloration of teeth
- Discrepancy of tooth size and shape
- Crooked and crowded teeth
- Unwanted spacing
What does a veneer treatment involve?
Porcelain veneers typically are completed in two visits. There is little or no anesthesia required and minimal reshaping of tooth surface to allow for the thickness of the veneer. An impression or mold is taken and then you and Dr. Eagan can decide on the desired shade or color. The veneers are then placed at the second visit following a thorough cleansing and preparation of the tooth surface prior to bonding the veneer with a special light that will permanently adhere the veneer to your tooth. Regular visits with your hygienist and proper home care instructions such as brushing and flossing techniques will be reinforced at every visit to aid in the longevity and health of your new smile.