Chairside Composite Resin Restorations (fillings)
Composite resin restorations offer an array of benefits over
traditional silver mercury fillings. Since the filling material actually adheres to tooth structure, the preparation procedures
are less invasive, without pins or retentive grooves to hold the filling in place. The dentist removes only diseased portions
of the tooth, leaving healthy tooth structure intact. The adhesion (bonding) process strengthens the tooth with resilient,
long lasting, natural looking restorations.
Over time, amalgam (silver fillings) tend to corrode, allowing a gap, and recurrent decay,
at the interface of the filling and tooth. Fillings may be replaced with new composite resins without irritation of sensitive
periodontal (gum) tissue, and minimal loss of tooth structure. The natural aesthetics is a bonus.
Incipient decay may be
treated with a flowable composite resin that penetrates small pits to conserve natural tooth.
Composite Resins offer an affordable alternative to crowns to replace tooth structure lost
in a traumatic injury. Treatment may be done in a single visit.
Flowable
Composite Resins and Sealants
Flowable composite resins are versatile
materials used for a variety of restorative and preventative applications.
A significant advantage of virtually all
adhesion dental procedures is conservation of tooth structure. Flowable composite resins are commonly used to penetrate small
pits and grooves in teeth, avoiding the need to remove additional tooth structure to accommodate other filling materials.
Containing fluoride, these agents are ideally suited as decay prevention sealants, especially for children.
Dental tooth
decay is more prevalent on the biting surfaces of the posterior teeth. While the proper oral hygiene is essential to prevent
decay at times the anatomy of the tooth is such that it is impossible to clean properly. Dental caries is caused by plaque,
a sticky film of bacteria that occurs on all teeth. When food is eaten these bacteria eat the food and produce acid which
destroys the tooth. While good oral hygiene does not let food remain in the mouth, at times it is impossible to clean the
pits, fissures, and grooves of the teeth. These areas can be protected by the application of dental sealants.
Teeth Whitening
Depending on personal habits, such as
smoking and drinking coffee or tea, teeth whitening procedures typically produce a desirable, often dramatic result that lasts
many years. Whitening may be done alone, or integrated into an overall aesthetic treatment plan.
BriteSmile has introduced an innovative technique that can whiten teeth in about one hour. It's simple, effective,
safe, comfortable, and guaranteed. In the time it takes to get a haircut, years of staining from coffee, cigarette, and red
wine are erased. It's almost magical!
Treatment is performed and supervised by licensed, trained dental professionals to ensure that teeth are
whitened to optimal natural whiteness. A BriteSmile dentist examines the mouth and gums to ensure they are healthy. If problems
are detected, the patient is referred back to his own family dentist
Unlike contemporary bleaching procedures
or home remedies, BriteSmile (Link to Teeth Whitening Center) teeth whitening is convenient, cost effective and predictable
Dentist supervised teeth whitening utilizes an at-home bleaching system, most commonly with carbamide peroxide. Following
an examination to determine if bleaching is appropriate treatment, a custom fitted tray is prepared from an impression. The
dentist delivers the appliance with a bleaching gel and instructions to place gel in the tray and wear it one to two hours
a day for one to two weeks.
Results
are generally good, but success cannot be predicted. Outcomes may vary due to the nature of the discoloration and the degree
of patient compliance.
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Over-the Counter Bleaching |
The consumer marketplace offers countless "do-it-yourself" at-home teeth whitening options, generally advertised with
more hype than substance. Products are characteristically sold with toothpastes and/or mouth rinses, but are generally ineffective
in bleaching teeth. Although these products use hydrogen peroxide preparations similar to those employed by dentists, in the
absence of a dentist prepared custom fitted tray, at-home bleaching fails to keep the active agent directly on the teeth.
Despite outlandish media claims, expectations are rarely fulfilled.
Artistic Touch-Ups
Stains, white spots, crooked or uneven
teeth and awkward gum contours can detract from a pleasing smile. Simple corrective procedures, alone or in conjunction with
other treatment, may yield immediate, dramatic results. The following "touch-ups" are samples of simple, cost effective dental
artistry.
