FAQ

What are the different types of fillings?

What is CEREC 3D?

How is a CEREC procedure completed?

What does this inovation mean for a patient?

How long will the procedure take?

What are the benefits of the CEREC 3D system compared to older, more conventional methods?

My old fillings in the front have turned dark. Can they be bleached?

Why are porcelain inlays/onlays used for larger cavities or restorations?

What are porcelain veneers?

How is whitening performed?

How do I know if I am a candidate for whitening?

How long does whitening last?

What are realistic expectations with whitening?

Q: What are the different types of fillings?

A: The three most common types of filling materials are amalgam, composite, and porcelain.

Amalgam Fillings -- Amalgam fillings (sometimes called "silver fillings") are a mixture of mercury liquid and small pieces of silver and other metals such as copper, tin and zinc. Amalgams have multiple disadvantages. Amalgam is a metal, which expands and contracts with hot, cold and biting. Therefore, with every meal the teeth are being weakened and over time and depending on the size of the filling the tooth becomes susceptible to fracturing. Amalgam fillings also raise a red flag because they contain mercury, which is a very toxic element. The literature is very unclear as to the amount of mercury that is released from amalgams and the long-term effects on the entire body. The safety of amalgam fillings has been in question for a number of years due to concerns over the absorption of elemental mercury contributing to several diseases, including Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, dementia and arthritis.

Composite Resin Fillings -- A composite resin is a tooth-colored plastic mixture filled with glass (silicon dioxide). Introduced in the 1960s, dental composites were confined to the front teeth because they were not strong enough to withstand the pressure and wear generated by the back teeth. Since then, composites have been significantly improved and can be successfully placed in the back teeth as well. Composites are not only used for restoring decay, but are also used for cosmetic improvements of the smile by changing the color of the teeth or reshaping disfigured teeth. There are no known health risks of receiving composite fillings. Composite resin dental fillings were created as an alternative to traditional metal dental fillings. Composite resin fillings are strong, durable, and make for a very natural looking smile.

Porcelain Inlays and Onlays -- The real advances have been made in laboratory processed white porcelain fillings called "inlays" and "onlays". They are beautiful, strong, and usually long lasting.

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Q: How is a CEREC procedure completed?

First, your dentist will prepare the tooth after decayed and weakened tooth tissue are removed. Then he or she will make a 3D image of the area with a measuring camera, which is in place of the general paste and impression tray. Next, your dentist will design the contours of the restoration via a computer with your 3D dental image. After this, CEREC's 3D system perfectly shapes your restorative piece out of a tooth-colored, ceramic block. The milling of your filling or crown will be performed right in the office. Lastly, the CEREC restoration is placed into your mouth and your dentist will file it until it appears nearly exact to real tooth enamel.

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Q: What does this inovation mean for a patient?

A tooth-colored restoration means no more silver fillings discoloring smiles. The filling is natural looking, compatible with tissue in the mouth, anti-abrasive and plaque-resistant. Dentists no longer need to create temporaries or take impressions and send them to a lab. Because of this, the traditional second visit has been eliminated. The CEREC has over a decade of clinical research and documentation to support the technology. The restorations have been proven precise, safe and effective.

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Q: How long will the procedure take?

For a CEREC restoration, treatment will last between one and two hours. During this time, your dentist will manufacture and mold each filling individually. Since no temporary crowns are required, your doctor will not give you a second anesthetic injection.

Q: What are the benefits of the CEREC 3D system compared to older, more conventional methods?

Convenience.

Long lasting and endurable ceramics

CEREC dental materials allow your dentist to preserve your healthy gum tissue. The ceramic is chemically bonded to an existing tooth

Teeth are restored to their original beauty, strength, and function.

An enhanced smile.

Q: My old fillings in the front have turned dark. Can they be bleached?

A: Amalgam fillings, bonding and composite resin fillings do not bleach. If you are unhappy with the look, it is time to replace those restorations with newer, more aesthetic materials. Silver fillings ("Amalgam") are becoming a thing of the past. There are many ways to restore teeth with materials that virtually disappear and blend with the natural color of your teeth. Remember, only replace these fillings and bonding after whitening in order to match the new improved color of your own natural tooth. You may also want to consider replacing old fillings with tooth-colored bonded restorations or porcelain veneers.

Q: Why are porcelain inlays/onlays used for larger cavities or restorations?

A: In cases with larger cavities or broken down areas, an inlay or onlay to cover more of the tooth's surface may be indicated. The ceramic restorations are considerably more expensive and therefore composite fillings are typically used instead for small fillings. Ceramic restorations are much more durable and will not stain. Naturally speaking, the final result with ceramics is spectacular. White inlays or onlays are actually glued into the tooth and there is now a body of research that claims that because of this the tooth ends up stronger after such a procedure, less prone to problems down the road.

Q: What are porcelain veneers?

A. Veneers are formed porcelain shells that are used to create a new front surface to a tooth. These are thin sculpted pieces of tooth-shaped porcelain that fit over the front of the teeth and are the premier standard of care in cosmetic dentistry. Permanently bonded to the front surface of a tooth, to restore or improve position, shape and tooth color, they can make a dramatic, immediate difference to one's smile and overall facial appearance. Veneers are wonderful for fixing common problems such as midline spaces (the gap-toothed look of the two front upper teeth) or chipped, crooked, missing, discolored, pitted, malformed or improperly positioned teeth. Once only accessible to the wealthy and top Hollywood stars and models, veneers are now a popular way for many people to obtain the smile of their dreams.

Q: How is whitening performed?

A: Whitening can be performed by our cosmetic dentist in the office or, under dental supervision, at home. Typically, whitening at home takes two or three weeks, depending on the desired shade you wish to achieve. Whitening in the office with laser may call for one hour in our office.

Q: How do I know if I am a candidate for whitening?

A: Generally, whitening is successful in at least 90 percent of patients though it may not be an option for everyone. Consider tooth whitening if your teeth are darkened from age, coffee, tea, or smoking. Teeth darkened with the color of yellow, brown, or orange respond better to whitening. Other types of gray stains caused by fluorosis, tetracycline are lightened, but results are not as dramatic. If you have very sensitive teeth, periodontal disease, or teeth with worn enamel, we may discourage whitening.

A: Like skin tone, each person is different. In addition to genetics, it depends on how many cups of coffee, glasses of cola, red wine and other staining drinks and food you have cross your teeth. We recomend to use bleaching trays once in half a year to maintain efect of whitening. You can help your teeth remain white by brushing twice a day, cleaning between the teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaners, seeing your dentist for regular professional cleanings along with occasional touch-up treatments.

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Q: What are realistic expectations with whitening?

A: No one can really predict how much lighter your teeth will become. Every case is different. Typically, there is a two-three shade improvement as seen on a dentist's shade guide. The success rate depends upon the type of stain involved and your compliance. Whitening does not lighten artificial materials such as resin, composite, or porcelain.