Restorative
Composite (White) Fillings
Composite resins match the color of your teeth and give you plenty of durability to survive the stress of chewing. If you’re looking for a natural looking filling option, white fillings are the way to go.
Why Are Tooth Fillings Used?
A cavity and other forms of tooth decay can form as the result of poor dental hygiene, snacking, excessive sugar intake and similar causes. Regardless, it can be best for your oral care to remove the decayed portion of the tooth.
Your dentist uses composite fillings to restore the tooth’s shape and function after part of it is removed. Many dentists and patients prefer composite options because the look more natural than traditional amalgam options and do not contain mercury.
Who Should Get White Fillings?
While you may have the choice of composite fillings over other options, your dentist will probably be the first to inform you that you need a filling. Though tooth decay is perhaps the most common reason for fillings, you may be eligible for a filling if you have:
Worn teeth
Chipped teeth
Cracked teeth
Broken teeth
Fillings can also be used to close spaces or gaps between teeth.
How Are Composite Fillings Applied?
When your dentist applies your fillings, here’s the process he’ll use:
Numb the area around the tooth.
Remove any tooth decay or other debris in the area.
Use medication to protect nerve if decay removal left the area exposed.
Filling is applied, shaped and polished.
You may experience some sensitivity initially after the procedure, but this will fade after your tooth gets used to the filling.
Things to Consider Before Opting for a White Filling
Though composite options give you a great natural look, they may not be perfect for every dental case. Before you commit to tooth fillings, here are a few things you should know:
Fillings may need to be replaced after 7 to 10 years.
Composite resins aren’t as durable as metal fillings or crowns.
Larger dental fillings may call for a crown.
White fillings are susceptible to stains.
Dental Crowns
Your smile is such an important part of your self-image. Those with broken, missing or discolored teeth may struggle with self-confidence as the way they look affects every aspect of their lives. Fortunately, there are viable, affordable treatment options for those who want to have a brighter, whiter smile that they can be proud of.
Here at Miramichi Smiles, we offer dental crown restorations to our patients that need to fix a chipped or fractured crown and to reinforce a week tooth that has a large filling or crack.
Benefits of Crowns
As you repair your smile, the goal is to keep it as natural looking as possible. Esthetic crowns are matched to the size, color and shape of your natural teeth to ensure that nothing seems out of place. You get the benefits of a great looking smile without the worry that some teeth look better than others.
Crowns are used for more than just improving the aesthetic value of your smile. They can also be used to replace fractured or broken teeth, to cover teeth that have had a root canal, or to replace fractures or large fillings. Ultimately, the goal is to provide you with a healthier, happier smile that you feel good about.
What to Expect
Dental crowns are typically placed in two different appointments with a dentist. The first appointment is used to take specific impressions or molds that are then used to create a crown customized to fit your mouth. At this appointment, your dentist will place a temporary crown to hold the spot and protect your tooth and bite while you wait for the permanent crown to be made. The temporary crown is placed after the teeth are thoroughly numbed and cleaned.
Your second appointment is when the final, permanent crown will be placed. Once the tooth is numb, it is cleaned thoroughly and the permanent material is cemented in place carefully in order to ensure that your bite and spacing remain correct and accurate.
Placing dental crowns is a fairly simple, painless procedure, but one that should be performed by a dentist that you trust to pay close attention to detail. Don’t take chances with your smile when you should feel confident every time you open your mouth or smile.
Dental Bridges/Fixed Bridges
Dental/Fixed bridges are also known as fixed bridges, because these appliances are permanent. There are three main types of dental bridges: traditional, cantilever and Maryland bonded. They all have their similarities, but the traditional bridge is the most common type. It is constructed with either a porcelain covered metal or ceramic. This is a preferred method because it provides a natural look, feel and function.
Their Uses
Both ceramic and porcelain bridges may be installed to address a few different issues, including:
Missing Teeth
Facial Injury
Chewing Issues
Utilizing Removable Dentures
Fixed bridges can help to address all of the aforementioned cases. The bridge fills in any gaps between teeth or in the place of missing teeth. This helps to keep them from spreading out in the mouth. It also helps to limit the chances of infection or disease and keep the gums and jaw bone strong. The false teeth are made of durable materials, so they are able to function similar to regular teeth. This helps to address any chewing or biting concerns. Also, as a permanent solution it eliminates the need to remove dentures, which is another way to help decrease possible bacteria and infection issues. It should be noted that over time the bridges will most likely need to be replaced, however with proper care they can last for many years, often times greater than 10 years.
The Process
Installing bridges is usually completed in two visits. In the first visit your dentist will numb your anchor teeth, the teeth that the bridge will be connected to, and remove some of the enamel to allow the crown to sit properly. Then an impression, or mold, of your mouth is made and sent to a dental laboratory for your bridge to be constructed. In the meantime, a temporary bridge is installed and stays in place until your next appointment.
During the second appointment the permanent bridge is checked to ensure that it will fit properly. If needed, adjustments are made and then it is installed. In some cases, the bridge is only temporary cemented in your mouth to make sure that it fits and works properly. After a few weeks it is checked, and if your mouth is adjusting properly the bridge is permanently installed.
Inlays & Onlays
When Are Inlays & Onlays Best for You?
Inlays and onlays are designed to repair and reconstruct teeth affected with tooth decay or other issues. Our cosmetic dentists precisely design the inlay or onlay to fit your tooth perfectly. Depending on your situation, inlays or onlays may be the solution for you.
Describing an Inlay and Onlay
While inlay and onlay treatments do resolve important dental issues, a cosmetic dentist will be responsible for the procedure. The difference between the two solutions is:
Inlays: Like a traditional filling, an inlay is placed on the inner cusp tips of your teeth.
Onlays: Involving greater reconstruction, the onlay extends beyond the cusps of treated teeth.
Traditionally, these procedures were completed with gold or other metals. However, recently porcelain and composite resin have been used for a more natural look.
Preparing for Application
Your treatment will require two appointments. In the first, your dentist will:
Remove the Filling: Any existing filling is cleared away and the tooth is cleaned thoroughly.
Take a Tooth Impression: Your cosmetic dentist takes an impression of your teeth to accurately design the inlays and/or onlays.
Use Lab Fabrication: The impression is sent to a lab as a template for medically precise construction.
Apply a Temporary Sealant: Until your next appointment, the temporary sealant will protect your treated teeth.
Applying the Onlay or Inlay
During your second appointment, your dentist will complete the final three application steps:
Sealant Removal:
Your cosmetic dentist first removes the temporary sealant and cleans the tooth thoroughly.
Fit Check:
Before application, your dentist will ensure the inlays or onlays fits properly.
Bonding:
Your dentist uses a strong bonding resin to apply the inlay or onlay and your tooth gets a polish.
Is an inlay or onlay really the right procedure for you?
Here are the three top benefits:
Increase Tooth Strength: These dental solutions can boost teeth strength by 75 percent.
Long Life Expectancy: Your onlay or inlay has a life expectancy between 10 and 30 years.
Crown Alternative: Traditional large fillings can decrease tooth strength. An inlay or onlay is the perfect alternative to restore the strength of your tooth.
Full & Partial Dentures
At Miramichi Smiles, we understand losing teeth can be unavoidable and a trying experience. However, our professional team knows how to treat tooth loss with full and partial dentures. With the help from one of our experienced dentists, you can restore the look and functionality of your smile.
What is a Denture and Partial?
Is a partial or full denture right for you? The answer to that question will depend on your specific situation and how many teeth need to be replaced. Check out these descriptions of these dental solutions:
Full Dentures: A denture replaces an entire set of teeth in an arch. These will sit in your mouth and may need the aid of an adhesive.
Partials Dentures: As you might’ve guessed from the name, partial dentures replace one or a few teeth. The partial will attach to your remaining teeth via bridges or clasps.
More Than a Cosmetic Issue
Replacing your missing teeth with full or partial dentures is much more than a cosmetic solution. Missing teeth can lead to:
Speaking Difficulty: Your teeth help you enunciate and pronounce words clearly. Without certain key teeth, you may have slurred or unclear speech.
Periodontal Disease: Gum disease can weaken your teeth or cause infection. Problem teeth may have to be removed to preserve remaining teeth and gum tissue.
Sagging: Your teeth provide support for your cheeks and other regions of your face. Dentures serve to provide the missing support you need.
Future Tooth Loss: Your gums depend on your teeth for support so missing teeth can lead to damaged tissue. As a result, your remaining teeth are more prone to dental issues.
The Importance of Customized Dentures
Full and partial dentures can help you avoid a full range of dental issues, but the key to a truly preventative treatment is the perfect fit. The benefits of a Miramichi Smiles customized fit are:
Secure Support: Your dentures won’t slip or damage your gums with rubbing. They’ll stay in place just like they are supposed to.
Proper Function: When your dentures in place, you can bite, chew and smile confidently.
Bite Alignment: Your dentist will ensure proper teeth alignment to give you the support and dependability your need from your dentures.
