White fillings are made of composite resin and are very effective at repairing small cavities. They look much like your natural teeth and are practically undetectable.
Composite resin is a mixture of plastic and glass that can be colored to closely match your natural tooth color. This is the best alternative to silver amalgam fillings which contain mercury (amalgam is a combination of silver, copper, and tin). Mercury has been linked to a number of health issues.
Tooth Colored Fillings
Tooth-colored fillings, also known as composite white fillings Madison AL, are strong resins that bond directly to the enamel and dentin of your teeth. They offer a cosmetically pleasing way to deal with minor tooth decay and can be used as an alternative to traditional silver amalgam fillings.
Modern tooth-colored restorations are safer for your health. They don’t contain mercury like traditional silver fillings, which have been linked to health issues such as gingivitis, swollen gums and rashes in children.
Unlike amalgam fillings, which often cause teeth to crack or break, composite resin restores the strength of damaged teeth and helps prevent further decay. They can also be used to fix chipped teeth or replace old silver fillings. Resin onlays are a stronger replacement for damaged molars, which typically need more support than other teeth. Resin onlays are bonded to the teeth and are virtually unnoticeable when chewing. They also seal the exposed tooth surfaces, decreasing sensitivity to changes in temperature and food.
Tooth Bonding
Tooth bonding is one of the most common cosmetic dental procedures. It uses a tooth-colored composite resin material to fill chips, cracks, or fractures and mask discolorations in the teeth. It also helps close small gaps between the teeth. This procedure is quick and simple, often requiring little or no anesthesia.
Unlike traditional silver fillings, composite resins are biocompatible and metal-free. They also blend in seamlessly with the natural tooth color. For these reasons, they are considered safe and effective by many dentists.
During the application process, our dentists remove very little or no enamel from the damaged teeth. This allows you to keep as much of the natural health and structure of the tooth intact. However, the bonding resin isn’t as strong as a natural tooth and can chip or break more easily, especially in those who grind their teeth or eat hard foods. Additionally, the resin can stain over time. This is why it’s important to practice good oral hygiene to maintain your bonding.
Tooth Whitening
Many patients want a whiter smile. This is understandable considering how common dental discoloration and staining are. While whitening treatments are safe and effective, it’s important to realize that they can only lighten the outer surface of teeth.
To achieve dramatic whitening results, several applications may be needed. This treatment can be performed in the office or at home using custom trays and a whitening gel. Treatment times vary from 30-60 minutes per application depending on the degree of discoloration and desired level of whitening.
In addition to whitening, your dentist may recommend other cosmetic and restorative procedures that can be combined for a complete smile makeover. Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth and gums while restorative procedures address problems like cavities, missing or broken teeth. While these two disciplines have separate focus, they often overlap. Our Madison, AL cosmetic and restorative dentists use their extensive training to make your dreams a reality.
Dental Implants
Composite resin fillings are used to repair tooth decay and are color matched to the surrounding teeth. This gives a more natural appearance than traditional silver amalgam white fillings Madison AL. These fillings are very durable and can also help protect the remaining tooth from further damage.
They offer a more natural looking and feel than silver amalgam fillings, while still providing strength and functionality. They can also fix cracks, chips, and fractured teeth.
Dental implants are one of the greatest advancements in restorative dentistry. Implants replace missing teeth by placing a titanium post into the jaw bone where it heals and integrates with the natural bone in the area of the missing tooth or teeth. These posts provide unrivaled stability for the placement of a variety of dental prostheses, including single crowns, bridges, or a full set of dentures. Our team can use the latest implant technology, including YOMI robot-assisted surgery, to optimize your treatment experience. X-rays and an examination will be performed to determine whether you are a candidate for dental implants. If you are not, supplemental procedures such as bone grafting may be recommended.
