Disadvantages:
The initial investment in a composite filling is higher than that for a mercury filling. This is due to the fact that the composite material is more expensive and the restoration is more difficult and time consuming to
place. However, this initial higher investment is offset in the long run by the reduced likelihood of restoring potentially fractured teeth.
Alternatives:
Inlays/onlays are sometimes good alternatives to composite fillings, offering excellent long term durability. In cases of extensive decay, inlays/onlays or crowns are the only alternative
Crowns
Protect and keep badly decayed or fractured teeth.
The Problem:
Badly decayed teeth
Fractured teeth
Need to protect and strengthen teeth
The Solution:
A crown (often called a cap) covers the tooth and restores it to its original shape and size. Decay is removed and cleaned from the tooth and a highly accurate impression or mold is made of the prepared surface.
This mold is used to create a model of the tooth which is then sent to a special laboratory that will create a gold or porcelain (tooth colored) crown. The crown is then cemented onto the prepared surface of the
tooth.
Advantages:
Crowns are incredibly strong due to the fact that they are created in a laboratory. This protects and strengthens the remaining tooth structure. In the hands of a skilled dentist, a crown will fit almost perfectly onto
the prepared surface of the tooth, reducing the size of the seam between the crown and the tooth. This helps keep decay from eventually occurring under the crown.
Crowns should be placed before the tooth is so decayed that it may fracture. This can often help prevent the expense of root canal therapy in the future. It can also prevent the possibility that a fractured tooth may
need to be removed, requiring the expense of a bridge or implant to replace the missing tooth.
Disadvantages:
Crowns are excellent restorations and have few disadvantages. They are highly durable, but they will eventually need to be re-cemented or replaced due to normal wear.
Occasionally, a tooth may still need root canal therapy after being crowned. However, this indicates that the interior of the tooth was already sick (infected) and would have eventually needed root canal therapy
anyway.
Alternatives:
In the event that a tooth is so decayed or fractured that it needs to be removed, the best alternatives to a crown are bridges and implants that replace the missing tooth.
Fixed Bridge
A great way to replace missing teeth.
The Problem:
A missing tooth or teeth
The "sunken face" look associated with missing teeth
Desire to improve chewing ability
Desire for a more permanent solution than dentures
Potential bite and jaw joint problems from teeth shifting to fill the space
The Solution:
A bridge is a single appliance that is generally attached to two teeth on each side of the space where a tooth is missing. An artificial tooth attached in the middle of the bridge fills in the gap where the missing tooth
was. The teeth on either side of the gap are prepared for crowns (see crowns) and a highly accurate impression or mold is made of the prepared area. This mold is used to create a gold or porcelain (tooth colored)
bridge in a special laboratory. The bridge is then cemented onto the prepared surface of the teeth, effectively creating the appearance of a "new" tooth.
In some instances, a resin-bonded bridge may be used. In this case, the two teeth on each side of the gap are not prepared for crowns. Instead, the bridge consists of a false tooth with metal brackets on the back
of each side of the gap. The brackets are attached to the backs of the real teeth on each side.
Advantages:
Unlike dentures, a fixed bridge is never removed. It is stable in the mouth and works very similar to natural teeth. By filling the gap and stopping the movement of other teeth, a fixed bridge is an excellent
investment, providing better chewing ability, heading off jaw joint problems and saving money that might otherwise be spent on future dental treatment.
Disadvantages:
Fixed bridges are excellent restorations and have few disadvantages. They are highly durable, but they will eventually need to be re-cemented or replaced due to normal wear.
Alternatives:
In the event that the use of a fixed bridge is not feasible, the best alternative is a dental implant.
Porcelain Veneers
Completely reshape your teeth for a beautiful, white smile.
The Problem:
Stained or discolored teeth
Unsightly gaps between front teeth
Chipped teeth
Rough or jagged edges on front teeth
Teeth that are too small or large in proportion to rest of the mouth
Crooked teeth
Worn teeth
The Solution:
A porcelain laminate (often called a veneer) is a thin shell of porcelain that covers the front of each tooth. They bond directly to the front of the tooth, similar to the way artificial fingernails work. Each porcelain
laminate is a work of art, carefully crafted in a laboratory to fit your individual smile.
Advantages:
In the hands of a highly skilled dentist, porcelain laminates can provide you with an incredibly natural, beautiful smile. They are virtually undetectable and can dramatically improve your appearance. They are durable
and long-lasting when compared to other cosmetic treatments.
Disadvantages:
Although they are highly durable, porcelain laminates are not permanent. Well crafted laminates will last many years, but will eventually need to be replaced.
Alternatives:
Porcelain laminates are an excellent investment. However, they are not appropriate for teeth with excessive decay. In those cases, porcelain crowns are the only alternative. In the event that you desire only to
improve tooth alignment, orthodontic treatment may be another alternative.
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Dental Treatment Options:
Composite Fillings
The clear alternative to traditional fillings.
The Problem:
Decay on a portion of any tooth
Desire to replace mercury (silver) fillings
Desire to maintain a white, beautiful smile
The Solution:
A composite filling is a tooth colored quartz-like material. After tooth decay is removed and cleaned, this tooth colored material is layered into the tooth. Each layer is hardened or cured with highly
intense visible light, and the final surface is shaped and polished to match the tooth. The final restoration is virtually invisible.
Advantages:
Composite fillings are more than just attractive. They are environmentally non-toxic because they use no mercury. They are stronger because they bond directly to the surface of the tooth. They
protect the tooth from fracturing because they don't require the severe "undercut" (removal of healthy tooth structure) of a mercury filling.
Composite Fillings
The clear alternative to traditional fillings.
The Problem:
Decay on a portion of any tooth
Desire to replace mercury (silver) fillings
Desire to maintain a white, beautiful smile
The Solution:
A composite filling is a tooth colored quartz-like material. After tooth decay is removed and cleaned, this tooth colored material is layered into the tooth. Each layer is hardened or cured with highly
intense visible light, and the final surface is shaped and polished to match the tooth. The final restoration is virtually invisible.
Advantages:
Composite fillings are more than just attractive. They are environmentally non-toxic because they use no mercury. They are stronger because they bond directly to the surface of the tooth. They
protect the tooth from fracturing because they don't require the severe "undercut" (removal of healthy tooth structure) of a mercury filling.
Gentle, personalized dental care for your entire family
| 1101 Broadway, Suite 105 Yankton, SD 57078 |
| Phone: 605-665-2448 Fax: 605-665-1404 |
| email: info@scott-family-dentistry.com |