Nowadays, most dental fillings are made of porcelain or a special plastic material called resin. Both materials can seal a tooth more effectively than their old metal counterparts. Metal fillings rest on damaged teeth, but they cannot be bonded to tooth enamel.
Porcelain and resin fillings are also preferred cosmetically because they closely resemble natural tooth enamel. Here are three types of fillings that use porcelain or resin to restore your teeth:
Direct Resin Fillings
Direct resin fillings are used to fill small cavities. To create a direct filling, you dentist applies layers of resin directly into your cavity. As each layer of liquid resin is applied, it is set using a special light so no residual drying occurs later. Allowing each layer to cure completely can eliminate problems that stem from shrinkage. In addition, your cavity can be effectively filled during a single visit.
Semi-Direct Resin or Porcelain Fillings
Semi-direct fillings can be made of resin or porcelain.
With semi-direct resin fillings, layers of resin are applied as they are with direct resin fillings. However, semi-direct fillings are used to restore larger areas of your tooth. In addition, they are set or hardened outside of your mouth before being bonded to the damaged tooth.
Computer-assisted design or computer-assisted milling (CAD/CAM) techniques are sometimes used to create semi-direct resin or porcelain restorations, such as inlays, which fit inside the top edges of the tooth. Using this new technology allows your dentist to complete the restoration of your tooth without sending the material to a special lab for fabrication.
Indirect Porcelain Fillings
Indirect fillings are used for even larger areas of restoration than those repaired by semi-direct fillings. They are usually constructed of porcelain due to the strength and durability required for the large surface area being replaced.
An indirect application is needed when there is not enough tooth material remaining to support a standard filling. The indirect filling usually has to replace most of the tooth that is visible above the gum line. Due to the extensive nature of this type of restoration, it may require multiple visits before it is complete.
Several types of tooth-colored fillings may be used to restore the look and functionality of a decayed tooth. However, your cosmetic dentist will select a filling based on the amount of damage that your tooth has sustained.To have a tooth assessed, contact an office like Bristol Dental Group in your area for a consultation.
Share21 September 2015
As I've gotten older, I've found that my body is less able to tolerate spicy, greasy, and heavy foods. While I never used to struggle with heartburn, it's become a common occurrence. I spent a lot of time talking with my doctor and reading about all kinds of heartburn relief options. After trying a lot of different options, I finally found that there are a few things that work exceptionally well. I created this site to journal my experience with chronic heartburn and the treatment options that I've tried. I hope that it helps you if you're struggling with heartburn problems as well.