When many people think of dental fillings, their minds flash back to the fillings of the past: conspicuous metal restorations that served their purpose perfectly well, but certainly affected the overall appearance of the smile. These people might be surprised to learn that modern dental materials have advanced to the point that today's fillings are as aesthetic as they are strong.
Dr. Lauren Shanard proudly offers tooth-colored fillings to patients of her Williston, Vermont dental practice. When used to fill a cavity after the removal of the decayed portion of a tooth, the composite resin material blends flawlessly with the healthy tooth structure, becoming virtually undetectable. At the same time, it helps to preserve and protect the remaining tooth from further damage while restoring its form and function.
Every procedure we perform at Contemporary Dental Arts has an aesthetic focus, and that includes general dentistry procedures such as the treatment of cavities. You will emerge from treatment with a tooth that is not only healthier, but also attractive and natural looking. For further information about the tooth-colored fillings available at our Williston practice, please contact Dr. Shanard and her team today.
This teeth whitening testimonial describes Carolyn's experience at Contemporary Dental Arts in Burlington, Vermont and Williston, Vermont. Carolyn was friends with Dr. Lauren Shanard and had always enjoyed her bright, beautiful smile. Carolyn is very appreciative of the care that she received and the atmosphere of our office.
The composite resin material used in tooth-colored fillings is comprised of a durable yet aesthetic blend of plastics and ceramic. This material is applied in small layers to the treated and cleaned tooth, bonded via a strong dental adhesive. After it has been shaped and polished, it is hardened upon exposure to a special curing light. Tooth-colored fillings tend to form a superior bond with teeth than their silver amalgam counterparts. They are particularly effective in treating smaller cavities, as well as minor chips.
The difference between inlays and onlays lies in how much of the tooth's surface is covered by the restoration. Inlays are placed within the cusps of the tooth while onlays cover the entire top portion of the tooth, including the cusps. Inlays and Onlays are made from medical-grade porcelain and are used when the damage to a tooth is more extensive.
Aside from their obvious aesthetic advantages, tooth-colored fillings offer a number of practical benefits over silver amalgam fillings. Unlike metal fillings, tooth-colored fillings actually form a chemical bond with teeth, providing exceptional strength and support. They also require less removal of the tooth's natural materials prior to placement. Furthermore, silver amalgam has a tendency to expand and contract upon exposure to heat and cold, which can lead to cracks and fractures in teeth. This phenomenon is far less likely to occur with tooth-colored fillings.
And, of course, when placed by Dr. Shanard - the first and only accredited cosmetic dentist in the state of Vermont - you can be assured of results of the highest aesthetic and functional standard.
Tooth-colored fillings are not suitable for every case. In cases of more extensive damage, or in which insufficient natural structure remains to support a tooth-colored filling, Dr. Shanard may recommend alternative restoration options, such as inlays, onlays, or dental crowns. These treatments are just as aesthetically pleasing as tooth-colored fillings, and are crafted to the same uncompromising standards.
If you have existing metal fillings in your mouth, it may be possible to replace these with modern, tooth-colored fillings, as well.
If you would like to learn more about the tooth-colored fillings available at our Williston, Vermont practice, please contact Contemporary Dental Arts today. We would be pleased to answer any questions you might have and to assist you in scheduling an appointment with Dr. Shanard.
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