Dental Restorations
At our Surrey dental practice, our dentist Dr. Rosenczweig uses a variety of dental restoration techniques to repair cracked, decayed, fractured or chipped teeth. These include white composite fillings, and dental inlays and onlays.
Composite Resin (White) Fillings
Composite resin fillings are made a tooth-colored plastic material filled with glass (silicon dioxide). They are used to fill cavities and repair chips, cracks, and other types of damage. They can also be used to make cosmetic improvements to the smile by changing the color of the teeth or reshaping disfigured teeth.
The most significant benefit of composite fillings over amalgam (silver)ones is aesthetics. This is because with composite fillings, your dentist can blend shades to create a color that is essentially identical to that of your natural teeth.
Composites support the remaining tooth structure, which helps to prevent future breakage. It also insulates the tooth from hot and cold temperatures temperature changes. And with good oral hygiene and proper care, composites will last 7-10 years.
Dental Inlays
Dental inlays are larger than regular fillings are, and fill the space in between the cusps (rounded edges) at the center of the tooth's chewing surface.
Inlays are usually made from either composite or porcelain material and are strong enough withstand chewing pressure placed on the back teeth.
They make a great replacement for old silver fillings, helping you regain the natural appearance of your smile.
Dental Onlays
Dental onlays are used to cover damage on one or more cusps. In some cases, they can be used to cover the entire biting surface of a damaged tooth. Since they provide such extensive coverage, onlays are sometimes called "partial crowns." We will typically place an onay in cases where a crown would be too excessive, but a regular filling or inlay would be insufficient.
Onlays are more durable and longer lasting than a regular dental filling. If you care for your onlay properly, it can last for up to 30 years.