Cosmetic Dentistry
Tooth Colored Fillings
Tooth colored fillings to replace amalgam ("silver") fillings
For over a century, the dental amalgam fillings made of a mixture of silver, tin, mercury and copper have served us well. In certain cases it still has a place today. But now we have better materials and techniques to repair teeth that have been damaged by decay. Amalgam is used to fill the cavity where the decay has been removed. The problems with amalgam fillings are that they seriously weaken any tooth in which they are placed and, over time they leak and corrode causing sensitivity, cracked teeth and discoloration of both the filling and the tooth. I call amalgam filings "black" fillings, because they are only silver for a short time before corrosion causes them to turn "black". For many of us, this can be embarrassing when we open our mouths.
Today, we can provide you with tooth colored restorations (composite or porcelain), which require much less invasive preparation. The filling material is bonded to the tooth to strengthen and seal it from harm. It is strong, stain resistant, and almost invisibly matched to your natural teeth. Today's tooth colored restorations solves many of the problems associated with amalgam fillings. They are especially suited for smaller cavities and for those who might be allergic to metal fillings.
Cracked, Broken, Crooked, Worn or Discolored Teeth?
It is almost miraculous what can be done for improving smiles with modern cosmetic dentistry. It is true in dentistry as well as all of nature, that form follows function. That is, basically, if your smile looks good, then as an added bonus, it will function well and last longer. Conversely, the opposite is true. Cracked, broken, crooked, worn or discolored teeth are all signs of dental disease and trauma and left unchecked can lead to trouble!
Cosmetic bonding and reshaping is capable of rejuvenating your smile by giving you a stronger and more youthful appearance. In most instances this can be done easily and quickly.
Bonding can be done with your choice of composite or porcelain veneers. Veneers are made of thin layers of material that is applied to the treated tooth and then fixed or cured on the tooth with a special bonding light.
Bonding can lighten stains, close gaps and can even alter the shape of crooked or malformed teeth. We can use it to change a single tooth or we can use it to do "instant orthodontics". We can also use it to makeover your smile, as seen on TV.
If you are interested in seeing what you will look like, Dr. Alleman can easily provide you with a "Mock-up" made of similar materials for your case, which you can take home with you.
Brighten your smile with tooth whitening
Tooth bleaching involves the placement of a gel solution on the teeth to eliminate stains and discoloration. The solution is held in place by a custom made, see-through tray that fits over the teeth. It is a safe, easy way to whiten teeth. Today, bleaching is probably cosmetic dentistry's most common procedure-everybody's doing it!
Bleaching is one of the nicest developments to come along in cosmetic dentistry. My staff and I use it and we are living testimony that it works and that it is fun!
We have evaluated many types of bleaching methods and materials. The one we currently like best is called Pola brand and is a hydrogen peroxide gel method. The Pola gel comes in several different concentration strengths. Results largely depend on each person's individual tooth, concentration of bleaching agent, and time wearing the bleaching trays.
Sensitive teeth or those which are chipped, eroded or weakened by cavities should be repaired before bleaching.
