Glass ionomers are used in areas not subject to heavy chewing pressure since they have quite a low resistance to fracture. This material is best applicable in small non-load bearing fillings i.e. areas between the teeth and the roots of the teeth. Dentists remove less of the tooth structure when preparing the tooth for a glass ionomer and therefore needs only smaller filling compared to that of an amalgam.
Glass ionomers can be described as translucent tooth-colored materials. It is a mixture of acrylic acid and fine glass powders. These materials are able to release small amounts of fluoride to lessen the possibility of tooth decay in high-risk patients. Although there have been reports of patients succumbing to allergic reactions when in contact with glass ionomers, these incidences are quite few and glass ionomers can be considered as safe for the majority of dental patients.
Source: Mainstreet Dental
dental treatment, fillings, glass ionomers, materials
Another would be the veneer operation wherein the teeth will be bleached to its outmost potential by means of drilling. This kind of dental procedure however comes in the alternative form called Lumineer wherein drilling is not necessary. The Case Description as used by the American Dental Association refers to the outer and esthetic features of a mature dentition which are distinguishable in form. When the teeth wears down, it show significant impact in a person’s physique. The American Dental Association confronts this problem by using bonding and adhesive ceramic restorative procedures. These have a probable reversing after effect due to the esthetic symptoms of the aging tendencies of our teeth.
Diastema is a dental condition wherein the two upper incisors (normally), have a gap in between them. This has been called as a “celebrity†dental condition since most of the popular and well-known individuals from the entertainment world have this (i.e. Madonna etc.). In some cultures too, like Nigeria, this dental condition is regarded as something beautiful and attractive.
There are numerous ways to fix diastema but most orthodontics prefer braces. Whether these braces are full (both upper and lower teeth), or placed just on the affected area (normally the upper incisors), braces surely have been proven effective to fix this dental condition. A retainer is given after your local orthodontist removes your braces as this will continue the “repair process†of your teeth.
Photo taken from http://www.snaponsmile.com
celebrity condition, diastema, full braces, gap between teeth, madonna
At-home teeth bleaching is a great option for those on a budget. Unfortunately, results cannot be seen after a single application. It can take from weeks to months before the final results can be achieved. This means that the dental patient must have the time and patience. He or she must also be capable of performing and adhering to the instructions. On the other hand, the results of professional teeth whitening are seen immediately after the procedure but are quite more expensive than at-home products. Professional whitening may be accomplished in one to three appointments.
Source: Associated Content
Like any other cosmetic procedure, cosmetic dental treatments also have limited life span yet may have long-term consequences. Teeth that have been bleached do not stay white forever. You may have to come back to your dentist for future treatments but the decision to do so is your prerogative. Good thing that this procedure does not involve structural changes so it becomes optional. On the other hand, having veneers or dental crowns also means regular veneering or dental crown replacement when the originals break or deteriorate. This also applies to dental bonding. It is best to always ask your dentist about long term maintenance.
cosmetic dentistry, dental care, dental life span, dental restoration, dental treatment, teeth, Treatment
Tooth bonding can be used for cosmetic purposes. A veneering of dental bonding can enhance the appearance of a tooth that is partly stained or discolored. Bonding can also used to close teeth gaps and to reshape and re-align teeth that have little imperfection such as chipping and misalignment.
Another use of tooth bonding is for creating composite fillings. The restorative used in tooth bonding, or the dental composite, is also the material used for making natural tooth-colored fillings. This is a good alternative to silver fillings because the former is less noticeable.
Source: My New Smile
cosmetic dentistry, dental care, dental restoration, dental treatment, teeth, Tooth Bonding
Dental crowns and Porcelain Veneers are both types of dental restorations. Dental crowns are very strong and are often utilized in rebuilding teeth that are badly broken and decayed due to significant tooth abuse. The downside of this is that it requires tooth reduction and when a crown has been made for a tooth, that particular tooth will always require a dental crown. Porcelain Veneers
Source: Animated Teeth here
cosmetic dentistry, dental care, dental crowns, dental restoration, dental treatment, Porcelain Veneer, teeth
Image Source: Theodoregrey
Yep, apparently the debate on the safety of dental amalgam is still ongoing. This time, it is The European Commission that has launched a consultation process which will run until February 22, 2008 that will focus on two scientific opinions regarding dental amalgam and its alternatives.
Presenting the two views:
Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR) made a preliminary report attempting to answer the question, �Are dental amalgam and alternative dental restoration materials safe for patients and users?� The results of the study were released on November 29, 2007. The conclusion is that amalgam is an effective restorative material and is deemed quite safe to be considered as the material of choice for some restorations. Incidences of adverse effects of amalgam and its materials are low and readily managed. Amalgam does not pose a risk to health apart from allergic reactions.
The Scientific Committee on Health and Environmental Risks (SCHER) also made a preliminary report released on November 29, 2007. This study however focuses more on the environmental risks and indirect health effects of mercury in dental amalgam. The committee concludes that certain environmental risks exist in the involvement of the use of amalgam. Most of these are related to indirect exposure of humans to methylmercury. Although said risks are lower than tolerable limits, and therefore making them a low risk for more serious health effects, the issue of safety is still a matter of debate. Existing information is too limited to assess the environmental risks and indirect health effects. After all, Methylmercury is the most toxic type of mercury. Further study is still needed on this as available information on toxic effects of alternatives is still very limited to hold a proper comparative assessment.
Source: Cybermed
The European Commission
There are different materials used in dental restoration, which are the following:
1. Amalgam
Amalgam is one of the strongest materials used in dental restoration, which is basically a mix of several metals, among them silver, tin, mercury, and copper. There has been some controversy over the safety of amalgam, but it is only purely speculation and has not been supported by any kind of scientific background.
2. Porcelain
This is a more expensive material, which is chosen because of it’s similar hue to the teeth. However, under certain circumstances, it may break.
3. Composite resin
Made out of acrylic plastic material combined with glass or quartz fillers, composite resin is relatively sturdy, but it’s greatest weakness is its propensity to discolor faster.
4. Gold and base metal alloys.
These are very sturdy, but the downside is a metallic sheen that might serve as an aesthetic deterrent to patients.
Many materials we now use and take fore granted in our everyday lives can be found inside your mouth where dentists use them to restore your smile. From composite materials, high strength ceramics, plastics, veneers and varnishes, they are all result of research into space age materials needed for outer space. Lighter yet stronger than steel and even natural bone(the strongest bone in the human body), they adorn our mouths quietly as we smile our way through the day.
Adhesives that bond indefinitely with the use of UV light, drills and diagnostic machines that offer safer and faster results in no time. Dental restoration used to take a lot of visits but with high-tech imaging machines, they can be documented and explained in detail without the guesswork. Powerful computers process digital x-rays allowing them to be stored for review anytime lessening the exposure to x-rays.
