CEREC is a dental restoration product that allows Dr. Cohn to produce an indirect ceramic dental restoration using a variety of computer assisted technologies, including 3D photography and CAD/CAM. With CEREC, teeth can be restored in a single sitting with the patient, rather than the multiple sittings required with earlier techniques. Additionally, with the latest software and hardware updates, crowns, veneers, onlays and inlays can be prepared, using different types of ceramic material. These are all non-metallic restorations.
Technology
The cavity preparation is first imaged and stored as a three dimensional digital model. The CEREC software is then used to design the restoration shape using biogeneric comparisons to your surrounding teeth. We then refine that model using 3D CAD software. When the model/design is complete a milling machine carves the actual restoration out of a ceramic block using diamond head cutters under computer control in the office. When complete, the restoration is bonded to the tooth using a resin cement.
Veneers are ultra-thin shells of porcelain or a composite resin material, which are bonded to the front of teeth. This procedure can be the ideal choice for improving the appearance of your front teeth. Veneers are placed to mask discolorations, to brighten teeth, change the shape and size of teeth and to improve the overall appearance of your smile.
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After
Why a veneer?
Veneers are an excellent alternative to crowns in many situations. They provide a much more conservative approach to changing a tooth's color, size or shape. Veneers can mask undesirable defects, such as teeth stained by tetracycline or damaged due to injuries. They are ideal for masking discolored fillings in front teeth. Patients with gaps between their front teeth or teeth that are chipped or worn may consider veneers. Generally, veneers will last for many years, and the technique has shown remarkable longevity when properly performed.
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After
What happens during the procedure?
Patients may need several appointments for the entire procedure: diagnosis and treatment planning, preparation and bonding.
It's critical that you take an active role in the smile design. Your input is critical. Dr. Cohn will spend a great deal of time in the planning of your smile. She will spend at least 70 minutes with you in the office collecting diagnostic records, impressions and photographs. She will then spend another 2 -3 hours designing your smile after you leave. A diagnostic wax-up recreating your new smile design/teeth will be presented to you at a following appointment. Once we both agree that this diagnostic wax-up of your new teeth and smile look good and are meeting your goals, we’re ready to set up an appointment to start your new smile!
At the next appointment, the teeth are prepared for the veneers. This is done by slightly reshaping the teeth to allow for the small added thickness of the veneer. Usually, about half a millimeter of the tooth is removed, which may require a local anesthetic. If composite resin veneers are being placed, it is generally done in one appointment. After the tooth is prepared, the dentist carefully bonds and sculpts the composite material onto your teeth. For porcelain veneers, a mold (impression) is taken of the prepared teeth, which is sent to the laboratory for the fabrication of the veneers. This will take several weeks. If the prepared teeth are too unsightly, temporary veneers will be placed. These temporaries veneers will also allow us to test the esthetics of your new smile design.
When your ceramic veneers are ready, Dr. Cohn will remove your temporary veneers and place each porcelain veneer on your teeth to check their fit and review the esthetics. At this point Dr. Cohn will let you look at them to check and see if your esthetic objectives have been met. Once you have agreed that you like them, we start the bonding procedures. To apply the veneer, the tooth and the veneers are carefully cleansed with specific components to create bondable surfaces. The special cement is then sandwiched between the veneer and tooth and a LED light beam is placed over the tooth to harden the cement. The veneer is now bonded to the tooth. The excess cement will be removed and your bite will be check with the T-scan and any necessary adjustments will be made.
How about maintenance?
For about a week or two, you will go through a period of adjustment as you get used to your "new" teeth that have changed in size and shape. Brush and floss daily. After one or two weeks, we will ask you to return for a follow-up appointment.
What are realistic expectations?
Veneers are artistic facsimiles of natural teeth, not perfect replacements. It's not uncommon to see slight imperfections of veneers upon close inspection, as this occurs even in natural teeth. Nevertheless, this procedure can greatly enhance your smile and can heighten self-esteem. Please look in our Photo Gallery section. They are all cases that Dr. Cohn has completed.
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is surgically anchored into your bone to hold a replacement tooth or bridge in place. The benefit of using implants is that they don't rely on neighboring teeth for support and they are permanent and stable. Implants are a good solution to tooth loss because they look and feel like natural teeth.
Implant material is made from different types of metallic and bone-like ceramic materials that are compatible with body tissue. There are different types of dental implants: the first is placed directly into the jaw bone, like natural tooth roots; the second is used when the jaw structure is limited, therefore, a custom-made metal framework fits directly on the existing bone.
Be sure to look in our Photo Gallery section for photos of completed implants. They are all cases Dr. Cohn has completed.
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After
Strategically placed, implants can now be used to support permanently cemented bridges, eliminating the need for a denture. The cost tends to be greater, but the implants and bridges more closely resemble the feel of real teeth.
Can anyone receive dental implants?
Talk with Dr. Cohn about whether you are an implant candidate. You must be in good health and have the proper bone structure and healthy gums for the implant to stay in place. People who are unable to wear dentures may also be good candidates. If you suffer from systemic diseases, such as diabetes, the success rate for implants decreases dramatically. Additionally, people who smoke or drink significant amounts of alcohol may not be good candidates.
What can I expect during this procedure?
Dr. Cohn will refer you to a surgeon that will perform the surgery to place the "artificial root" (implant) into or on your jaw bone. The procedure is done in the surgeon’s dental office with local anesthesia and if desired, sedation. The gum is then secured over the implant, which will remain covered until it fuses with the bone. When the surgeon has assessed that the bone has fully fused to the implant, he or she will refer you back to Dr. Cohn to have the implant tooth made. Dr. Cohn will take the appropriate measurements and impressions of the implant and surrounding teeth and then have the lab fabricate the implant tooth components. Finally, the artificial tooth, or crown, will be attached to the implant post. The final bite adjustment for your implant will be made with the T-Scan® III computer based sensor.
How long does the process take?
The process can take up to nine months to complete. Each patient heals differently, so times will vary. After the implant and posts are placed surgically, the healing process can take up to six months and the fitting of replacement teeth can be between one and two months. Sometimes, if a patient has good bone quality, posts can be placed and replacement teeth fitted in one appointment. If the implants are replacing teeth that show when you smile, temporary tooth replacements can be worn during this the process.
What is the success rate of implants?
The success rate for implants depends on the volume and quality of bone, the tooth's purpose and location in the mouth, as well as a patient's overall health. Generally, the success rate for implants is very impressive. Talk with the implant surgeon about your particular case.
How do I care for implants?
Poor oral hygiene is a big reason why some implants fail. It is important to floss and brush around the fixtures at least twice a day. Your dentist will give you specific instructions on how to care for your new implants. Additional cleanings of up to four times per year may be necessary to ensure that you retain healthy gums.
From subtle changes to major repairs, Dr. Cohn can perform a variety of procedures to improve your smile. There are many techniques and options to treat teeth that are discolored, chipped, misshapen, missing or crooked teeth. We can reshape your teeth, close spaces, restore worn or short teeth, alter the length of your teeth or straighten them. Common procedures include bleaching, bonding, crowns, veneers, reshaping and contouring, orthodontics with Invisalign(Place Trademark) and periodontal plastic surgery.
These improvements are not always just cosmetic. Many of these treatments can improve other problems, such as your bite or your periodontal health. Whenever any dental work is performed, it must always be accomplished with strict adherence to functional principles.
Did you know? - In a recent study conducted by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry it was found that:
Virtually all people interviewed (99.7%) believed that a smile is an important social asset.
96% of adults believe an attractive smile makes a person more appealing to members of the opposite sex.
Three-quarters (74%) of adults feels an unattractive smile can hurt a person's chances for career success.
What should I look for in a cosmetic dentist?
In order to make sure your dentist is skilled in cosmetic dentistry, it is recommended that you ask your dentist for the following items before undergoing treatment:
Before and after photos. These photos will allow you to examine the results of other patients being treated by the dentist to make sure his or her work fits your dental needs. Be sure to look in the Photo Gallery section of this web site.
References. References allow you to get a sense of the quality of care the dentist provides.
Proof of continuing education. Be certain that your dentist has taken continuing education courses to keep him or her up-to-date with the latest techniques in clinical cosmetic dentistry.
Dr. Cohn can answer the questions you have about the techniques used to improve your smile. The condition of your teeth and your desired result often indicate the best procedure for you.
This is at the heart of Dr. Cohn’s practice. She provides dental care that improves function, comfort and esthetics. Whether you need a single filling or to have complete dental reconstruction, it all needs to be done within the principles of function to create harmony between your teeth, temporomandibular joint, chewing muscles and esthetics. A smile that works!
Dentists are “physicians of the masticatory system.” We need to understand and consider the close anatomical and functional relationship of your system’s key components…your central nervous system, muscles of mastication (chewing), temporomandibular joints and your dental occlusion (bite).
When your masticatory system is in disharmony, bad things happen. You may have muscle pain, headaches, joint pain, cracked teeth, worn teeth, bone and tooth loss and tooth sensitivity, just to name a few. Dr. Cohn can help fix these problems so that you are more comfortable, a smile that works!
Invisalign is a patented proprietary system that uses 3D modeling software and cutting-edge manufacturing technology to provide a clear, removable solution for straightening teeth. Invisalign orthodontic treatment consists of a series of clear aligners that you switch out about every two weeks. Each aligner is individually manufactured with exact calculations to gradually shift your teeth into place. Invisalign is effective at treating a wide variety of orthodontic issues including:
Crowding
Spacing
Overbite
Underbite
Open bite
Dr. Cohn has completed many Invisalign cases. Look in the photos gallery to see some before and after comparisons.
Periodontal treatment is an investment in your health. Treating periodontal problems will help you achieve a healthy mouth and help prevent tooth loss and improve your overall health. In fact, with prompt treatment, proper home care, and regular dental visits, a great majority of patients can keep their teeth for a lifetime. There is also strong scientific evidence that links periodontal disease with other chronic inflammatory diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, strokes and even Alzheimer’s disease and low birth weight babies. So, keeping your teeth and gums healthy is very important.
What Is The Treatment For Periodontal Diseases?
After evaluating your periodontal health, Dr. Cohn will work with you to determine the treatment options that best meet your needs.
If you have periodontal disease, the treatment can vary widely depending on how far the disease has progressed. If caught in the early stages, simple procedures are done that will remove the plaque and calculus from below the gum line and disrupt the infection-causing bacteria. This is called non-surgical periodontal treatment, and usually consists of deep cleanings, often with local anesthesia (“novocaine”). This may be followed up with periodic tooth cleanings every 3-6 months for the rest of your life. If your periodontal or gum disease has advanced to the point where the periodontal pockets are deep and the supporting bone is lost, further treatment might be necessary which may include corrective and regenerative surgery.
Surgery to Eliminate Bone Infections and to Regenerate Lost Bone
If your periodontal disease has progressed into the bone around your teeth, it is likely that a surgical procedure will be necessary to eliminate the infection. In the past, these procedures sometimes removed gum tissue and resulted in longer teeth. Today newer procedures are used that are not only more effective but also more esthetic. These minor surgical procedures eliminate the infection that has invaded the bone and often times the lost bone can be regenerated through a variety of bone grafting techniques. Dr. Cohn will carefully review your options and answer any questions you might have. If extensive repair is necessary, Dr. Cohn will refer you to a Periodontist, which is a dentist that specializes in gum disease and treatment.
Surgical Treatments
There are a variety of surgical treatments that can be used to help resolve periodontal disease. If surgery is required, rest assured that Dr. Cohn and her entire team will make certain that you are always comfortable not only during the surgical procedure but postoperatively as well.
These are procedures that are preformed to create a better looking smile, with better tooth to gum proportions. Perhaps you have a “gummy” smile and you would like to show more tooth, maybe one tooth looks lower because the gum tissue hangs down too low. Sometimes your gums have receded and you show too much tooth or tooth root surface. Many times these procedures are done before you have new veneers, crowns and implants, when designing a new smile.
Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening is a procedure to remove the excess gum tissue, exposing more of the “crown” of the tooth. The gum line is then sculpted (or sutured) to create the right proportion between gum tissue and tooth surface. This sets the stage, allowing your new veneers or crowns to have the correct length and shape, or proportion. Trying to achieve the Golden Proportion is very important in all cosmetic procedures.
Sometimes crown lengthening is done for functional reasons, not for cosmetics. This is necessary when your tooth is broken down at the gum line or there is decay at or below the gum line.
Root Coverage
During this procedure, gum tissue from your palate or other materials are used to cover the exposed root. This can be done for cosmetic or functional reasons. It can be done for one tooth or several teeth to even your gum line, reduce sensitivity, develop gum tissue where absent due to excessive gingival recession or to make prosthetic devices, such as dental implants, look natural. In some cases, they can cover exposed roots to protect them
Ridge Augmentation
Ridge augmentation procedures are used to correct concavities in the jawbone where natural teeth are missing. It corrects depressions in your gum line that are unnatural looking and sometimes make you seem older than you really are. It is also used to prevent the jawbone from collapsing following tooth extraction, and helps to even out replacement teeth that may seem too long compared to adjacent teeth.
Occlusal Equilibrations with T-Scan® III (bite correction)
The T-Scan® III computer based sensor aids Dr. Cohn in adjusting your bite so that each tooth hits with equal force. Of course, this needs to be done in harmony with your temporomandibular joint and muscles (Functional Rehabilitation). It also allows her to accurately adjust your implant biting forces to help maintain their supporting bone.
Occlusal (Bite) Adjustment
This procedure makes corrections to the bite associated with loose, shifting teeth, teeth that are biting too hard and/or contacting opposing teeth incorrectly. Balancing and evenly distributing the biting and chewing forces on a tooth reduces the looseness and relieves excessive pressures on the supporting gum, bone structures, facial muscles and TMJ.
We often use the T-Scan® III Computer-Based Occlusal Analyzer to evaluate if extensive adjustment is needed. The T-Scan® III is the only system available to measure dental occlusal forces and quantify how well-balanced a patient's occlusion is. It records 100 progressive bite registrations per minute over a 4 to 8 sec time frame as we have you bite and hold, bite and slide left, bite and slide right and finally bite and slide your teeth forward.
Before After
What are some of the SIGNS that may justify an occlusal adjustment?
Loose or shifting teeth: sometimes one sign is increased spacing between the upper front teeth. Occasionally, you may feel that your teeth do not hit correctly.
Grinding or clenching of your teeth: this habit (which comes from a central nervous system signal and increases during stress) can cause an unevenly distributed and excessive biting force on several of your teeth and subsequently on the bone support which holds the teeth in your jaw.
Headache &/or facial muscle soreness: may sometimes accompany the grinding or clenching of your teeth. The headache in most of these cases will occur in the temporal regions of your head (lateral to the eyes). Muscles soreness can occur in many places, including your cheeks, in front of your ears, under your chin and your neck.
PAIN: One or more teeth may hurt upon eating or biting down normally. This is usually caused by the eruption of a tooth beyond the normal plane of the bite, such that only one or two teeth contact prematurely.
Sensitivity to temperature: (sometimes hot, but mostly cold). Again this is due to the premature contact between one or more teeth. With the knowledge that one can bite with a force of up to 200 pounds per square inch, the nerve within the tooth gets irritated and hypersensitive.
Implants: Implants require very careful occlusal (bite) considerations. Unlike your natural teeth that have the ability to move when you bite or push on them, implants are attached directly to your bone and do not move at all. Every time you bite your natural teeth together, your teeth press down into your jaw a little. Implants don’t do this. Therefore, it is very important to adjust implants so that they contact the opposing tooth only after your natural teeth have come together and pressed into your jaw a little. This can only be accurately done with the T-Scan® III.
Underneath your tooth's outer enamel and within the dentin is an area of soft tissue called the pulp. Pulp tissue contains nerve fibers, arteries, veins, lymph vessels, and connective tissue. Each tooth's nerve enters the tooth at the very tip of its roots. From there, the nerve runs through the center of the root in small "root canals," which join up with the tooth's pulp chamber. Root canals are very small, thin divisions that branch off from the top pulp chamber down to the tip of the root. You can visualize these canals looking like a young tree, with a main trunk, and a few branches as it nears the tip, called accessory canals. A tooth has at least one and up to five root canals.
Why do I feel pain?
When the pulp becomes infected due to a deep cavity or fracture that allows bacteria to seep in, or injury due to trauma, it can become infected and die. Damaged, infected or dead pulp causes bacterial growth, increased blood flow, cellular activity and inflammation within the tooth which then travels down to the periodontal supporting ligament leading to pressure at the end of the tooth. This then causes an infection and inflammation at the end of the tooth in the tooth’s supporting periodontal ligament. This causes pain. Sometimes it is a constant pain and sometimes it only occurs when biting down, chewing on it and/or applying hot or cold foods and drinks. Sometimes there is no pain.
What are the signs that I need Endodontic Treatment (Root Canal)?
Signs to look for are pain, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, tenderness to touch and chewing, discoloration of the tooth, and swelling, drainage and tenderness in the lymph nodes as well as nearby bone and gingival tissues. Sometimes, however, there are no symptoms.
Why do I need Endodontic Treatment (Root Canal)?
Root canal treatment is necessary because the tooth will not heal by itself. Antibiotic treatment will not even heal it because the antibiotics cannot go into the pulp chamber of the tooth to kill the bacteria. The only way to remove the bacteria from the inside of the tooth is to extract the tooth or perform endodontic treatment (root canal). Without treatment, the infection will spread, bone around the tooth will begin to dissolve, swelling will occur and the tooth may fall out. Pain usually worsens until one is forced to seek emergency dental attention. The only alternative is usually extraction of the tooth, which can cause a lot of bone loss and the surrounding teeth to shift crookedly, resulting in a bad bite. Though an extraction is cheaper, the space left behind will require an implant or a bridge, which can be more expensive than root canal therapy. If you have the choice, it's always best to keep your original teeth.
What is a Endodontic Treatment (Root Canal)?
A root canal is a procedure done to save the tooth by removing the infected or dead pulp in the root canal(s) of the tooth by cleaning out and disinfecting the inside of the tooth. The canal is then filled with a rubberlike substance called gutta–percha and sealer. The tooth is then permanently sealed with a bonded composite core and possibly a post and then a crown is placed on the tooth for a better seal and support. This enables patients to keep the original tooth.
What is involved in Endodontic Treatment (Root Canal)?
Once Dr. Cohn performs tests on the tooth and confirms that the tooth is infected, she can perform the treatment. Treatment usually involves one appointment. Dr. Cohn has received extensive training in endodontic treatment (root canals) and uses a surgical microscope to perform these procedures. This gives her better vision to help find all the canals in your tooth. It is important that all the canals in your tooth be treated. This leads to a higher success rate.
First, you will be given a local anesthetic to numb the tooth completely. A rubber sheet called a dental dam is then placed around the tooth to isolate it. Next, an opening is made from the crown into the pulp chamber, which, along with the root canal, is cleaned of all diseased pulp and reshaped to allow for the root canal filling to be placed.
Medication may be inserted into the area to fight bacteria. Depending on the condition of the tooth, the crown may then be sealed temporarily to guard against recontamination, the tooth may be left open to drain or the dentist may go right ahead and fill the canals.
Once all the canals are completely disinfected and shaped, they are filled with gutta percha and sealer. If the tooth is still weak, a metal post may be inserted above the canal filling to reinforce the tooth. Once filled, the area is permanently sealed with a bonded composite core (crown build-up). Finally, a gold or porcelain crown is normally placed over the tooth to strengthen its structure and improve appearance.
What are the risks and complications?
Usually a tooth that has had a root canal can last the rest of your life. More than 95 percent of root canal treatments are successful. However, sometimes a procedure needs to be redone or the tooth will need to be extracted due to diseased canal offshoots (accessory canals) that can be difficult to disinfect, persistent bacteria or viruses in the periodontal ligament, thick calcium deposits in the canal blocking instrumentation, a vertical non-repairable fracture of the root or the separation of a filing instrument in the canal.
What happens after treatment?
Natural tissue inflammation may cause discomfort for a few days, which can be controlled by an over-the-counter analgesic, ibuprofen, aspirin or Tylenol. It is normal to have sensitivity to chewing on the treated tooth for a few weeks while healing occurs.
Are there options to Endodontic Treatment (Root Canal)?
The only alternative to root canal therapy is to extract the tooth; however, this alone can cause the surrounding teeth to move, resulting in a bad bite. Though an extraction may be perceived as less expensive, the empty space left behind will require an implant, bridge or removable partial denture, which ultimately can be more costly than root canal therapy.
A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and the tissues connected to those teeth. It is made of acrylic plastic and sometimes porcelain and metal materials. A denture closely resembles natural gum tissue and teeth.
Complete dentures replace all of the teeth. Complete dentures are "immediate" or "conventional." An immediate denture is a complete denture or partial denture that is inserted on the same day, immediately following the removal of the natural teeth. The immediate denture acts as a Band-Aid to protect the tissues and reduce bleeding after tooth extraction and, most importantly, gives you immediate tooth replacement. The conventional denture is ready for placement in the mouth about 8 to 12 weeks after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed.
Dentures are retained in your mouth by the suction that is created by the underside of the denture as it contacts your gums. Sometimes it is necessary to use dentures adhesives to increase the security of the denture.
Complete dentures need to be periodically refitted to your gum tissue and underlying bone as your bone volume and height will decrease over time. Essentially, our jaw bones start “melting” away after teeth are removed due to atrophy.
What is an overdenture?
A removable denture that fits over a small number of remaining natural teeth. The natural teeth must be prepared to provide stability and support for the denture. That usually involves performing endodontic treatment (root canal) on the remaining teeth. Overdentures have the advantage of being anchored to the natural teeth under them thus creating much more stability for chewing and talking. Leaving teeth remaining in your jaw also preserves the height and volume of your bone as it stops it from “melting” away due to atrophy. This is important for the long term stability and comfort of the denture.
What is an Implant Retained Denture?
A denture that fits over implants that have been placed in your bone. The denture securely attaches to the implants creating exceptional stability for chewing and talking. There are many different ways to attach the denture to the implants. They can be made so that the denture is removable by you daily, or they can be permanently attached to the implants, creating a feel more like your natural teeth. Having implants in your jaw also preserves the height and volume of your bone as it stops it from “melting” away due to atrophy. This is important for the long term stability and comfort of the denture.
The most important consideration in your decision to choose an implant retained denture is the limited retention and stability of a traditional denture which relies on suction alone. Over time, retention of traditional dentures only worsens due to continual bone loss (atrophy) of your dental arches from the lack of teeth.
What are the benefits of Implant Retained Dentures?
Having dental implants placed will preserve bone and will dramatically reduce bone atrophy and deterioration that results in loss of jawbone height.
Implant retained dentures will control facial contour changes that lead to premature wrinkles and aging.
Implant retained dentures will allow you to chew your food better and speak more clearly. Studies have proven that implant retained dentures contribute to improved chewing efficiency and phonetics.
Loose dentures that cause embarrassment will be eliminated. Messy denture creams and adhesives are no longer needed with implant retained dentures.
What is a partial denture?
A partial denture is for people who still have some of their natural teeth. Partial dentures fill in the spaces created by missing teeth and prevent other teeth from shifting position The partial denture uses the natural teeth to support and retain it, creating more stability for chewing and talking. Sometimes they can be used as a temporary tooth substitute while waiting for more permanent replacements like implants. Sometimes they are used permanently as a more affordable replacement for teeth. Partial dentures are custom designed and made specifically for each patient.
Who needs a denture?
Dentures are not just for elderly patients. Patients of any age may lose some or all of their teeth and may require a denture of some sort. Because teeth are a permanent part of the body, tooth loss can have an emotional impact on some people. It is important to talk to your dentist about any fears, anxiety, or other emotions you are feeling about tooth loss.
Will my dentures need to be replaced?
Over time, dentures will need to be relined, rebased, or remade due to normal wear. To reline or rebase a denture, the dentist uses the existing denture teeth and refits the denture base or makes a new denture base. Dentures may need to be replaced if they become loose and the teeth show signs of significant wear. Dentures become loose because a mouth naturally changes with age. Bone and gum ridges can recede or shrink, causing jaws to align differently. Shrinking ridges can cause dentures to fit less securely. Loose dentures can cause health problems, including sores and infections. A loose denture also makes chewing more difficult and may change your facial features. It's important to replace worn or poorly-fitting dentures before they cause problems.
Composite fillings are a mixture of glass or quartz filler in a resin medium that produces a tooth-colored filling. They are sometimes referred to as composites or filled resins. Composite fillings provide good durability and resistance to fracture in small-to-mid size restorations that need to withstand moderate chewing pressure. Less tooth structure is removed when preparing the tooth, and this may result in a smaller filling than that of an amalgam. Composites can also be "bonded" or adhesively held in a cavity, often allowing the dentist to make a more conservative repair to the tooth, and most importantly, create a better seal to the tooth than amalgam. Composites are also used for cosmetic improvements of the smile by changing the color of the teeth or reshaping disfigured teeth.
How is a composite placed?
Following the removal of decay, the composite is placed in layers, using a special light to harden each layer. When the process is finished, the composite is shaped to fit the tooth. The dentist then polishes the composite to prevent staining and early wear.
What are the advantages of composites?
The seal that is created when bonding the composite to the tooth is the main functional advantage, but most patients agree that they like the esthetics best. Composites can be blended into the tooth to create a color nearly identical to that of the natural tooth. Composites can also be used to veneer over teeth to greatly improve their color and shape.
