Porcelain veneers are one of the most efficient ways to improve your smile. Also referred to as laminates, veneers are ultra thin, extremely durable shells placed over existing teeth. Veneers can be used to alter tooth size, shape and color. They also strengthen and protect teeth from further weakening and fracture, thus preventing the need for more radical treatments like tooth removal or crowns.
Also referred to as 'jackets,' porcelain crowns are used in situations where a tooth is weakened or worn beyond minor repair. Porcelain crowns, like veneers, look natural, are extremely durable, and will retain their brilliance for many years. They are translucent, allowing light to pass through naturally, and are bonded to the tooth for strength and a lifelike appearance.
Inlays and onlays provide an attractive and effective alternative to silver amalgam, which can weaken teeth and make them look gray and unnatural. Because the materials used are extremely durable and bond to teeth, inlays can protect teeth from further weakening, and can restore their strenght, natural beauty and brilliance. Many of our clients opt to replace old fillings with inlays or onlays for these reasons. We recommend solutions based upon how much restoration is required. The less tooth structure that needs to be restored, the more conservative the restoration can be. Generally, composites are used for smaller restorations, inlays and onlays for larger ones.
Bonding is actually a method (not a solution) of attaching something to the tooth. First, the tooth is etched to create microporosoties in the tooth structure. A bonding resin is placed over the etched tooth and cured. This resin locks into the microporosities, which causes it to adhere to the tooth, much like pouring glue onto a sponge. On this resin, anything can be bonded, i.e. metal, enamel, plastic or porcelain. We bond metal bridges, porcelain laminates, composite resins and orthondontic brackets. The bonding process is considered 'additive,' meaning nothing is taken away from the tooth. The term, bonding has come into common usage to mean restoration of missing tooth structure with a tooth-color composite material, and is used interchangeably by dentists and patients alike.
Restorative dentists agree that properly placed gold inlays or onlays, which can last up to 50 years, can offer the ultimate solution. Many patients request gold for its historic longevity or perceived beauty.
