White fillings
Composite is a tooth coloured
material that can closely match the colour of the
tooth when restoring cavities.
It consists of aluminosilicate glass suspended in a
resin matrix which gives strength and aesthetic colour.
The greatest advantage is that these type of fillings
are bonded into the tooth remaining. This helps to increase
the strength of the tooth thereby reducing the risk of
fracture. The fillings are cured at the chairside.
They are relatively inexpensive but can be time consuming
to place as the filling has to be built up and cured
in small layers.
They can be used in many circumstances to rebuild chipped
or worn anterior teeth, restoring dental cavities and
replacing old silver amalgam fillings.
The modern composites are naturally aesthetic and can
provide many solutions to common dental problems and
imperfections. Go to advice sheets >
Inlays/
Onlays
These can be constructed in gold or
white tooth coloured material (porcelain or composite)
The restoration is bonded into the tooth to form a
strong seal
They can be used in many situations
to restore form and function.. Go
to advice sheets >
Crowns
Crowns are an ideal way to rebuild
teeth which have been broken, or have been weakened by
decay or a very large filling. The crown fits right over
the remaining part of the tooth, making it strong and
giving it the shape and contour of a natural tooth. Crowns
are sometimes also known as ‘caps’. Go to advice sheets >
There are
two main two ways to replace the missing teeth. The
first is with a removable false tooth or teeth – a
partial denture. The second is with a fixed bridge.
A bridge is usually used where there are fewer teeth
to replace, or when the missing teeth are only on one
side of the mouth. Go to advice sheets >
 RCT
Root canal treatment (also called endodontics)
is needed when the blood or nerve supply of the tooth
(known as the pulp) is infected through decay or injury. Go to advice sheets >
 Veneers
A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain
made to fit over the front surface of a tooth, like a
false fingernail fits over a nail. Sometimes a natural
colour ‘composite’ material
is used instead of porcelain. Go to advice sheets >
Overdentures
 Go to advice sheets >
A dental implant is a titanium
metal rod which is placed into the jawbone. It is
used to support one or more false teeth. In practice,
both the false teeth and their supporting rod are known
as ‘implants’. Go to advice sheets > |
