Restorative Dentistry
Creating Stronger Smiles at Mills Dental Care
We use a number of techniques to restore your smile.
Fillings are tooth-coloured restorations that replace a part of a tooth that has been lost due to decay or accidental damage. Usually made of composite, glass ionomer or compomer, the final restoration blends in with your tooth’s natural colour.
Your Filling Appointment
First, the decayed area and any old filling material are removed using a small, high-speed drill. For your comfort, we usually use local anaesthetic to keep the area numb. After the tooth is cleaned and dried, a bonding agent is painted on the area to be filled.
Once the composite is placed, we shape it to the tooth and cure it with a bright light until it is hard in place. If necessary, we will make minor adjustments to the final shape, and polish the filling for aesthetics.
Inlays and Onlays
In some cases, inlays or onlays can be placed instead of fillings to repair a damaged tooth. Unlike a filling, inlays and onlays are made outside the mouth in a dental laboratory and then glued onto the tooth, similar to a crown.
An inlay is placed in a hole in the tooth, whereas an onlay is placed on the tooth and builds its shape. They can be made in tooth-coloured porcelain, gold or a white composite filling material. Generally, they are stronger and last longer than traditional fillings.
Aesthetic Veneers
A veneer is a thin layer of tooth-coloured material that is put onto to the front of the tooth to improve its appearance. This is done because the tooth might have been damaged by decay or an accident or discoloured. They also protect the tooth from further damage. Veneers are generally made of porcelain, enhancing overall smile aesthetics.
To place a veneer, first a small portion of the natural tooth needs to be shaved away; this is required to prevent the veneer from making the tooth look bulky.
An impression of the tooth is made for determining the shape and size of the veneer, which is made in a lab. Then, the veneer will be glued to the front of the tooth.
Our restorative options can rebuild your smile’s function and appearance. Contact us today to discover which one is right for you!