Crowns, Onlays & Bridges
We believe a visit to the dentist is more than an errand or something to check off your to-do list – rather, it’s a loving act of self-care.
Tooth Colored Fillings
As part of our commitment to the overall health of our patients we are a mercury-free practice – we DO NOT use filling materials that include mixed metals or mercury. A tooth colored filling material is a natural looking material made from ceramic or glass and plastic resin aka composite. It is a safe, affordable, and attractive solution for many dental problems. Tooth colored fillings are an obvious improvement over unsightly silver amalgam fillings popular in past.
A composite resin is used on the affected tooth or teeth. It is molded and sculpted over an adhesive bonding layer that is placed on the tooth. After the natural colored resin has been applied an LED light is used to harden the resin, which is then meticulously polished and shaped to give you a fresh, new smile.
Please contact us to schedule an appointment to have your teeth evaluated in the relaxing atmosphere of the Dr. Novello's office.
Inlays And Onlays
These are great, minimally invasive procedures utilizing an existing tooth as a base to which we fit the inlay or onlay. This is done to strengthen the tooth, restore its shape, prevent further damage and give great aesthetics. An inlay is done when there is no damage to the cusps of the tooth and the inlay can be placed right into the tooth. An onlay is used when the damage is a little more extensive.
The procedure for either an inlay or onlay begins with removing the decayed area of the affected tooth. A mold of the tooth is then taken and sent to a dental lab where a metal free restoration is created. We normally match the color of the future restoration to the tooth to give the best aesthetic outcome. The restoration takes about 1-2 weeks to make, so a temporary inlay or onlay will be placed on the tooth for that time. During your next visit the inlay or onlay will be bonded to the tooth. Your tooth will look natural and neither you nor anyone else will be able to tell the difference with the unaided eye alone.
If you feel discomfort in any part of your mouth or just see a huge dark tooth that bothers you, please schedule an appointment now!
Porcelain Crowns
In cases of badly damaged teeth where a filling, bonding, veneer or onlays are insufficient forms of restoration, crowns are recommended. They provide full coverage for a damaged tooth.
Crowns can be made out of porcelain of different kinds, porcelain fused to metal substructure or gold. Porcelain (metal free) crowns are best to maintain a natural look and feel and can be matched to the shade of your other teeth. This will allow the crown to blend in and appear just like one of your own natural teeth.
If you see a tooth that just does not look good when you look in the mirror, please schedule a consult to see how we can help you to bring your smile back to health! Please schedule an appointment now!
Porcelain Bridges
Dental bridges are a great way to replace missing teeth. Your existing teeth are used to literally create a bridge to cross the area where your tooth is missing. Our bridges are routinely made from higher grade porcelain (metal free restorations) to ensure that they are strong, durable and aesthetic.
If you are missing a tooth you should strongly consider having it replaced. Besides the aesthetic disadvantage of missing a tooth, it could also cause structural changes to your mouth and jaw, as well as making it difficult to eat or speak properly.
The process of creating a bridge begins by creating abutments out of your existing teeth where the bridge will be attached. The existing teeth are re-contoured to provide a base for the bridge. After, a mold of the area is taken and sent to a dental lab. The lab is able to use the mold to create a bridge that will fit properly and feel as close to your natural teeth as possible. The bridge consists of two crowns on either end to place on the abutments and a pontic, which is the new tooth that replaces your missing tooth.
We will fit you with a temporary bridge while we wait for the master lab technician to design your permanent bridge. This will protect the abutments and the exposed gum areas and look more appealing than having a missing tooth. In 1-2 weeks you will have a follow up visit to insert the bridge.
The bridge may take a little while to get used to, but after a few days it should feel like you have your own teeth back again. You should eat soft foods for the first few days after having your bridge placed. After the initial phase, you will be able to eat whatever you want with no issues.
If you are missing teeth do not hesitate to set up an appointment today to restore your smile!
Dentures
When complete dentures are what you are needing, we know getting a new smile can be difficult, and we are always here to make sure you are happy and supported with your decision.
Dentures are a replacement for missing teeth that can be removed and put back into your mouth as you please. Full dentures are used when all of the natural teeth are missing.
In certain cases when you are missing teeth for a long time and bone support is gone, implants are a great complement to dentures. They can help to anchor dentures to your mouth. These are called overdentures. These will give you assurance that your dentures will not fall out and you’ll be able to enjoy the food you once used to.
Your dentures may take some time to get used to. Over time, your mouth becomes trained to eat and speak with false teeth and they begin to feel more and more like your natural teeth.
If you are missing teeth or your existing dentures feel uncomfortable or loose do not hesitate to call us, we are here to help!
