Treating tooth decay restores the beauty, health, function, and comfort of your smile. Whether you have unsightly decay, tooth sensitivity, or even damaging cracks in your teeth you might not otherwise fillings of different types can restore your teeth. Composite fillings are quick and inexpensive tooth repairs. Ceramic onlays are stronger and more attractive, but they are more expensive and more involved. The artistry of St. Louis cosmetic dentist Dr. Chris Hill ensures that your results are attractive, functional, and durable.
If you think you need a filling in St. Louis, please call (314) 678-7876 (Downtown St. Louis) or (314) 678-7876 (Clayton) today for an appointment at City Smiles in downtown or Clayton.
Mercury-Free Fillings
For many years, various metals played a key role in restoring damaged teeth. The strength and durability of metals couldn’t be matched by other materials. Research advancements have created outstanding alternatives to metals in dentistry. Today, restorative components that mimic natural tooth structure and reflect natural beauty are readily available.
At City Smiles, we’re committed to restoring teeth with metal-free options whenever possible. We believe that eliminating the use of amalgam is healthier for you and us. Although amalgam holds a long track-record in dentistry, it contains a mix of metals including mercury. The majority of research supports the safety of this restorative material, but questions remain about the role amalgam should fill in modern dentistry.
Life-like resins and durable porcelains provide excellent alternatives to amalgam or other metal restorative materials. They look more realistic while replicating the tooth structure they’re replacing. This means less stress and cracking of the remaining tooth, and teeth that look perfectly natural.
Our commitment to your well-being includes the materials we use and the way we use them. At City Smiles, we leave your mouth prettier, stronger, and healthier!
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Composite Fillings
Cavities and small fractures leave many teeth with defects that progress over time if untreated. In the past, metal restorations served a need but left many teeth discolored and strained from the wedging effect of the metal. Today, tooth-colored composites blending into tooth structure provide an excellent option for restoring defects. Composites can often be placed in thinner layers than metal, preserving more of the natural tooth.
Composites serve both functional and aesthetic roles, often at the same time. For example, a cavity invading the front of a tooth along the gum line may be visible in your smile. By gently cleaning out the soft, discolored area the decay ceases to destroy healthy mineral surfaces. And when a composite shade matching the tooth is sculpted into place, the tooth looks better than ever.
Composites contain a mix of liquid resin embedded with finely ground glass particles. After being molded against conditioned tooth structure, blue light applied directly to the composite leads to a firm set within seconds. Shaped and polished, a high shine reflecting the beauty of natural enamel results in an invisible restoration: strong, smooth, conservative.
Ceramic Onlays
When we consider the options to preserve even a single broken tooth, we use a conservative philosophy in our approach. Fortunately, modern dental materials open doors to rebuild teeth to full strength less invasively than ever before.
Sometimes teeth undergo significant damage due to cavities, heavy bite forces, trauma, or even normal functioning. Many situations can leave teeth in danger of loss if treatment is neglected. While teeth may need to be fully “capped” with a dental crown, some smaller fractures can be perfectly formed back to health with an onlay. A crown requires a little more tooth preparation while onlays allow the unbroken portions of a tooth to be left uncut. A custom piece of porcelain, like a partial crown, is bonded to the damaged area.
Onlays blend seamlessly with the natural enamel and enhance both function and appearance. When the most conservative option fits your treatment plan, Dr. Chris Hill may suggest an onlay for ultimate restoration.
Which Is the Best Filling for You?
If you have tooth damage or decay, a dental filling can help restore the health and beauty of your smile. Dr. Hill will evaluate the damage and recommend the best filling option to achieve the results you desire. Please call (314) 678-7876 (Downtown St. Louis) or (314) 678-7876 (Clayton) today for schedule an appointment at our office in downtown St. Louis or in Clayton.
