Porcelain Fillings

In this era of brighter, whiter smiles, metal fillings are becoming passé. The new standard for repairing tooth decay is the porcelain filling. Metal fillings not only look bad, they weaken the tooth by continually expanding and contracting with hot and cold foods and drinks. They eventually crack or break the tooth.

Porcelain fillings are also known as porcelain inlays and onlays. Instead of being packed tightly into the cleaned-out cavity, which has been enlarged and shaped to hold them in place, porcelain fillings are bonded to the tooth, becoming a permanent part of it.

They exert inward pressure on the outer surfaces of the tooth, holding it together. In contrast, metal fillings exert outward pressure against the tooth’s outer surfaces.

The Procedure

Most dentists require you to come for two visits, because they use a dental lab. The lab makes the porcelain filling to fit exactly into the cavity, and while you wait for that to be done, you must have a temporarily filling.

Some cosmetic dentists have a chairside porcelain system called CEREC. This allows the whole procedure to be done in just one visit. The CEREC system does the porcelain milling right in the dentist’s office.

· A porcelain inlay is smaller than an onlay because it treats a smaller cavity. It is contained within the tooth’s cusps. An onlay extends over one or more cusps to an outside surface.

After all decay and debris have been cleaned out, your dentist will photograph the tooth and input these digital photos into the CEREC system. The CEREC software enables the dentist to plan the filling and send the required information to the CEREC mill. While you wait for perhaps 15 minutes, the CEREC mill creates your filling to fit precisely into the cavity.

Your cosmetic dentist then tests it for fit and comfort, and then bonds it permanently to the tooth. It is now a part of the tooth, and cannot be distinguished as being a filling.

Pleasing Results

Porcelain fillings give a brighter, stronger, and more aesthetically pleasing smile than metal fillings. Porcelain does not stain and will continue looking clean and white as long as you stick to good daily hygiene. Be sure to brush and floss daily so that bacteria cannot build up and spread into the tiny pockets between each tooth and its surrounding gums. Go for your regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings, and your porcelain fillings will last indefinitely.