Tooth-colored fillings
Tooth-colored fillings and inlays replace the gold and silver of the past with natural looking materials.
In the 1970's, "white fillings" came into common use. These "tooth-colored fillings" were made of a plastic dental resin filled with microscopic filler particles and were called composites.
When dental composites were first introduced, they could only be used in the front teeth,
because they weren't strong enough to withstand the chewing pressure of the back teeth
(in excess of 40,000 pounds per square inch).
Teeth Whitening
The most effective teeth whitening techniques available today are in-office laser teeth whitening
and at-home teeth whitening with custom-fit trays. Both teeth whitening techniques are best performed
under your dentist's supervision to ensure the safest results.
In-Office Laser Tooth Whitening
In-office teeth whitening methods are performed with bleaching gel and laser light.
This is a good method of teeth whitening for sensitive teeth, as the process may be closely monitored
by the cosmetic dentist. The teeth are carefully isolated from the lips and gums, and
then a bleaching gel is applied to them. A laser is used in conjunction with the gel to accelerate and amplify the tooth whitening process.
At-Home Tooth Whitening
There are several choices for those who are interested in at-home teeth whitening methods.
Your cosmetic dentist can take imprints of your teeth and then make custom-fitted trays for you to take home
to complete the tooth whitening process. There are also teeth bleaching kits and
other over-the-counter teeth whitening products available to brighten your smile. |