Replacing Old Fillings During Your Smile Makeover
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A smile makeover allows you to correct the things that bother you about your smile. It may be the shape of your teeth or the fact that you have teeth that are crowded, gapped, crooked or broken. It could also be that like many patients who visit our cosmetic dentist, you have teeth that are less than perfectly white.
Teeth whitening treatments and veneers cannot get rid of the dark color of metallic fillings. It is only logical that you swap your old fillings for a tooth-colored replacement that will blend right in with your brand new smile.
A cosmetic dentist can create a treatment plan that involves the replacement of amalgam fillings with porcelain or resin fillings. Here is what you should know about the procedure.
Where the replacement of old fillings fits in the smile makeover process
A smile makeover is an investment that requires time, energy and finances. As with all investments, smile makeovers require a patient to have a clear idea of what they want from the treatment and the procedures that need to happen before they get their dream smile.
After the patient explains what they want from their makeover, they undergo a comprehensive oral exam. The dentist evaluates the health and aesthetics of the patient’s teeth, gums, jaws and mouth. They go on to create a list of all the imperfections that they need to correct.
With this information, the dentist will create a treatment plan that lists the different procedures that the patient needs. They will create a timeline that specifies the order of the procedures, as well as the wait time between procedures.
The benefits of tooth-colored fillings
Tooth-colored fillings look better than their metallic cousins. They also bond better with teeth to create a perfect fit. This minimizes the risk of gaps that allow food and bacteria to get inside the tooth. Ceramic or composite fillings also eliminate the possibility of staining or metal allergies.
Replacing old fillings with new ones
The patient goes in for a scheduled appointment, where the dentist starts by administering anesthetic or a sedative. Once the patient is numb, the dentist sterilizes the tooth. They proceed to use a suction device and other specialized tools to remove all traces of the old filling.
Next, the dentist cleans all debris from the cavity. They dry it and fill the tooth with composite resin. The cosmetic dentist sculpts the putty-like resin so that it blends with the rest of the tooth. Lastly, they use a curing light to harden the resin. They then put the finishing touches on the filled tooth, a step that involves removing sharp edges and smoothing the filling.
It bears mentioning that the dentist may choose to use indirect fillings like overlays, onlays or inlays. In this case, the patient will go home with a temporary filling after scheduling a second appointment. In the meantime, the dentist will request a tailor-made restoration from a dental lab, based on an impression of the patient’s tooth.
Are you ready for your smile to look its best?
All it takes to get the ball rolling is for you to contact our office to schedule an appointment with our cosmetic dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://adcroundrock.com or call Round Rock Dental Office at (512) 720-5868 for an appointment in our Round Rock office.
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