Porcelain Restorations
Restorations give dentists a method for fixing problems like broken or missing teeth. By using porcelain restorations, we ensure the most natural look possible while also improving structure and function.
We offer porcelain restorations among our restorative dentistry solutions at Creekside Family Dental.
What Are Porcelain Restorations?
These restorations are focused on using porcelain as the material to fix various problems with the teeth. Porcelain offers a modern material that is strong and mimics the look of natural teeth. It also resists staining to stay bright and beautiful.
Porcelain also tends to outlast metal amalgam varieties, because this stronger material holds up better to consistent chewing. In some cases, our dentist, Dr. Will Leffler, may recommend porcelain because it is strong enough to restore a larger problem area, whereas metal amalgam may not be sturdy enough for the situation.
Many patients prefer the look of porcelain for restorations compared to other materials like metal mixtures that are noticeable or composite resin that is more easily stained by foods and beverages. Porcelain has a sheen similar to real teeth, and our dentist is able to color-match it so it fits in with the rest of your teeth.
How Can Porcelain Be Used in My Mouth?
We can use porcelain in different ways depending on your unique dental situation. It works as a restoration material for a multitude of dental concerns, including broken, decayed, weakened or missing teeth.
These are main ways our dentist may use porcelain as the restoration material of choice:
- A dental filling for a cavity
- Inlays and onlays for tooth damage
- Crowns for damaged or missing teeth
- Traditional bridges featuring crowns for missing teeth
Fillings, inlays and onlays restore only part of the tooth, so having a material that matches the rest of the tooth is beneficial. For crowns and bridges, porcelain creates a tooth replacement that looks like the real thing.
How Does the Porcelain Restoration Process Work?
Since a porcelain restoration can encompass a variety of dental services, the process varies depending on the situation. To begin with, we set up a consultation appointment with an exam, unless Dr. Leffler has already discovered a problem during your regular exam. Performing an examination, which may include X-rays, allows him to provide a diagnosis of the problem. That will inform the type of restoration and the process.
Our office is focused on providing the most conservative method of fixing a problem while also giving patients the option to use a more advanced treatment. We discuss various restoration options and materials with you to help you make the choice.
If you have a cavity, Dr. Leffler would likely drill a small hole, clean it out and use porcelain to fill the space. He may insert an inlay or onlay into a molar groove to restore a damaged area. The difference between the two is that onlays also go over the tooth cusps of the molar.
The other option is that he would use our advanced technology to take mouth scans, which inform the creation of a custom porcelain crown or bridge. A crown may go over a natural tooth or be used as a tooth replacement attached to an implant. A traditional bridge uses crowns to cover the teeth surrounding a gap, with a false tooth in the middle to fill the empty space.
Our dentist can provide more specific information during a consultation visit. Regardless of the process, Dr. Leffler is able to use porcelain to restore optimal strength and beauty to the teeth and smile. With each type of treatment, he perfectly fits the color of the porcelain to provide the best appearance possible.
Request Porcelain Restorations
If you require a restoration for a missing or damaged tooth, ask about porcelain as the material of choice. Porcelain can offer you the best look for an ideal smile.
Contact our office to make your restoration consultation appointment.