Many people know this situation. An open laughter reveals grey shimmering posterior teeth. Some, therefore, cover their mouth when laughing. But it does not have to be that way! Usually old amalgam (silver) fillings are responsible for the grey discolouration of teeth. With fillings of dental composite it is possible nowadays to imitate the hard tooth substance so deceivingly natural, that it is invisible.
Dental composites are modern filling materials, consisting of a soft resin-based oligomer matrix and smallest ceramic particles. With their deceivingly natural colouring we can conjure invisible fillings.
But much more is possible: As composites „glue“ to the tooth, teeth can, under certain circumstances, be made wider, as in the case of the constitutional gap (diastema) between the middle front teeth.
Likewise, large inter-dental spaces, due to gum recession, can be reduced. The outcome will amaze you. You will not only look younger, you will feel like it as well.
In case of amalgams, retentive features must be created, i.e. more healthy tooth material has to be drilled out than necessary. This again weakens the tooth-it can break more easily. Additionally, amalgams cause a minimal exposure to mercury, this is also a reason why we do not use them
As composites bond to the tooth, only decayed tooth substance has to be removed, healthy tooth parts are fully preserved. As we never want to sacrifice more healthy substance than required, we always work with dental loups or dental microscopes!
Composites are much more complicated to handle than amalgam. As they are very sensitive to moisture, they should only be applied under perfectly dry conditions in the working area. Therefore, it is absolutely indispensable to isolate the tooth with a rubber dam (thin sheet of latex). Due to shrinkage while curing ,only thin amounts of composites may be placed in the tooth.
If the filling on posterior teeth is too large, the hardness of the resin oligomer matrix composite is not resistant enough to absorb the masticatory force. The composite filling wears off excessively, and the tooth is too heavily loaded. Danger of fracture is dramatically high. In those cases a pure ceramic restoration is the alternative.
Perhaps you have noticed? For us, it is understood to offer you the aesthetically perfect solution or to inform you about alternatives. If required, we are pleased to meet you to talk about your ideas.