bio compatible dentistry

Restorative Dentistry

Composite Resin Fillings

These are tooth coloured or “white” fillings. They consist of a monomer (plastic) together with a filler material (silica) and a photo initiator. A white light source is used as a catalyst to set this material.

Dental composites were first introduced in the 1960s and were initially confined to the front teeth because they were not strong enough to withstand the pressure and wear generated by the back teeth. Since then, composites have been significantly improved and in many cases can be successfully placed in the back teeth as well. They are often ideal for restoring anterior teeth as they require a conservative approach and can look very natural.

At BCD we are often asked about the biocompatibility of composite fillings, particularly as they contain a “plastic”. Of course, it is not ideal to have a plastic in one’s mouth, let alone any other chemical. Ultimately, the “best filling” is no filling; hence we place great emphasis on prevention at BCD. Having examined an extensive amount of research we believe, at present, that the toxicity posed by composite resins is less than that of mercury amalgam fillings. We are, of course, continuously reviewing current research and remain committed to keeping you up to date. Your BCD dentist will discuss the suitability of this material for you. For more information please see “Bio Compatibility of Composite Resins”

Dental Inlays and Crowns

In some situations composite resin may not be a suitable material to restore a tooth (for example if there is heavy loading on the tooth or a large area to restore). If you clench or grind your teeth you may require a stronger material than composite resin. In such cases your dentist may recommend an inlay or crown.

An inlay is a similar shape to a filling and fits into a tooth like a puzzle piece fits into a jigsaw puzzle. It may provide a stronger alternative than a composite filling to restore a tooth.

A crown, also known as a “cap” is a restoration which completely caps or encircles a tooth. The original tooth is filed down to make room for the crown. Crowns are often needed when a tooth has been weakened by a large cavity or a crack. BCD crowns and inlays are generally made from porcelain over a zirconia base and are custom fabricated in a Sydney laboratory. They are bonded onto the tooth using a cement similar in composition to composite resin.

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are thin shells of custom made porcelain that are bonded to the front surfaces of teeth (similar to a contact lens).   They may be  used to correct problems such as chips, fractures, misshapen, crooked or severely stained teeth that cannot be corrected with composite resin. Veneers may also close gaps, change size, shape or position of teeth, and improve the worn appearance of teeth.

Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is one method to fill a space created by a missing tooth (or teeth). It is made up of 2 or more dental crowns placed on anchor teeth either side of a gap and a replacement(s) in between. Bridges are non-removable and feel and look just like real teeth. They can be used to fill a gap very successfully in some cases, and cannot be detected when done well.

Placing a bridge involves filing down the teeth either side of the space, rather substantially, to place crowns over them. The supporting teeth need to be strong enough to support the bridge, and the occlusion (how the bottom and top teeth meet) would need to be assessed. If the teeth either side of the space are heavily filled, and would need crowns in the near future, then a bridge may be a good option. If the teeth either side of the space are lightly filled or not filled at all, further consideration may be advised before opting for this treatment.

Not all patients are candidates for bridges. Teeth, bones and gums must be healthy. A bridge does require specific cleaning techniques, and a commitment to maintaining good oral hygiene and regular follow ups is essential for its longevity. A thorough assessment by a BCD dentist is needed in order to plan any bridgework and we recommend at least six months to allow for healing after a tooth extraction before placing a bridge.

Dentures

Dentures are another method of filling a gap (or gaps) in the mouth where teeth are missing. At BCD we generally prefer to use Valplast dentures. Valplast is a flexible, removable nylon partial denture that can fill gaps from 1 to 12 teeth, both upper and lower. We believe the benefits of Valplast denture’s are:

• They tend to be comfortable, durable and lightweight.
• They do not have metal clasps or contain any metal, hence blend well with both gums and existing teeth.
• There is no need to drill or compromise your own teeth for them to fit well therefore they are minimally invasive.
• They can be made small enough that very little of the rest of the mouth is encumbered.

Excellent oral hygiene is required to maintain the health of the remaining teeth and longevity of the denture. An initial “settling” period is generally required by most people during which the mouth adjusts to the denture. As well as allowing the mouth to adjust, your denture will require refinements. Your BCD dentist will schedule follow up and refinement appointments once your denture has been fitted in order to enable it to “settle in” as soon as possible.

Valplast dentures are custom fabricated in a Sydney laboratory. Your BCD dentist can help you decide if a Valplast denture is suitable for you.

For further information please visit www.valplast.com