Replacing Old Cosmetic Dentistry Work

    SACRAMENTO, CA, October 02, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Like your natural teeth, cosmetic dental work such as porcelain veneers, tooth-colored fillings and dental bridges wear over time. With the exception of a dental implant, few people will have their dental work last their lifetime. If you had a filling placed in your 20s or a dental crown in your 30s, there is a good chance that by age 50 you will need to replace that old dental work.

It's true that cosmetic dentistry is continually developing materials that are stronger and more durable than in years' past. However, the materials will not last forever.

Reasons for Replacing Dental Work

Maybe your restorations were not placed perfectly the first time, or you were not 100 percent satisfied with them to begin with. Other times, normal wear and tear can cause your restorations to fit improperly. Trauma is another common reason why people must have their porcelain veneers or dental crowns replaced.

Whatever the reason your old cosmetic dentistry is failing, do not wait too long to have the restorations replaced. For example, if your crown is becoming loose, bacteria can begin making its way inside your damaged tooth, causing further destruction. If you do not replace old dental work in a timely manner, it can have a detrimental impact on the look and function of your smile.

Replacing Old Metal Fillings

For years, dentists filled teeth with amalgam (metal) fillings. While these restorations are effective and highly durable, they begin to darken with time and can hinder the aesthetics of your smile. Metal fillings have also been known to change shape or crack, which can cause other oral health concerns. Today's cosmetic dentistry allows you to replace your old metal fillings with tooth-colored or porcelain fillings to restore the look and health of your smile.

The following are common dental procedures to repair old cosmetic dentistry work and revitalize your smile:

- Composite fillings - Made of a tooth-colored resin material, composite fillings provide solid, aesthetically-pleasing repairs to damaged teeth. Your metal fillings will be removed and your cosmetic dentist will choose a resin that matches the exact color of your tooth enamel. Any further decay will be removed and the tooth-colored filling will be placed to leave you with a dazzling smile.

- Porcelain fillings - Instead of a composite resin, a porcelain material can be used to replace old metal fillings. Porcelain is longer-lasting than composite resin, but it is also more expensive. Not only will porcelain fillings look better than metal amalgams, they will improve your dental health by providing a more conservative treatment and will not crack or leak over time.

- Inlays or onlays - These restorations are ideal for your molars because they cover a larger area than traditional fillings. Made of porcelain or composite resin, inlays lie inside of the cusp of your tooth, while onlays cover the entire chewing surface.

- Porcelain crowns - If your tooth sustains more damage than a filling or onlay can correct, a dental crown is needed. Porcelain crowns are the most durable and natural-looking crown, and are also the most popular option. Dental crowns or "caps" cover your remaining tooth structure, providing your tooth with increased stability and restored functionality.

If you need to replace old cosmetic dentistry and you live in Sacramento, California or the surrounding area, please visit the website of experienced cosmetic dentist Dr. David Miller, D.D.S. to learn what procedure may be best for you at www.hightechsmiles.com.

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