We are an Amalgam-Free Dental Practice
Geelong Smile Studio is proud to announce that it is an amalgam-free dental practice! We believe the well-publicised environmental effects, and possible toxic systemic side effects of dental amalgam, are just not worth the risks.
So if a restoration is required in your mouth, you can be rest assured that dental amalgam will not be used!
White fillings are becoming increasingly popular and with good reason. Unlike silver fillings, white fillings are mercury free, stronger and more durable, and bond well to your teeth. They also blend in naturally for a more pleasing aesthetic.
At Geelong Smile Studio we use the latest technology with our white fillings to not only replace decay, but also ensure the health of your teeth and make sure you look great.
We use two different types of white fillings, depending on the size and location of the cavities. Composite resin fillings are generally used where the cavity is small or medium in size. In case of larger cavities, we find that porcelain inlays are usually a better option when there is not enough tooth structure to allow a white filling to maintain the strength of the tooth.
Composite Resin Fillings
This simple variety of white filling is dental composite which is made up of resin and a light sensitive agent, which gives it a natural look. Composite resin fillings can be done in one appointment, and are available in a variety of shades, to ensure the filling is perfectly matched with your natural tooth colour. Before bonding the filling to the tooth, the tooth will be cleaned and the decay will be removed.
Porcelain Inlays
The other variety of white filling is known as an indirect composite or porcelain inlay. Geelong dentists, Dr. Jason Gray and Dr. Alison Robinson recommend porcelain inlays for larger cavities as they last longer (up to 30 years!) and offer a more professional, glossy finish.
Porcelain inlays are fillings, which are made of porcelain, and they can be attached either to the side of a tooth or fitted directly into the centre of a tooth. Where there is enough natural tooth remaining, porcelain inlays can prevent using a crown (which is much harsher on the tooth), and because they are so strong they can actually increase the overall strength of a tooth.
Inlays are made in our lab with CEREC and bonded in the dental chair to increase their strength and longevity. Fitting porcelain inlays at Geelong Smile Studio will take just one appointment.
More about tooth coloured restorations
Geelong Smile Studio offers two types of tooth coloured restorations, depending on your needs:
Composite Resin
- Composite resin is the restorative material of choice for smaller cavities.
- It is a far superior material to dental amalgam in many aspects, not least that it is tooth coloured and that it actually helps to bind the tooth together.
- Composite resin restorations are ‘direct’ restorations. That is, they are placed directly by the dentist in one appointment.
Porcelain Inlays and Onlays
- Porcelain inlays and onlays are recommended when some of the tooth structure is missing and the tooth requires extra support to prevent it from breaking.
Follow this link for detailed information about Porcelain Inlays and Onlays.
What that means is that when you smile, your restorations will be tooth coloured. This will either be achieved with composite resin or porcelain inlays/onlays.