The teeth play an important functional role in your life. They also define your smile. However, various issues might affect the look and functionality of your teeth. In this instance, dental restorations that reestablish the function and structure of your teeth are essential. There are two categories of dental restorations: direct and indirect restorations. Direct restorations refer to the placing of material on damaged teeth when there is sufficient support for them to set and harden. Indirect restorations are fabricated outside the mouth then placed on a damaged tooth using an adhesive.
Several tooth repair material options are available in a dental clinic in South Jordan for a restoration. The choice of your material is primarily dependent on the condition of your teeth. The following are your alternatives:
Amalgam
This is a hard material used for the repair of dental cavities. Metals such as copper, silver, zinc, and tin are combined with mercury to make amalgam. With some states banning the use of mercury, there are now mercury-free amalgam restorations available. These substitute mercury with gallium. Restorations made of amalgam are cheap but are not as aesthetically pleasing owing to their blackish color.
Composite Resin
This material is tooth-colored, and it has a high aesthetic appeal, making it the popular option nowadays. Composite resin restorations feature silica and polymer particles combined with several secondary materials. There are different types of light used for the curing of the composite resin restoration after its insertion. Unfortunately, this material tends to discolor over time as it undergoes regular wear and tear. Thankfully, there have been various innovations recently to boost the properties of this material when used for your dental restoration. Composite resin restorations now last for a longer time than they did in the past without discoloration.
Ceramic Porcelain
This is also a tooth-colored material. While it is highly aesthetically pleasing, it is not as durable as composite resin. A few manufacturers, however, include metal in their porcelain restorations to boost their strength and durability.
Glass Ionomers
These are generally used for the prevention of dental cavities. A few glass ionomers contain metal. Glass ionomer restorations release fluoride in small bits to strengthen your dental enamel. However, they are not very popular because they are brittle and get scratched easily.
Biologic Materials
These are generally used for dental fractures. The biologic material, in this case, is the fracture of your tooth or a piece from a donor bank from someone else. The choice from the donor biologic materials depends on the shape of your dental fracture. However, it is not always possible to get a donor material precisely matching your fracture’s shape. Moreover, some people might not feel comfortable with a piece of someone else’s tooth.
Amalgam is generally used in fillings and back tooth restorations, while glass ionomers are used as cement for bridges and crowns and in small fillings. Porcelain ceramic and composite resin, on the other hand, suffice for aesthetic veneers, onlays, inlays, and crowns. The right material, coupled with the expertise of a trained dentist, is essential to guarantee that your dental restoration works for you.
