When you come to Nashua Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry, you can rest assured that you are in skilled hands. Our team offers a range of dentistry services using only the highest quality materials. When it comes to ceramics, we are able to craft restorations that look, feel, and function just like natural teeth to maintain the integrity of your smile. If you are looking for top-notch restorative and cosmetic dentistry, you’ve come to the right place.
Direct versus Indirect restorations
Traditional fillings and dental bonding are direct restorations. This means that we apply the material directly to the tooth structure. Indirect restorations such as inlays and onlays are designed and created according to precise specifications and then put into place in the mouth to improve health, provide protection, and improve the appearance of the smile.
Tooth restoration options
Any time there is decay or trauma to a portion of the tooth structure, the first step is to evaluate the extent of damage to determine the best restoration method. If the decay or trauma impacts most of the natural tooth structure, a crown may be necessary to protect and strengthen the tooth from further damage. However, many times a tooth can be repaired without the need for a full crown. When there is only damage to a part of the tooth’s surface, we may recommend an inlay or onlay.
Onlays are designed to cover only the damaged portion of the tooth, covering at least one cusp. Also, sometimes referred to as a “partial crown” onlays can even cover much of the tooth surface, but do not extend down to the gumline. Onlays are considered a more conservative alternative to complete crowns.
Inlays are another restoration option that is even more conservative than onlays. Inlays can be used to restore the surface area of the tooth that is between the cusps.
In some cases, an inlay or onlay may not be necessary and we can use a tooth-colored filling. Tooth-colored fillings are made from biocompatible materials and applied directly to the area of damage in the tooth.
Restorations in a single visit
In the past, patients who needed crowns, onlays, or inlays would often have to schedule multiple dental appointments which can be inconvenient. Now, with the use of CEREC technology, we can create your restoration in a single visit, saving you time.
CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. Instead of using traditional physical impressions of the tooth, we take optimal impressions. Digital pictures are taken in just a few minutes and there’s no need to have to use sticky molding material.
The CEREC software then uses these digital images of the mouth to create a 3D model. Using precise specifications on color, shape, size, and dimensions, the design data is sent to the ceramic milling machine. A solid block of porcelain that is matched to the natural color of your teeth is milled down into your final restoration. Ceramic porcelain is used because it is strong and closely resembles tooth enamel for a natural looking appearance. The entire milling process takes about 20 minutes. Once the restoration is completed, the dentist will check the look and fit before adhering it to the tooth and polishing it off.
CEREC can be used for inlays, onlays, and full crowns.
Benefits of CEREC:
- Eliminates the need for multiple dental visits to have your smile restored
- No need for a temporary crown that may not fit or feel right
- No messy molds or impressions
- Because they are milled from a solid block, CEREC restorations are often stronger than traditional restorations made in a lab
- Restorations are designed to look, feel, and fit naturally within the mouth
Decay or trauma to a tooth does not have to ruin your smile. You can regain a healthy smile in just a single visit by receiving CEREC inlays, onlays, or crowns from Nashua Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry. Our team believes in providing patients with conservative, safe options for restoring the smile. If you are in the Nashua, NH area and would like to learn more about our dental services, please call us today at (855) 363-3793. We are conveniently located at 1 Trafalgar Square #103, Nashua, NH 03063.
