dental crown

Silver-Colored Amalgam Vs. Tooth-Colored Composite Fillings

In the past, teeth were filled with amalgam or a mixture of different metals. But with many patients seeking tooth repair also focusing on aesthetically pleasing results, it is important that the cavity filling looks and reacts more like natural teeth.

Advancements in dentistry have led to the discovery of new safer and more natural-looking materials for use in repairing and replacing teeth. Patients today can choose tooth-colored dental fillings for the repair of small areas of tooth decay, cracks, chips, or wear.

Amalgam Fillings

The traditional silver-colored amalgam filling materials have a number of drawbacks including:

  • Unnatural appearance that made an obvious impact on appearance
  • The amalgam material expands and contracts at a higher rate than tooth structure, and this can damage the tooth or allow bacteria to accumulate between the filling and enamel
  • Healthy tooth structure has to be removed in order to create wedges that hold the filling in place
  • Patients with allergies or sensitivities to metal could experience itching, irritation, or other symptoms following the placement of amalgam fillings

Fortunately, tooth-colored composite resin addresses all of these concerns, creating a natural looking, long lasting dental restoration. Tooth-colored resin is shaded to blend seamlessly into the smile.

Composite Fillings

Natural-looking and metal-free dental fillings have become the preferred approach for tooth repair. Dentists recommend the use of tooth-like materials, like composite resins and porcelains because they are both safe and predictable. The material also helps to restore the shape and strength of damaged teeth, and to conceal and correct cosmetic flaws.

Other reasons to use tooth-colored material include:

  • Stronger teeth – The composite seeps into small pits and grooves in teeth, creating a solid bond that strengthens the remaining tooth structure
  • Resistance to fracture – The tooth-colored filling material expands and contracts at a rate much closer to natural tooth structure, and it is less likely to break away from the tooth or create further damage
  • Safe – The completely metal-free restoration is safe and effective for patients with metal allergies

Composite resins, or tooth-colored fillings can be used on either front or back teeth. They are a good choice for people who prefer that their fillings look more natural.

cosmetic dentistry

Who is the Right Candidate for Cosmetic Dentistry?

A wide, open smile makes everyone around you comfortable and lets them know that you are friendly and easy to be with. Nonetheless, many of us are unhappy with our smiles. If you often find yourself trying to hide your smile instead of showing it off, you may be giving people the wrong impression about yourself. You may appear stern, unhappy or aloof.

Cosmetic dentistry encompasses the full spectrum of procedures including teeth whitening, straightening misaligned teeth, replacing missing teeth with implants, crowns, and creating a dazzling smile using porcelain veneers, among others.

  • Teeth whitening – you can get true professional dental whitening that lasts a lifetime
  • Porcelain veneers – used to replace chipped, stained and even crooked teeth
  • Orthodontics – used to transform twisted, overlapping or crooked teeth into a straight, perfect smile
  • Dental implants – a permanent, comfortable, natural-looking and natural feeling tooth replacement option

Creating Beautiful Smiles

You don’t have to go through life with a smile that you don’t want. With modern technology and advanced dentistry techniques, you can have the smile that you have always wanted. The treatments are fast and painfree, allowing you to completely transform your smile in no time.

Cosmetic dentistry has advanced at a breathtaking rate over the past few years. Now, it is possible to have multiple procedures done during one visit even for the most anxious patients – thanks to dental sedation. With a highly skilled and experienced cosmetic dentistry team, you can be assured of safety and comfort during treatment.

Get your Dream Smile Sooner

Depending on your case, it is even possible to have multiple procedures during one visit so you can get your dream smile sooner. Using state of the art equipment and the latest dental techniques, you can correct a lifetime of anguish over dental faults in just a week.

Patients who finally decide to correct that introverting smile are often thrilled with their results. They are happier, more confident, and generally more optimistic in life.

dental crown

Why do you need a dental crown?

A dental crown is a prosthetic device that is placed on a damaged tooth to better its appearance. Dental crowns are made of different materials including ceramic mimic, stainless steel and porcelain. Crown materials may vary in aesthetics and durability, and this is translated in the cost of acquiring them.

The dental crown procedure

The first step in the dental crown procedure usually involves determining if you have enough bone density to undergo the treatment. If not, an alternative treatment will be suggested for you. If yes, the crown material to be used on you will be chosen based on your budget, position of tooth being repaired and taste.

The tooth is shaped by the dentist to prepare it for the crown. The crown is usually prepared at an external lab, and may take a few days before being received at the dentist’s office. During this period, a temporary crown will be placed on the shaped tooth to protect it from physical damage and sensitivity. Temporary crowns are made of tooth-colored plastic that is held to the tooth using special cement.

This is removed immediately when the permanent crown arrives.

Why do you need a dental crown?

1. To encase a tooth with a large filling

2. To cover a canal-treated tooth

3. To protect a tooth with a broken cusp

4. To improve the appearance of a discolored, misshapen or disproportionate tooth

5. To replace a missing tooth (in a dental implant procedure)

6. To reduce pain and damage when you have cracked tooth syndrome

Get A Crown Treatment Today

If you have a dental imperfection that is causing you chewing problems or that you’re simply not happy about, consider having a crown placed on it. Call Safe Dental Care at (805)-973-1407 if you are in Oxnard and want to see a qualified dentist for a crown treatment.

cosmetic dentistry

Cosmetic Dentistry Explained In 5 Procedures

Cosmetic dentistry is growing wider by the day with more and more people starting to realize that they have options when it comes to improving their smile and general appearance.

This reception is also causing the subspecialty to evolve, as now almost every dental flaw has a treatment dedicated to it.

Here are some of the most common treatments offered by cosmetic dentists:

1. Invisalign treatment

Invisalign braces are an excellent option for people who don’t fancy the conspicuousness that comes with traditional brace. They are made of clear plastic to ensure no one knows you’re wearing them. They are also removable to allow you to eat and clean your teeth.

2. Veneers

Dental veneers remain the gold standard in cosmetic dentistry mainly thanks to their versatility. They work the same way as dental bonding but are fancied more for looking more natural and promising longer lasting results.

3. Tooth bleaching

For people who wish to brighten their smile a little bit, tooth bleaching comes as the simplest, surest and most cost effective way of achieving it. A variety of bleaching agents can be obtained over the counter but it’s advisable that you seek the guidance of a dentist before using a product.

4. Enamel bonding

Enamel bonding is a tested-and-tried remedy to cases of chipped, cracked and badly stained teeth. The bonding material is moldable and can be shaped to give your tooth the look of your liking.

5. Enamel abrasion

Enamel abrasion is another method of removing discoloration. It works on stains that sit on the surface of your teeth e.g. those from coffee, soda, wine and cigarettes. For stains inside the tooth, you may have to consider dental bonding or veneers.

Cosmetic dentistry in Oxnard, CA

If you’re self-conscious about a small imperfection on your smile, consider paying Safe Dental Care a visit for examination and treatment. Contact us at (805)-973-1407 today to schedule your appointment.

dental care

Welcome to Safe Dental Care

All our professionals at SafeDental Care maintain the highest levels of accreditation and pursue ongoing education to stay abreast of the latest trends in dentistry

At Safe Dental Care, we understand the importance of professionalism, expertise, and excellence. That is why our staff is committed to serving each and every patient with respect, attentive care, and thorough dental work. As a patient, you deserve nothing less.

Our practice provides general dentistry procedures including the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of a wide variety of conditions and diseases that affect your teeth, gums, and oral health.

The mouth is a small aspect when it is compared to the rest of your body, yet it remains one of the most, if not the most, important parts of our body. Many doctors, physicians, and dentists believe that the mouth is connected to the rest of our body. Scientific articles have even shown direct links between our oral health and its relation to overall health.

We Are Committed to Your Oral Health

At Safe Dental Care, we are committed to ensuring your mouth is in excellent condition. We make this possible through a variety of different procedures that all aim to improve or enhance your mouth’s well-being.

Appointments

We know you have many choices when choosing a Dentist in Oxnard, CA so we have made requesting an appointment a simple process via our Web site. If, for any reason you cannot keep a scheduled appointment, or will be delayed, please call us as soon as possible.