Bonding

Bonding is a procedure normally used to repair imperfections and minor chips on front teeth. It’s also commonly used to fill in the gaps between teeth. For larger cracks and crooked or misaligned teeth, porcelain veneers or Invisalign (invisible braces) are usually used. When bonding is applied the material used is what dentists use for white or composite fillings. The bonding material can be matched to the color of your teeth and shaped to correct whatever the problem may be. This procedure can usually be completed in one appointment, and anesthesia is rarely needed. 

White Composite Fillings

Do you feel self-conscious about your old tarnished silver fillings?  Do you cover your mouth when you laugh so no one notices them? Did you know that after several years, old amalgam silver fillings can crack your teeth creating a weak tooth structure? There is no reason to continue living with old silver fillings when you can have natural looking white fillings instead. Composites fillings are made with high-tech plastic material very closely matching natural teeth. A single “Direct Composite” filling can be done in just one visit to your dentist at South St Louis Dental Group and are perfect for small restorations. 

Veneers and Porcelain Veneers

A veneer by definition is a thin sheet of material bonded to another material. In the case of dentistry, the thin material is either plastic or porcelain bonded to the surface of a cosmetically imperfect tooth. The tooth may be discolored, have fractures, show signs of wear, be the wrong size or shape, or be imperfect for a number of other reasons. The veneer covers the imperfection, making the tooth, or teeth look more esthetically pleasing. 

Porcelain veneers are fabricated out of the mouth and then bonded to the teeth. Porcelain veneers can be thin allowing for a maximum amount of natural tooth preservation. However, if significant discoloration of the existing tooth exists, a thicker veneer might be required to hide the defect. Porcelain by nature has translucent properties which gives it a toothlike appearance and depth. 

Crowns

Crowns are meant to protect the part of the tooth that is seen above the gum line and are often used to replace a significant amount of decayed tooth structure. They are intended to strengthen the tooth, enhance its appearance, secure a bridge, or complete a dental implant. Crowns are made of different substances such as porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, metal or resin. We can help you decide which type of crown would be best for your restoration.