Aesthetic Fillings - Private Eliz Dent Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic

One of the most popular materials today for achieving a flawless smile is aesthetic fillings. Now, visits to the dentist aren’t made solely because of tooth decay but also to obtain a better smile. With the use of new methods and materials in the field of dentistry, aesthetic fillings have started to show their effectiveness in both front and back teeth.

In the past, black amalgam fillings used for decayed teeth did not contribute to an aesthetic appearance, so they are no longer preferred today.

Aesthetic fillings are placed into prepared cavities layer by layer, and each layer is hardened using a special light. After this process is complete, the fillings are shaped and polished to match the tooth. All of these steps take longer than amalgam filling procedures.

These days, aesthetic fillings can be comfortably used in both front and back teeth. Since amalgam fillings used up to now for treating tooth decay do not meet aesthetic expectations, porcelain and composite fillings are preferred today. Because composite fillings are white like natural teeth and are hardened by light, they can also be called “light-cured fillings.”

What are the aesthetic filling applications for front teeth?

Aesthetic fillings in the front teeth yield very successful results. In order to achieve a good smile, the shape and size of the teeth, the color of the gums, and the relationship between the teeth and gums are extremely important. The materials used during aesthetic procedures also play a role in achieving this. Thanks to aesthetic fillings that can be applied in every area of the mouth, successful outcomes can be obtained. With a single session, aesthetic fillings can be applied to all the teeth in the smile line, allowing the desired aesthetic look to be achieved in just 1-2 hours. To create an aesthetic look on the front teeth, the tooth structures and the materials that mimic them must be evaluated first.

The dentin layer in the tooth, with its yellowish hue, determines the tooth’s color, while the enamel layer, which is transparent, covers the dentin. The coloring at the tips of the teeth and their transparent appearance come from the enamel layer. The visual success of an aesthetic filling depends on using a filling material that mimics the exact look of natural tooth tissues and matches the patient’s tooth color. Aesthetic fillings are not only used for decay but also for other problems with teeth. For discoloration on front teeth, a bit of the colored layer can be removed, and the desired shade can be obtained. Likewise, diastemas (spaces between teeth) can be closed using aesthetic fillings.

Inlay-Onlay Fillings:

Porcelain and composite inlay-onlay fillings are preferred because they are both aesthetic and durable, requiring less tooth reduction than composite or amalgam fillings (and porcelain crowns). In this procedure, only the decayed area is cleaned, and an impression of the tooth is taken.

The porcelain inlay fillings prepared in the laboratory are then bonded to the teeth with special adhesives (adhesive systems).

Particularly for teeth that have significant material loss, root canal treatment is applied first if necessary, and, if needed, minor surgical gum adjustments (gingivoplasty – gum manicure) are performed before placing an inlay (a laboratory-fabricated porcelain or composite filling). This greatly reduces the risk of the tooth or the filling fracturing.

Porcelain Fillings:

These fillings are tissue-friendly and offer one of the highest levels of biological compatibility. They are produced using advanced technology. In the porcelain filling method, the healthy tooth structure in the mouth is not harmed. With just a few modifications to the cavity prepared for a regular filling, the tooth is made ready for the porcelain filling. Furthermore, porcelain is the material that most closely matches the hardness of the tooth and is most compatible with the gums. Because its hardness is very close to the tooth’s enamel, it does not wear down the opposing teeth like other porcelains, nor does it wear out like composite fillings. It should be preferred over composite fillings or crowns (caps) especially in cases with large material loss.

When are aesthetic fillings used?

1. To repair broken or decayed teeth
2. To treat permanent discolorations in the teeth
3. To close gaps between the teeth
4. To lengthen the teeth
5. To change the shape of the teeth and design a patient’s smile using aesthetic fillings

Advantages and Disadvantages:

The greatest advantage of these fillings is that they are aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, since these fillings bond very well to the tooth, they support the tooth structure, preventing fractures and reducing temperature transmission. Composite materials can be used not just to restore decay but also for cosmetic effects by altering the color and shape of the teeth. The main disadvantage is that there may be sensitivity after the procedure. The filling’s color can also slightly change from consuming staining foods and beverages such as coffee or tea.