Cosmetic Dental Procedures, Laguna Beach
Metal Free Dentistry
A silver amalgam is a combination of metals—nickel, zinc, tin, copper and silver—mixed with approximately 50% mercury. Amalgam fillings are aesthetically displeasing as they continue to darken with time and stain the teeth in which they are placed. Tooth enamel is a crystalline structure that allows the dark color of the amalgam filling to penetrate the crystalline matrix.
There are essentially two types of aesthetic restorative materials: porcelain and composite. Teeth requiring small conservative fillings are generally restored with composite, a durable tooth colored material that is placed in one visit. Porcelain restorations are generally used to restore larger areas and are fabricated in the laboratory and bonded at a subsequent visit.
Mercury in Dentistry: Mercury is the second most toxic substance. It is toxic to biologic systems—it can damage skin, lungs, kidneys. It has been banned in dentistry in almost all of Europe and now there are 5 US states with informed consent laws in place that require dental offices to inform their patients of the content of silver fillings. Aside from the toxic effects, with time mercury restorations expand with temperature and cause fractures to the adjacent tooth structure.
Composite and Porcelain Restorations
In contrast to amalgam, composites and porcelain restorations are bonded to the remaining tooth structure and actually strengthen the teeth in which they are placed.
Gum Recontouring
A critical aspect of smile design is the contour of the adjacent gum tissue. Some smiles are too “gummy” and the teeth appear to be too short. On occasion it is necessary for Dr. Boling to recontour the gum line and scallop the tissue which results in more aesthetic tooth morphology. It is a short procedure that results in very little discomfort and no bleeding.