Cosmetic filling
An alternative to amalgam or silver fillings, cosmetic fillings have the advantage of being tooth colored, and thus less noticeable.
Enamel filling
Enamel is the thin, hard material that covers the dentin, or main body of your teeth, and protects it from harsh temperatures and daily wear and tear. Although enamel can withstand damage that the dentin can’t, it doesn’t have any living cells. Thus, it can’t repair itself if it breaks or chips. For that, you’ll need to see a dentist.
There are many simple steps you and our dentist can take to help prevent damage to tooth enamel, or restore it after the damage is done.
Interstice filling
Interstitial spaces are gaps between the teeth. Interstice fillings close up these gaps, preventing food from getting stuck and creating a more beautiful smile.
Diamond Attachment Filling
Diamond attachment filling is also known as “teeth jewelry.” The dentist attaches a thin flat back diamond onto the surface of the tooth. This type of “filling” does not interfere with brushing or dental hygiene. The area underneath the jewel is sealed to prevent bacteria from getting in.
There is no drilling or pain involved. The jewel is bonded to the enamel of the tooth. The placement and removal of the jewel is similar to the placement and removal of orthodontic brackets. When it is removed, it is simply popped off and the tooth polished to remove any remaining bonding material.
Whitening
There are pores within the outer layer of the teeth that collect stains over time from coffee, tea and smoking. Teeth whitening treatments improve the appearance of discolored teeth by removing those stains. Many people are surprised at how bright and beautiful their teeth appear after these simple whitening procedures. Whitening is quickly done and safe for all ages. You can have just your upper teeth, just your lower teeth, or both upper and lower whitened, depending on the way you smile. The degree of whitening achieved will differ from person to person, based on the condition of the emamel and the type of stains present on the teeth.
(Caution: A wide variety of whitening materials are available on the market under many brand names and at a range of prices. However, using any of these products without the recommendation and supervision of your dentist may be risky to your gums and teeth.)
The TGM Dental offers two options for whitening, depending on your desired timeline and price point.
Whitening at home
This treatment involves plastic trays, which are customized to fit the shape of the patient’s teeth. A small amount of whitening solution is then placed in the tray and worn on the teeth for a prescribed amount of time.
In the dental chair by plasma-laser
In this treatment, the dentist places the whitening solution directly onto the patient’s teeth and activates it with an ultraviolet light for a given time. This procedure normally takes one hour during one or two visits.
Porcelain Veneer, Inlay, Onlay (for cercon porcelain)
Veneers are a thin shell made out of porcelain or a composite material. They are custom made and cemented to the front surface of a tooth, like a false fingernail fitting over a nail. A veneer can be used to treat dental conditions such as a slightly crooked tooth, discolored teeth, chipped teeth or to cover spaces between the teeth.
Veneers make teeth look natural and healthy, and because they are very thin and are held in place by a special strong bond (rather like super-glue) very little preparation of the tooth is needed.
Veneers should last for many years, but they can chip or break, just as your own teeth can. A veneer takes at least two visits; the first to prepare the tooth and match the shade, and the second to fit it. Before bonding it in place, your dentist will show you the veneer on your tooth to make sure you are happy with it.
An inlay is similar to a filling but the entire work lies within the cusps, or bumps, on the chewing surface of the tooth. An onlay, often referred to as a partial crown, is a more invasive and costly procedure. Both normally require two visits to complete. Inlays and onlays are most often used for “posterior” teeth, the teeth with flat surfaces in the back of your mouth that you use to chew. An inlay or onlay procedure involves the creation of a cast that is bonded to your tooth with various types of cement.
