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New York Dentist, Dental Visits NYC Midtown Manhattan Center for Cosmetic Dentistry accepts dental insurance payments for most dental care, e.g. dentures, dental braces, fillings, root canals, bad breath etc, NYC PPO dentist visits are classified general dentistry, so cosmetic teeth whitening is not a covered expense.
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Dental Fillings
Different types of fillingsThe three most common types of filling materials are amalgam, composite, and porcelain.
Amalgam FillingsAmalgam fillings (sometimes called "silver fillings") are a mixture of mercury liquid and small pieces of silver and other metals such as copper, tin and zinc.
Amalgams have multiple disadvantages.Amalgam is a metal, which expands and contracts with hot, cold and biting. Therefore, with every meal the teeth are being weakened and over time and depending on the size of the filling the tooth becomes susceptible to fracturing.
Amalgam fillings also raise a red flag because they contain mercury, which is a very toxic element. The literature is very unclear as to the amount of mercury that is released from amalgams and the long-term effects on the entire body. The safety of amalgam fillings has been in question for a number of years due to concerns over the absorption of elemental mercury contributing to several diseases, including Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, dementia and arthritis.
White FillingsA composite resin is a tooth-colored plastic mixture filled with glass (silicon dioxide). Introduced in the 1960s, dental composites were confined to the front teeth because they were not strong enough to withstand the pressure and wear generated by the back teeth. Since then, composites have been significantly improved and can be successfully placed in the back teeth as well. Composites are not only used for restoring decay, but are also used for cosmetic improvements of the smile by changing the color of the teeth or reshaping disfigured teeth. There are no known health risks of receiving composite fillings. Composite resin dental fillings were created as an alternative to traditional metal dental fillings. Tooth fillings colored to look like a natural tooth are known as composite resin fillings and are made of a plastic dental resin. Composite resin fillings are strong, durable, and make for a very natural looking smile. Many dental insurance plans cover their use.
Porcelain Inlays and OnlaysThe real advances have been made in laboratory processed white porcelain fillings called "inlays" and "onlays". They are beautiful, strong, and usually long lasting. The cost is similar to a gold "inlay" or "onlay". Like most things in life, if there is more value, there is more cost, but they are truly worth it if you want solid white fillings instead of ugly metal.
Composite Resin fillingsFollowing preparation, the dentist places the composite in layers using a light specialized to harden each layer. When the process is finished, the dentist will shape the composite to fit the tooth. The dentist then polishes the composite to prevent staining and early wear.
Resin Inlays/onlays restorationsIn cases with larger cavities or broken down areas, an inlay or onlay to cover more of the tooth's surface may be indicated. These restorations are indirect because they require two visits and fabrication by a dental laboratory. The ceramic restorations are considerably more expensive and therefore simple, one-visit composite fillings are typically used instead for small fillings.
Ceramic restorations are much more durable and will not stain. Naturally speaking, the final result with ceramics is spectacular. White inlays or onlays are actually glued into the tooth and there is now a body of research that claims that because of this the tooth ends up stronger after such a procedure, less prone to problems down the road.
Bonding vs. veneersBonding is done by placing tooth-like material onto the tooth to both build and alter its shape. Because natural tooth structure is usually not removed, its best use is somewhat limited to broken or chipped teeth. The advantage of bonding is that it is a relatively inexpensive and conservative way to restore a tooth. One disadvantage is that over time, the bonded portion of a tooth may change color as compared to the natural, un-bonded portion of the tooth. Another disadvantage is that it is more prone to breakage. A veneer or crown on the other hand, will not discolor and will be far stronger in the long run. This may cost more and the preparation of the affected tooth will be more extensive, but may be necessary in order to get a smooth, natural appearance.
A veneer covers the front, sides, and biting surface of the tooth. Once properly "seated," it becomes your tooth. It should be seamless. They are very strong and durable and are no more likely to break than a real tooth. And like a real tooth, the veneer is repairable if it were ever to chip or break.
Dark fillingsAmalgam fillings, bonding and composite resin fillings do not bleach. If you are unhappy with the look, it is time to replace those restorations with newer, more aesthetic materials. Silver fillings ("Amalgam") are becoming a thing of the past. There are many ways to restore teeth with materials that virtually disappear and blend with the natural color of your teeth. Remember, only replace these fillings and bonding after whitening in order to match the new improved color of your own natural tooth. You may also want to consider replacing old fillings with tooth-colored bonded restorations or porcelain veneers.
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