Page 37 - Amazing Smiles

figure 35 Cosmetic Dental Procedures
figure 35b
figure 36 A much stronger and more enduring
restoration is the “porcelain-fused-to-gold” inlay.
(figure 35).

Here we have the advantage of the strength
of metal with the aesthetic covering of porcelain.
However, the aesthetics are compromised
because the tiny metal margin can be seen, and
the opaque liner on top of the metal distorts the
shade of the porcelain. These restorations are
most suitable for the back part of the mouth,
where they often do not compromise your smile.

If you can’t see the restoration at all when you
smile, the gold inlay is still the standard by which all
filling materials are compared. (figure 35b). Gold
inlays, when properly made, can last the lifetime
of the patient, provided the patient maintains
their mouth properly. As new porcelain technology
develops and more durable cements are created,
porcelain inlays may approach the gold inlay for
long lasting durability and function. One final
note, if an inlay is large enough to cover a cusp of
a tooth, ( the bumps on top of teeth), it is referred
to as an onlay rather than an inlay no matter what
material is used. (figure 36)

The greatest cosmetic challenge occurs
when teeth are missing from the mouth. When
one or more teeth are missing, there are several
options to consider. These options range from
removable appliances called partial dentures, to
fixed bridges, to dental implants.

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