In the past, teeth were most commonly repaired with dental amalgam replacement (silver) fillings or gold restorations. Thanks advances in modern dental materials and techniques, teeth can be restored with a more aesthetic and natural appearance.
TYPE OF COSMETIC FILLINGS
Direct Composite
The simplest form of Starlight filling is technically called a Composite. It is made up of a composite quartz resin and usually contains some sort of light sensitive agent. These light cured composites are extremely cosmetic and most often bonded into place in one appointment. For this reason, they are often referred to as “bonding”. They can be used in both the front of the mouth as well as in your back teeth. These materials come in a variety of shades so that they will match the color of your own teeth. Some of these composite materials have been specifically designed to actually withstand the incredible forces you can exert when chewing on your back teeth.
In order to bond a material to your tooth it is first necessary to remove decay, prepare the tooth and then to condition the enamel and dentin. Once conditioned, a thin resin is applied which bonds to the etched surface. The bond strength of these white fillings is incredible. Bonding increases the strength of these restorations far beyond those of only a short time ago.
After placement, composites are hardened by shining an intense light on them for a specified period of time, usually around 40 seconds or less thanks to our Plasma light that guarantee optimal setting of your filling
We are constantly asked the same question, “When can I eat?”. Well, after placement. These fillings are instantly hardened by the light. Your teeth may experience sometimes some degree of temperature sensitivity for a few days to a week.
Indirect Composite/Porcelain Inlay
The other type of white filling doing in Starlight is called a Composite or Porcelain Inlay/onlay. These fillings are usually placed in back teeth when esthetics is of utmost concern. In order to increase their strength and longevity, they are fabricated in our laboratory and then bonded into position in the office. This is a two visit procedure rather than the one visit required to place a composite filling. However, when it comes to strength and cosmetics, the extra time and expense is well worth it.
TECHNOLOGY USED IN STARLIGHT
By using leading products
NTI atraumatic burs (Germany)
Coltene hybride, submicronique Composite (Switzerland)
Ultradent Valo Plasma light cure unit ( USA) (link to technology)