From the Office

Tooth-colored fillings are a valuable dental procedure used to restore a tooth that has been damaged, either by decay or physical injury. Onlays and inlays are two types of deep fillings that protect natural teeth from further damage and prevent the need for extraction. Placed by a highly skilled cosmetic dentist, they can help increase tooth strength as much as 75%!

At my Boulder, Colorado dental office, all of our onlays and inlays are handcrafted from a safe ceramic, or glass-type material, in our dental laboratory. Unlike metal fillings, they will not expand and contract due to temperature changes so there’s no risk of internal cracking.

A dental inlay is recommended when a tooth’s decay or damage is confined to its indented top surface. A dental onlay is used when the damaged area encompasses one or more of the tooth cusps. Here’s a brief description of how they are placed.

1. We take an impression of the decayed or damaged tooth.
2. A temporary onlay or inlay is placed in position.
3. Your impression is sent to our state-of-the-art lab.
4. The onlay or inlay is created from ceramic material to match your exact specifications.
5. You return to our office for the placement of your permanent restoration.

Onlays and inlays require less tooth reduction than ceramic crowns, but more than regular fillings. My team and I often use them to restore a tooth that has carried a metal filling for too many years and is now in a weakened state because of it. (See our blog on When to Replace Old Fillings.)

If you have tooth issues that are minor or purely cosmetic in nature, you may want to consider dental bonding or porcelain veneers as an alternative to fillings.

If you’d like to learn about the benefits of dental onlays and inlays, please schedule an appointment with our experienced cosmetic dentistry team.

Dr. Ania

Comprehensive & Cosmetic Dentistry

Isn’t it about time you took care of that glaring chip in your front tooth? Or how about that dark gum line above your dental crown? What about looking into laser whitening to take care of that yellowish enamel? Fixing your least-favorite smile characteristics is easier than you might think.

At our cosmetic dentistry practice in Boulder, Colorado, my team and I make tooth fixes affordable and stress-free. We have a variety of tooth restoration treatments that will undoubtedly improve your smile confidence and enhance your overall smile appearance.

Here is a brief list of common tooth repair solutions that can maximize your smile power and create a healthier mouth in the process.

Tooth chips — Tooth bonding is the quickest, least invasive option for minor tooth damage like chipping. You may also consider porcelain veneers, which can be completed in just two visits.

Tooth cracks or fractures – We are often able to repair minor cracks and fractures with ceramic fillings or dental bonding. For tooth damage that affects a large amount of tooth structure, we may recommend a dental crown instead.

Darkened crown — Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns tend to reveal a dark line where gum tissue and tooth meet. With a new ceramic crown, you’ll never run the risk of this telltale sign.

Bad bite — If your upper and lower teeth don’t come together evenly or comfortably, our neuromuscular dentistry treatments can help restore balance to your smile.

Discolored enamel — Laser tooth whitening can take your smile up several shades in just one visit to our office. We also offer take-home whitening.

Large gums — Through gentle and safe laser gum reshaping, we are able to minimize excessive gum tissue and recontour uneven gums to frame your smile beautifully.

Crooked teeth — Choose from a superficial solution like porcelain veneers, or move teeth gradually into place with the Invisalign® alignment system.

• Please visit our smile gallery to see what a difference these restoration procedures can have on your smile.

To talk about your smile makeover options and get a treatment estimate, please contact my team for more information. We look forward to providing you with a personalized cosmetic dentistry care plan that will give you a gorgeous smile you can be proud to show off.

Dr. Ania

Comprehensive & Cosmetic Dentistry

Your tooth structure is designed for toughness, and teeth can generally withstand heavy biting pressure for many years. However, the daily wear and tear caused by chewing and tooth grinding eventually adds up and can cause precious enamel to wear down. Once teeth are worn, they become more susceptible to fractures (breaks, chips, and cracks). Fractures are also quite prevalent in people who play sports without a mouthguard.

Even a small tooth fracture can result in a loss of confidence when you smile. Fractures can also affect your bite and may lead to TMJ (temporomandibular joint) problems. If you’ve been thinking about having your fracture repaired, cosmetic dentistry has several effective and affordable options available that look and feel very natural.

At my Boulder, Colorado dental practice, we fix fractures with a variety of state-of-the-art dental restoration treatments. The treatment we recommend will depend on the severity and depth of the tooth damage. We are a metal-free practice, so you can be sure all of our fracture treatments will blend in beautifully with your smile.

Here is a brief summary of your options.

Porcelain Veneers — Porcelain veneers are thin, wafer-like shells that affix to the front surfaces of teeth to mask harmless imperfections. They are a cosmetic solution and should be used only on teeth that have minor damage.

Porcelain Crowns — Porcelain crowns are heavy-duty restoration solutions that can restore strength and appearance to teeth that have been significantly weakened by fracture.

Dental tooth bonding — Tooth bonding is a versatile tooth repair solution that can be used on minor fractures. Bonding material is applied as a paste, sculpted, and hardened with a special lamp. 

Tooth reshaping — In cases of slight defect, tooth reshaping may be used to reduce and even out enamel through a grinding process.

To get an idea of how fracture repairs can enhance the appearance of your teeth, please visit our online smile gallery.

Custom Fracture Repair

Every tooth restoration performed at our office is completely personalized. Before we can recommend a solution for your fracture, I would like to complete a full examination including X-rays and wellness evaluation. At this time we can also do an assessment of your previous dental work to see if there is any room for improvement.

To prevent fractures and protect your teeth, consider the advanced Agility Guard or the Pure Power Mouthguard (PPM™).

If you would like to learn more about our cosmetic dentistry fracture solutions, my team and I would be happy to discuss your options. Please contact my Boulder dental practice to schedule your one-on-one orientation.

Dr. Ania

Comprehensive & Cosmetic Dentistry

A filling can last several years, depending on the material used, how well it was placed, and your eating and biting habits. At my Boulder, Colorado dental practice, we recommend filling replacements as soon as we see wear and tear or damage that could compromise your tooth.

Reasons for Filling Replacement

Most filling replacements I perform are due to old fillings that have become loose, caused cracks in the teeth, or are worn and can no longer provide adequate protection. If you have concerns about the effectiveness of a filling, it is best to schedule a visit soon to avoid further damage that could lead to a dental crown or other more substantial restoration.

Dental Filling Materials

We prefer metal-free ceramics for all fillings, regardless of placement location. In some dental practices, teams may offer the option of metal amalgam fillings on the back teeth as a cost-saver. We believe that high-grade ceramic fillings are the best and only options for filling patients for safety, attractiveness, durability, and longevity.

Your Appointment

If you are due for a checkup and cleaning, rest assured that my team and I will thoroughly evaluate your dental health, including the state of your current dental work, during your dental wellness visits. X-rays and physical examination helps us assess the viability and condition of past metal, ceramic, and porcelain fillings. Even if there is no sign of damage, you may choose to replace an old metal filling with a new ceramic one for a more natural appearance.

To schedule a personal appointment, please contact my Boulder comprehensive dental center.

Dr. Ania

Comprehensive & Cosmetic Dentistry