What Is The Difference Between A Filling And A Crown?

If you have a sore tooth and are looking to get it fixed you might wonder what the difference is between a filling and a crown? Dentists can fill a tooth, or crown a tooth, they can create a filling and mould a crown but they are two very different processes even though they sound quite similar and may seem the same to a layperson.

Dental repair work to fix teeth can really be divided into two main types ‘direct’ and ‘indirect’ restoration work. Direct restoration work includes work like fillings and indirect dental work covers crowns and veneers.

The simplest way to differentiate between the two is that a ‘direct’ restoration is when the dentist repairs a tooth ‘directly’ in the patient’s mouth, by moulding material to ‘fill’ a gap or flaws in the tooth. An ‘indirect’ restoration is when the dentist takes a mould of the tooth either with a quick setting impression material or a digital scan of the tooth and then creates the replacement crown or veneer outside of the mouth before fitting it to the patients tooth.

Sometimes dental terminology is confusing for patients so we’ve broken down all the main terms so consumers have a clearer understanding:

Dental restoration 
Dental restoration is the process of repairing a damaged tooth and essentially restoring its function, integrity or appearance.  Most often the tooth will have been damaged by caries (which is the technical term for a cavity) or external trauma. If the tooth is damaged significantly and difficult to repair a dentist may recommend replacing it with a dental implant  a dental Bridge or a partial denture.

A ‘filling’ or ‘direct’ restoration is when a dentist places a soft material into the damaged tooth and shapes it before it sets hard. This is a convenient process to use if patients want the tooth fixed in a single visit.

‘Filling’ a tooth is also how dentists usually refer to smaller tooth restorations which often just involve repairing a small amount of damage rather than rebuilding a tooth. The more damage there is and the more restoration work needs to be done to restore it, the more likely a crown or veneer will be needed.

When a customer decides they want a damaged tooth strengthened, reshaped or the appearance improved the dentist will very often choose to create a crown or veneer for the tooth or use the ‘indirect’ restoration method. Crowns and veneers are a longer lasting solution for dental repair, replacing more of the tooth and adding more structural integrity. Other terms for ‘indirect’ restorations include inlays, onlays and bridges (which are multiple crowns in a row including a fused false tooth).

Milford Dentists also has a same day cad/cam service that can create crowns, overlays and veneers in a single day if you want a fast permanent high quality solution.

All good dentists should talk you through all your options and the different costs of repairing a damaged tooth. Whether a filling or a crown is most appropriate should be a joint discussion between a patient and the dentist.

But if you want to do a little homework before you go to the dentist check here: 

Cost/benefit	Procedure	Cost	Benefit
White Fillings	Sealant restoration	$85	Simple, fast
Multi-surface white fillings	Single surface White fillings	From $174	Simple & fast, bonding the tooth together
Larger Fillings	White filling on more than one surface	From $196	Simple & fast, bonding the tooth together
Crown	multi-surface rebuild – in front & back teeth (tinting, layering)	From $1279	Look good, strong, more of a long term solution
Veneer	Generally for front teeth (tinting, layering)	From $1579	Look great, can mask discoloured tooth & repair & reshape broken or crooked teeth

Posted by Andrea

Milford Dentists is proud to help the good people of the North Shore with all their dental requirements; especially in our mission to help you strengthen & beautify your teeth - From Devonport and Belmont up through Takapuna, Castor Bay,Mairangi Bay & Browns Bay as well as Albany, Northcote, Hillcrest, the Whangaporoa Peninsula and beyond give us a call - 09 4896575.

4 Reasons Why You Need White Fillings

Over the years have you ever stared into your mouth & thought - maybe it’s time to get a more attractive smile?

When many of us had our first tooth cavities, there was a single solution available, commonly known as

Mercury amalgam (or Silver) dental fillings have historically been used to repair a tooth affected by decay, cracks or fractures.

These solutions were initially developed as a low-cost alternative to gold restorations - made from a combination of silver shavings, zinc, copper, tin, and mercury. metal, sometimes as silver or mercury amalgam for your fillings … These are three common names are all used for the exact same dental filling-type – Amalgam.

But today if you have you been diagnosed with a cavity, there are alternatives to amalgam available that are recommended by dentists which are stronger, safer and also more durable. White fillings (also known as composite resin fillings or tooth coloured fillings) unlike those metal fillings of the past are virtually invisible, long lasting and can be shaded by our dentists to match the colour of your teeth. A beautiful silver-less smile can now easily be yours for the asking!

Here at Milford Dentist, our practice has been silver-less, mercury amalgam free for more than 15 years.  White composite resin fillings are our clinician’s choice for repair and restoration of all teeth in many situations. So why do our dentists choose metal-free, composite synthetic resin fillings & why should you? 

1. Would you like your teeth to look naturally white & not darken or tarnish to an unsightly colour as occurs with regular silver or mercury amalgam fillings? Milford Dentists will colour match the tooth to your existing teeth for an undetectable finish, natural look & feel, compared to the longer term unsightly results from silver fillings.
2. Would you like stronger, longer lasting fillings than from silver or amalgam? White or composite fillings from Milford Dentists are made of materials that actually bond to your tooth tissue from the inside, strengthening your teeth and providing additional support for up to a decade.
   
   Because composite fillings can be created in smaller preparations, less of your tooth structure is lost and less drilling is also required. Once bonded, the composite filling will also not change shape over time and wear the same as your tooth keeping your dental repair stable & secure.
3. Would you like a longer term healthy mouth with a reduced chance of decay & bacterial buildup? Because
   

   

    our composite fillings are bonded with adhesive to your tooth structure, the tooth is strengthened & protected against decay or bacterial invasion. White fillings as compared to amalgam are not temperature-sensitive.
   
   Amalgam fillings expand and contract due to hot and cold environments, which can cause hairline fractures and tooth sensitivity.
   
   Tiny cracks in the amalgam material or between the filling and natural tooth structure may result in bacterial re-invasion, causing larger issues with decay than were initially encountered.
4. Are you pregnant, or allergic to metals used in traditional amalgam dental fillings? Amalgam dental fillings were developed from a range of metals (including mercury) as a low-cost alternative to gold. Amalgam gained popularity in dentistry despite concern by some over the potential toxicity of mercury, and recent testing by some has identified that very small amounts of mercury (in vapor form) can be released as the amalgam filling wears. 
   
   White fillings are made from acrylic & glass particles, contain no toxic substances, they can seal your tooth & stabilize its structure far more effectively than amalgam. Read about safe dental amalgam filling removal here

As with most dental repairs, although the results are not permanent and eventually require replacement, composite resin fillings are very durable and can offer what we at Milford Dentists believe is a safer, stable more effective solution to the repair of teeth. 

Talk to us today to learn more about the benefits of composite resin vs traditional amalgam fillings and why we have haven’t placed a dental amalgam filling since 1999.

Posted by Andrea Clarke BDS

Milford Dentists is proud to help the good people of the North Shore with all their dental requirements - From Devonport and Belmont up through Takapuna, Castor Bay, Mairangi Bay & Browns Bay as well as Albany, Northcote, Hillcrest & the Whangaporoa Peninsula.

Amalgam Filling Removal Safely Case 3 Replacing Mercury Fillings

This lovely lady from Browns Bay sought me out to safely remove all her old mercury amalgam fillings & replace them with either composite resin fillings or emax porcelain overlays. For these three teeth placing white fillings was clinically the best option.

3 Reasons for replacing old mercury amalgam/black fillings with white fillings instead of porcelain overlays or dental crowns

1. The old silver amalgam fillings are small and no structural cracks have formed in the tooth
2. The patient has requested just fillings to be placed - this is often due to cost as a filling option costs less than a dental crown option
3. There are long term problems with the overall health of the mouth and a more costly dental crown/overlay is not indicated eg maybe the patient has gum infection which may lead to easrly tooth loss or maybe the patient has active tooth decay that ideally should be brought under control first.

We opted to replace these three mercury amalgam fillings with colour matched white composite resin fillings. We placed a dental dam over the teeth. Dental or Rubber/Nitrile Dam placement has 4 advantages

1. Whilst always using powerful suction, when I section out the old mercury amalgam all the amalgam waste is removed and no waste enters the mouth
2. Whilst using rubber dental dam a smaller suction pipe or saliva ejector removes any mercury vapor and saliva from the mouth
3. Most people find rubber dam very comfortable and prefer treatment with this rather than without. Sometimes there is a bit of fiddling around to put the rubber dam on, but once in place the whole procedure takes less time.
4. Placing white composite resin fillings and porcelain dental crowns and overlays is all about perfect bonding technique. The great thing about adhesive dentistry or bonding white restorations to teeth is that the bond strengths are very strong. When biomemetic principles are followed the bond between your tooth and the new white filling or dental crown/overlay can mimic the strength of your original tooth. 
   
   Using dental rubber dam allows the tooth/teeth to be isolated from the moisture of your mouth ie your saliva. Using dental dam increases the predictability of the bonding process making for long lasting beautiful and strong tooth coloured restorations 

There was a lot of tooth decay under the two bigger mercury amalgam fillings. This was gently excavated & the composite resin fillings were bonded in using biomemetic bonding techniques

Everyone was happy with the final result and the treatment was uneventful both during and afterwards

Posted by Andrea Clarke BDS

Milford Dentists is proud to help the good people of the North Shore with all their dental requirements - especially ridding the world of mercury amalgam fillings - from Devonport and Belmont up through Takapuna, Castor Bay,Mairangi Bay & Browns Bay as well as Albany, Northcote, Hillcrest & the Whangaporoa Peninsula.

White Fillings To Mask Dead Black Or Grey Teeth - Case Study 1

4 Reasons Why Teeth Die And Go Black Or Grey

A dead or non vital tooth will often discolour or darken. Here's why.

1. Because the tooth has been hit hard and this percussion injury has killed the blood supply feeding into the tooth
2. Because the tooth has been snapped/fractured by trauma and the exposed nerve becomes infected with bacteria and dies
3. Because of tooth decay - once the tooth decay reaches the nerve the bacteria kill the nerve
4. And occasionally because of high temperatures created trying to fix a decayed badly broken down tooth

Case study - This lovely lady from Takapuna has been coming to Milford Dentists for a longtime. She asked me if I could improve the appearance of her two grey teeth. Both teeth had big big fillings, the nerves had died & both had been root filled (or endodontically treated). 

She did not have the budget for dental crowns so we opted to (inexpensively) mask the visible parts with a veneer build up of white composite filling material. If you imagine painting over something black to make it look white you need a white opaque layer

1. Closest to the tooth I bonded a very thin opaque layer which totally blocked out the grey tooth. But now I had 2 bright white teeth shining at me
2. I now placed a thicker layer of a natural tooth coloured composite resin that had a lovely opacity similar to tooth dentine. This layer looked good but the tooth still looked dull and lifeless
3. Finally I added a more translucent layer of white filling that mimics how enamel looks to make the teeth really shine

Here are the before  white fillings placed on the upper and lower premolar -

Here is the before and after photo

As with most dental repairs, although the results are not permanent and eventually require replacement, composite resin fillings are very durable and can offer what we at Milford Dentists believe is a safe, stable, effective solution for the repair of teeth in a lot of situations. 

Talk to us today to learn more about the benefits of white composite resin fillings.

Posted by Andrea Clarke BDS

Milford Dentists is proud to help the good people of the North Shore with all their dental requirements - From Devonport and Belmont up through Takapuna, Castor Bay,Mairangi Bay & Browns Bay as well as Albany, Northcote, Hillcrest & the Whangaporoa Peninsula.

Why Choose White Or Tooth Coloured Fillings

As children, for many with our first tooth cavities, there was but a single solution available from the dentist or dental nurse. A black filling.  They were commonly known as metal, sometimes as silver or amalgam but no matter what name you gave them, they were unsightly and very obvious. Now there are a range of choices available to you, and at Milford Dentists, since 1999 our exclusive choice for all filling work has been white fillings.

Unlike those silver metal (or amalgam) fillings of the past, white fillings (also known as composite resin fillings or tooth coloured fillings) are virtually invisible, long lasting and can be shaded by our dentists to expertly match the colour of your teeth. A beautiful and silver-less smile is now yours just for the asking!

Roll your mouse over the after image here to see the amalgam fillings prior to their replacement -All restorations here placed using Rubber dam to isolate each tooth and safely remove the mercury amalgam. If on mobile scroll to the bottom to see before and after images - Andrea

Composite fillings have become the preferred choice of dental filling material, are recommended by our staff and considered to be stronger, safer and more durable than traditional amalgam fillings.

Amalgam (or silver) dental fillings were initially developed as a low-cost alternative to gold restorations. Made from a combination of silver shavings, zinc, copper, tin, and mercury, amalgam fillings became the most popular and effective filling material for the repair of teeth affected by decay, cracks or fractures.

Amalgam gained popularity in dentistry despite concern by some over the potential toxicity of mercury, and recent testing has identified that very small amounts of mercury (in vapour form) can be released as the amalgam filling wears. While the FDA considers dental amalgam fillings safe for adults and children ages 6 and above, research continues and it is recommended that should you be allergic to any of the metals in dental amalgam, you should discuss an alternative filling material with your dentist. 

Roll your mouse over the after image here to see the amalgam fillings prior to their replacement -All restorations here placed using Rubber dam to isolate each tooth and safely remove the mercury amalgam. If on mobile scroll to the bottom to see before and after images - Andrea

If you have you been diagnosed with a cavity, our alternative is white fillings. White fillings are made from acrylic and glass particles, contain no toxic substances, they can seal your tooth and stabilize its structure far more effectively than amalgam.

Although primarily used to restore decayed teeth, composites are also used for cosmetic improvements of the smile by changing tooth colour or reshaping disfigured teeth.

White or composite fillings from Milford Dentists are made of materials that more effectively bond to your tooth tissue from the inside, strengthening your teeth and providing additional support for many years. Because composite fillings can be created in smaller preparations, less of your tooth structure is lost and less drilling is also required. Once bonded, the composite filling will also not change shape over time and will wear at a similar rate to your own tooth, keeping your dental repair stable and secure.

White fillings as compared to amalgam are also significantly less temperature-sensitive. When eating/drinking hot and cold foods/drinks, amalgam fillings expand and contract which can cause hairline fractures and tooth sensitivity. Tiny cracks in the amalgam material or between the filling and natural tooth structure may result in bacterial re invasion, causing larger issues with decay than were initially encountered.

Although the results are long term,  as with most dental repairs, fillings will eventually require attention, however composite resin fillings are very durable option.

Want to know more about your choices for dental cavities and repair? Talk to us today to learn more about the benefits of composite resin vs traditional amalgam fillings and why we have haven’t placed a dental amalgam filling since 1999.

Posted by Andrea Clarke BDS

Milford Dentists is proud to help the good people of the North Shore with all their dental requirements - From Devonport and Belmont up through Takapuna, Castor Bay,Mairangi Bay & Browns Bay as well as Albany, Northcote, Hillcrest & the Whangaporoa Peninsula.

Tooth Capping - What Is A Dental or Tooth Cap?

Tooth Capping - What Is A Dental or Tooth Cap?Many of you may be unsure as to the difference between teeth capping and dental crowns but really there is no difference. Dental or tooth caps are restorations made of porcelain, composite resin (white filling), gold, or even stainless steel, for the repair of damaged,decayed or unattractive teeth. The materials used are dependent on numerous factors including cost consideration, durability, location within the mouth and more- so contact us to discuss your specific circumstances and to make a best practice crown or cap recommendation for your tooth.

Tooth Caps or Crowns?Although dentists & dental specialists refer to all of these restorations as “crowns”, many clients prefer to use the less technical term “cap.” Whichever term you use, a tooth cap entirely covers and strengthens the damaged tooth, improving it’s appearance, shape or alignment. Tooth capping is also used to provide a natural tooth-like shape and structure on top of a dental implant.

Why Cap Teeth?Our team at Milford Dentists recommend capping of teeth for a range of reasons including:

• The replacement of a large filling when there isn't sufficient tooth remaining
• The protection of weak teeth from fracturing
• The restoration of fractured teeth
• The attachment of bridges
• The "tooth part" above the gum line of dental implants
• The aesthetic or structural cover of discoloured or poorly shaped tooth
• The cover of teeth after root canal treatment to prevent future tooth fracture because the tooth is weakened

Capping Of Teeth or Veneers?Although both dental caps/crowns or veneer placements are popular intermediate to long term restoration solutions, there are important clinical considerations and implications when making the decision.

Capping of teeth differs from veneers as after the removal of old fillings any fractured structure & dental decay, the dental cap completely covers the tooth to strengthen the tooth. In contrast, a dental veneer covers only the front surface (and sometimes the visible edges of the tooth and needs sufficient natural intact tooth structure to support it.

So contact us today we’re here to help and guide patients to ensure that with either procedure, you have a highly successful restoration.
                               
What Does A Tooth Cap Cost?

As at April 2016 At Milford Dentists, we offer a range of dental crowns/caps that are priced from $1579, with costs varying downwards to $527 dependent on construction & materials. 

• All ceramic dental crowns, dental overlays & dental veneers are made from different porcelains
• Porcelain crowns are fused to an inner metal thimble
• Metal crowns are made of gold or semi-precious alloys
• Composite resin crowns are made of white filling
• Zirconium crowns

 Posted by Andrea

Milford Dentists is proud to help the good people of the North Shore with all of your dental needs. From Devonport and Belmont up through Takapuna, Castor Bay, Mairangi Bay & Browns Bay as well as Albany, Northcote, Hillcrest, the Whangaporoa Peninsula and beyond – call us today to learn more:  09 4896575.

White Fillings - How Long Will They Last ?

When considering dental restoration or repair, a common question asked by our current and prospective clients is “How long do white fillings last?"

However, although we have many clients with long-life white fillings; the answer is - it depends. 

While early research has shown that the average tooth – coloured filling lasts for a minimum of five years, our experience has shown there are many things both the dentist & the patient can do to extend the life of a white filling beyond that to ten years or more.

Continued below you will find a range of practical recommendations for increasing the longevity of your dental restoration work.

The Lifespan of A Filling

The lifetime of a filling is partly determined by choice of material used to fill the cavity. Is it silver or a white filling, porcelain or gold? There are advantages for differing filling types, where they are used, and the dental care and maintenance you provide that can all affect the life expectancy of a dental filling.

Is A White Filling Better Than Silver?

Composite or white fillings have become the preferred choice of dental filling material, are recommended by our staff and considered to be stronger, safer and more durable than traditional amalgam fillings.

At Milford Dentists, we have been amalgam free for all restoration work since 1999, and believe there is no advantage, (but instead a distinct disadvantage), to using dental silver amalgam vs. composite resins for reasons of durability. 

Why Choose White Fillings?

Our clients find tooth-coloured (or composite resin) fillings with their white tooth-like appearance, more aesthetically pleasing than silver amalgam fillings, and the adhesive nature of composite fillings allows us to perform what is termed "minimally invasive" dentistry enabling you to retain more of your original teeth.

New to Milford dentists? Discuss your personal dental history before deciding what is most effective & appropriate for you. Contact us here

What Is A White Filling

These are the very popular white, tooth coloured fillings for restoration and treating decay that blend seamlessly into your smile, making the dental work almost invisible. They are an incredibly strong, successful treatment for most cavities.

Because of the materials that Milford Dentists white (composite) fillings are made from, they bond to your tooth tissue from the inside, strengthening your teeth and providing them with additional support for many years.

Composite fillings cavities are smaller than a comparative amalgam cavity. This is because composite resin fillings are bonded into the cavity whereas amalgam filling, generally, is mechanically retained and the cavity needs undercuts and retention locks prepared into the hole to keep the mercury amalgam from falling out.This means less tooth structure is removed ie less drilling, when placing a white filling than when placing an amalgam filling. Once bonded, the composite filling does not change shape over time and will wear at a similar rate to your own tooth, keeping your dental repair stable and secure. 

Making Your White Fillings Last Longer

While many factors affect the longevity of fillings, remember that generally, all fillings will last longer if you take care of your oral hygiene with daily brushing, flossing and regular dental checkups.
The many factors for white filling longevity can include

• Filling Size

• Filling Location (On The Tooth Surface)

• Filling Location (In The Mouth)

• Clenching & Grinding

• Existing Dental Damage Or Issues

• Diet & Drinks

• Oral Hygiene

• Filling Materials Used

• Effective Dental Techniques

Filling Size

An important consideration for a white filling is, will the placing of the composite restoration be suitable for its application? Smaller fillings will generally last longer than a large filling because there are fewer issues that can occur, although, with continuing improvements in the composition of bonding materials, this is becoming less of consideration.

Clenching and Grinding

Do you clench or grind your teeth? If so, you may have more problems with your fillings. The additional forces placed on your teeth from grinding or clenching can lead to tooth sensitivity and extra wear on your fillings. These actions can also cause your fillings to crack or develop tiny vertical cracks (craze lines) in your teeth.

Smoking

Delays in oral healing and increased likelihood of gum disease cause considerably higher possibility of dental issues and failure of tooth restorations. If you are a smoker and are considering quitting – talk to us to see how we can help.

Dietary choices

Do you regularly drink carbonated or other high sugar drinks? These beverages you should be avoided or the frequency you have them decreased along with highly acidic things like, e.g., Grapefruit juice or apple cider vinegar gargles - using these regularly can damage the tooth enamel by dissolving it, increasing the possibility of problems occurring around your fillings.

Effective Dental techniques

Placing bonded restorations is very technique sensitive – so it is important your dentist use best practice standards and technique for long-life results for your fillings. The tooth requires proper isolation during the procedure, and composite restorations need a specific environment in which to be placed - completely saliva (moisture) free and dry when the resin material is being applied and cured. 

Do Composite Fillings Last A Lifetime Or Can They?

According to early findings, like from this small Belgian study, composite fillings can last between five and seven years on average, yet other recent larger reviews such as Opdam (2010) and Kim (2013) indicate 10 - 11 years.

With correct procedures and proper care and maintenance by you, we can significantly improve the lifespan of your white fillings. Also as new techniques, technology & materials are developed to extend the lifetime of all our dental procedures, we expect the longevity of tooth coloured fillings to continue to be extended.

So if you are considering a white filling, contact Milford Dentists to learn more or schedule a visit today. We will check out your dental history, discuss your treatment options, and get you back on track towards optimal oral health <  > with a brand new bright, white smile.