paul geller dds

           General, Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry

Dental Material Options

Directly-placed:

Amalgam-is a metal alloy that is formed by reacting silver and mercury to form a hard, solid metal.  This material is relatively easy and inexpensive to place.  Many years of safety data exist.  Contrary to some articles, no scientifically valid evidence has ever been presented to refute this safety record.  Other than an allergy, there have never been valid reports of health problems with amalgam.  Its major disadvantage is the grey color.  It is a durable material in small to moderate fillings, and often lasts more than 15 years

Composite resin - is a mixture of submicron glass filler and acrylic resin that forms a solid tooth -colored restoration.  It is used in small to moderate sized restorations.  This material is very sensitive to placement technique, and will result in a poor restoration if contaminated by moisture during placement.  Development of tight contacts with neighboring teeth can be challenging.  The material is prone to chipping with used on the edges of front teeth.  Some patients may notice staining, especially associated with smoking and heavy coffee or tea consumption.  It is a more expensive material to place, due to the time and skill required.

Indirectly placed (constructed in a lab):

All-porcelain (ceramic)-restorations are used to construct inlays, onlays, crowns and veneers.  These restorations are extremely esthetic.  They are somewhat prone to fractures, and are limited in areas of high biting forces.  They are an excellent choice for veneers.  Continual improvements in these materials promise further applications in the near future!  They take a minimum of 2 visits to construct.

Porcelain fused to Metal

-is formed by baking porcelain to a metal base.  They are nearly as strong as all metal restorations, and can be used in most locations in the mouth. They can be made very natural looking, but the presence of metallimits translucency. They take a minimum of 2 visits to construct.  PFM's are used for crowns and bridges.

Gold alloys

-offer a strong, well fitting restoration.  There principal disadvantages are esthetics and cost. They take a minimum of 2 visits to construct.

Base metal alloys

-are used by some dentists for crown and bridge applications.  Our office does not use these alloys, due to the allergic potential of the nickel content as well as health concerns form the beryllium.