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Porcelain Veneers vs. Crowns
Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin shells of ceramic material, which dentists bond to the front of teeth. This procedure requires little or no anesthesia, and can be the ideal choice for improving the appearance of the front teeth. Porcelain veneers help to mask discolorations, to brighten teeth, and to improve a smile. Additionally, they are highly…
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Fixed Bridges: What to Know
A bridge is a dental appliance that replaces one or more natural missing teeth, thereby “bridging” the space between two teeth. Fixed bridges are cemented into place next to the “abutment” teeth- -the surrounding teeth on either side of the space, or “span.” Unlike removable partial dentures, fixed bridges cannot be taken out of the…
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Dental Amalgams (Silver Fillings)
Most people recognize dental amalgams as silver fillings. Dental amalgam is a mixture of mercury, and an alloy of silver, tin and copper. Mercury makes up about 45-50 percent of the compound. Mercury helps to bind the metals together and to provide a strong, hard durable filling. After years of research, mercury has been found…
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Composite Resin Fillings
What is a composite resin filling? A composite resin filling is a tooth-colored plastic mixture of glass (silicon dioxide). Introduced in the 1960s, dental composites were confined to the front teeth because they were not strong enough to withstand the pressure and wear generated by the back teeth. Since then, composites have been significantly improved…