Aesthetic Filling
The aesthetic filling can be applied to both front and molar teeth, depending on the extent and location of the tooth defect.
One of the significant advantages of light-cured composite aesthetic fillings is that they restore the original color and shape of the teeth. The aesthetic filling is not simply white but is blended from multiple shades to closely match the natural color of the tooth, making the filling completely invisible.
The material used for composite aesthetic fillings is a resin reinforced with glass and porcelain particles. When exposed to blue light during polymerization, the soft filling material hardens to create a solid aesthetic filling.
The chewing surface should be carefully shaped through the filling so that it is well-grooved, ensuring not only aesthetic appeal but also functional perfection of the restored tooth.
Inlay (insert or bonded aesthetic filling)
An inlay is a bonded aesthetic filling that refers to a solid porcelain insert. Custom-made in a dental laboratory, it is then bonded into the prepared tooth cavity.
Inlays are primarily used in the construction of molars when a tooth is broken or severely decayed.
In comparison to traditional fillings, bonded aesthetic fillings offer advantages in cases of extensive tooth defects or decay that could potentially affect neighboring teeth.
One of the great advantages of inlay fillings is their physical stability and resistance to wear and breakage. From an aesthetic perspective, they offer superior customization in color, shape, and long-term resistance to discoloration with use.
Inlays are not only aesthetic but also durable and functional fillings. They fit well, are comfortable, do not shrink or wear out, maintain long-term contact points, and importantly, do not contain allergenic materials.
Onlay (insert or bonded aesthetic filling)
Similar to an inlay, an onlay is also a specialized dental restoration. However, it covers a larger area of the tooth. Unlike an inlay, which does not cover the entire chewing surface, an onlay covers the entire chewing surface and cusps of the tooth. Onlays are typically used when the damage to the tooth is extensive, affecting both the chewing surface and cusps, making an inlay insufficient.
Its properties are identical to those of an inlay.