Tooth preservation
Inlays and other dental fillings
Inlays, ceramic or plastic fillings after caries treatment
Inlays and other dental fillings
They should be appealing and durable at the same time
After caries treatment, a suitable dental filling is needed. It is intended to protect and stabilize the tooth in the future. Last but not least, it should be as indistinguishable as possible from the healthy tooth structure. Ceramic inlay, composite filling, plastic filling or amalgam filling: The smilin'' dental practice in Rheinfelden presents the advantages and disadvantages of the different types of dental fillings.
Everything at a glance
Table of contents
A radiant smile again thanks to bleaching.
Why dental fillings?
During caries therapy, your dentist must remove the diseased parts of the enamel and dentine (dentin). This leaves a cavity in the tooth, which we call a "cavity" in dentistry. The most important aim of filling therapy is to close the cavity as tightly and permanently as possible. In addition, there is the challenge of making the filling "blend in" with the treated tooth as inconspicuously as possible. This is even more important for the clearly visible front teeth than for the back teeth.
In earlier times, amalgam fillings were considered the standard in filling therapy. They are now less in demand. Their only advantage: amalgam expands after insertion and therefore usually ensures a tight seal. However, this effect can also "crack" the tooth if the teeth are severely damaged. The following additional properties make amalgam fillings inferior to inlays made of ceramic and composite (plastic fillings):
A radiant smile again thanks to bleaching.
Amalgam fillings are a thing of the past
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Amalgam fillings are the least aesthetically pleasing due to their grayish-dark shade.
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The mercury they contain can be harmful to health.
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Amalgam fillings are suspected of causing allergies and possibly other diseases.
Plastic fillings (composite) and especially ceramic inlays are therefore practically always the better choice when it comes to dental fillings.
A radiant smile again thanks to bleaching.
Composite (plastic fillings) as an alternative
One advantage of resin fillings: They can be matched quite well to the tooth color. They therefore present a far better picture than amalgam fillings. However, plastic fillings also have some disadvantages:
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Composite contracts over time and the filling will eventually show cracks and fissures.
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Caries bacteria can then penetrate and create a new need for treatment.
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Plastic fillings also do not withstand masticatory pressure particularly well in the long term.
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Composite darkens over time, which makes the fillings look "used".
However, modern plastic fillings are much more durable and attractive than those of conventional design. Ceramic particles are added to these high-quality dental fillings to ensure greater dimensional stability. They can therefore be an alternative to the best and usually most durable type of dental filling, the ceramic inlay.
Inlays (also known as inlay fillings) have a special feature that distinguishes them from all other dental fillings: they are produced individually for your tooth. We only use tried-and-tested ceramic materials for your custom-fit inlay. Gold inlays, on the other hand, are less popular due to their striking color.
We use the ultra-modern CEREC® process to produce your inlays. This allows us to make your ceramic inlay for you during the treatment session. A three-dimensional, high-resolution "digital impression", which we take of your tooth with the help of a special camera, helps us to do this. In contrast to older procedures, you do not have to wait days for a temporary filling.
The best choice:
Ceramic inlays
The special advantages of inlays as dental fillings:
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Ceramic resists chewing pressure particularly well and retains its shape permanently.
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Thanks to the many shades that can be selected, the natural tooth color can be imitated very convincingly with an inlay.
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Due to its translucency, a ceramic inlay can faithfully reproduce the appearance of tooth enamel.
After fabrication, the ceramic inlay is firmly cemented into the cavity with dental cement. Teeth that are particularly affected can also be stabilized with an overlay or partial crown. Such a solution is similar to an inlay, but one side wall of the tooth is also covered to provide more stability. Inlays also allow combined solutions with artificial dental crowns.
It is true that inlays can also lose their tight seal after some time. However, this is usually much less common than with other filling materials. The higher cost of inlays is often worth it in the long run: inlays usually save you from having to constantly replace the filling. With good care, ceramic inlays can last a lifetime.
Don't leave your dental health to chance!
Please feel free to come to our practice or give us a call!
What our patients say about us
Customer testimonials
A very nice team that cares about people and successfully tailors its services to the customer. The focus here is on satisfaction and not on the services or products offered.
Benjamin K.
Such a friendly, competent practice! I went to Dr. Werner in an emergency, who made every effort to preserve the tooth and advised me extensively on what options we had. I feel in good hands there. The practice is very clean and beautiful, the staff very friendly and courteous.
Thank you!
Luana L.
We advise you extensively
We are happy to examine and advise you
Which dental fillings are suitable in your case depends on various circumstances: for example, the position in question in the dentition, the remaining tooth structure and your aesthetic requirements. The experienced dentists at the smilin'' dental practice will be happy to examine you and present the possible alternatives to you in detail. Please arrange your personal appointment - by telephone or e-mail.
We take care of your smile.
Benefit from our additional services
In addition to high-quality dentistry, we offer a comprehensive range of services on request to make your visit to us as pleasant as possible.
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SMS notifications
for reminders about check-up and prophylaxis appointments
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Digital dental impression
for fast fabrication of precise dental prostheses in 2 hours.
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Own laboratory on site
for controlled quality and short processing times
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Long opening hours
for more flexibility when booking appointments
Book an appointment conveniently online
Make an appointment online now!
If you are interested in our dental health services, we will be happy to advise you: The smilin'' dental practice near Lörrach, Weil am Rhein and Basel awaits you. Please simply arrange your personal appointment by telephone or via our online appointment booking tool!
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Fast feedback
We will get back to you within 48 hours!
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Non-binding inquiry
This contact request is of course non-binding.
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Personal contact person
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