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High tech dentistry for the new millennia
The Wisdom Tooth by Wynn H. Okuda, D.M.D.

Now that we are in the fast lane of the new millennium, patients can be fortunate that the dental profession is able to offer state-of-the-art, 21st century restoration materials to replace older types of materials and their downfalls. In comparison to the traditional dental procedures (which are still being performed), these newer, technologically advanced restorations offer enormous advantages in many ways.

For years, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns and bridges were the only option for tooth-colored restorations. They are made of a metal inner core, with porcelain on the outside. The metal ensured strength, while the porcelain offered a restoration more esthetic than a previously common restoration, gold. However, PFM restorations also have its pitfalls. The metal within the crown prevents the restoration from looking real. This is because the metal in the crown traps light from naturally penetrating the tooth structure. Many times a "black line" will appear around PFM crowns along the gumline, further adding to an unnatural appearance.

Luckily, there exists newer "non-metallic" porcelain type restorations that create an even more natural esthetic result. Using the current technology of bonding or adhesion, conservative porcelain veneers, onlays and crowns are alternatively used to create beautiful results. These esthetic procedures allow light to penetrate the tooth colored materials, as it does with teeth. The results of this high tech restoration is a dental appearance that is natural.

In addition to this new style of creating beautiful smiles, there is significantly less tooth that needs to be drilled away.

The bonding process is where the natural tooth surface is gently etched, then a resin material with fluoride is placed between the natural tooth and the non-metallic porcelain restoration. Then a dental ultra-violet light is used to cure the porcelain and resin material to bond it to the tooth structure. This tighter seal of the bonding process minimizes the ability for decay to start on the natural tooth, and contributes to the longevity of the restoration.

A major benefit to this great new style of creating attractive smiles is that there is significantly less tooth that needs to be drilled away. Don’t you dislike it when your tooth is drilled down to a "little nub" in order to strengthen your tooth with a new crown? Now, with this new technology, patients can benefit from treatment that is very conservative yet not having to use metal such as gold or silver. These high-tech materials offer strength, durability, and a natural (non-metallic) appearance in a smaller size, therefore less tooth removal. We are entering an exciting time in dental technology where patients are able to receive conservative dental care with natural results.

As crowns can be substituted with a more conservative tooth-colored onlay/inlay in the back teeth in the majority of cases, porcelain veneers are a great way of strengthening the front teeth by saving and "augmenting" to your natural teeth.. Although both tooth-colored bonded onlays and veneers require some tooth removal, you can save up to 50% more tooth by using these high-tech methods.

Why is it ideal to minimize natural tooth reduction? The natural tooth is the optimal substance as far as strength, durability, and compatibility with surrounding gum and bone structure. It’s hard to beat nature. However, with these high-tech materials and procedures, we are very close to mimicking nature. When the dental professionals talks about the mission of keeping your teeth for life, this is where it all begins.

The primary objective is to minimize tooth decay and gum disease, and maintain good oral health. Preventive dental activities, such as brushing, flossing and professional cleanings and exams, play an important role in preserving your teeth and these high tech restorations. That’s why dental health education is strongly emphasized at your office visits. However, human nature and genetics also play a role in how your dental health will fare. This is where tailored regimens are prescribed to optimize each patient’s dental problems.

Thanks to advancements in dental technology, patients are now able to benefit from the range of restorations that minimize tooth removal or amputation, according to each tooth’s specific needs, and instead augment or strengthen teeth. This in turn maximizes the amount of natural tooth, to give patients a fighting chance to keep their teeth for their lifetime.