A crown procedure usually requires two appointments. Your first appointment will include taking several highly accurate molds (or impressions) that will be used to create your custom crown. A mold will also be used to create a temporary crown which will stay on your tooth for approximately two weeks until your new crown is fabricated by a dental laboratory.

While the tooth is numb, the dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping the surface to properly fit the crown. Once these details are accomplished, your temporary crown will be placed with temporary cement and your bite will be checked to ensure you are biting properly.

At your second appointment, your temporary crown will be removed, the tooth will be cleaned, and your new crown will be carefully placed to ensure the spacing and bite are accurate.

You will be given care instructions and encouraged to have regular dental visits to check your new crown.

If your smile is in need of a makeover, crowns can provide predictable results. Crowns can give an unattractive tooth back its beautiful shape and color. For smaller or worn down teeth, a crown can restore the natural size of the old tooth. A crown can replace either part of or the tooth's entire structure. For procedures requiring only the areas visible from the outside, a veneer may be an alternative option.

These are very aesthetic, bonded crowns. They are mostly used for front teeth because they are the most natural looking type of crown and are often used in "cosmetic" dentistry.

There are many types, but they all have a common feature - no metal. They can occasionally break, but dental technology has advanced far enough to make them quite strong.

The most common type of crown and has a proven track record. PFM crowns are fairly aesthetic and they look like real teeth. However, the margins or borders may appear dark because PFM crowns have a metal substructure with layers of porcelain fired over the substructure. Porcelain is very hard, much harder than natural enamel and may cause excessive wear of the enamel of opposing teeth. Porcelain may break with extreme biting forces.

With today's advances in dentistry, there are several options when choosing a type of crown:

• Porcelain outer surface with a metal base crown
• Pure porcelain or composite crown
• All metal crown, which is usually gold

They all differ in durability, strength, appearance and cost.

The 'gold' standard. Dental gold is about 60% gold alloy which is meant to match the hardness of the enamel of opposing teeth so both wear about evenly, an important trait. Gold does not tarnish or corrode and has some bacterial-inhibiting quality. Gold crowns are strong and will not break. However, gold crowns obviously are not considered aesthetic; they are gold colored. Usually, gold crowns are used for lower back molars because they aren't as noticeable.

There are four different choices that you have when it comes to filling a cavity.

1. Composite Fillings - Natural tooth-colored filling, bonds to the tooth to provide added security.
2. Silver Fillings - Inexpensive and strong amalgam based filling.
3. Gold Fillings - More attractive than silver and provide for a better fit.
4. Porcelain Fillings - Also called inlays; the most attractive and durable of the tooth colored choices.

Tooth-colored fillings, white fillings and composite resin fillings are all names for the high-strength, natural-looking fillings that can be placed today instead of silver or gold (also known as amalgam fillings). No matter what the name, Azari & Zahedi Dentistry will know just what you're talking about when referring to this natural-looking filling.

Call us at 904-992-8900 or request an appointment online so we can discuss the benefits of white fillings and how they can help improve your smile.

White fillings are made from a high-strength composite resin that can be easily color-matched to your natural tooth making it nearly invisible to you and anyone else. Unlike silver and gold fillings, composite tooth-colored fillings actually bond to the tooth which means they support the surrounding tooth structure, which helps to prevent breakage and insulate the tooth from excessive temperature changes. You are much less likely to have a composite filling fall out which is a common issue with metal fillings.

The most simple filling you will ever receive! With the help of CEREC, you can get a filling in just one quick visit. This is good not only for new fillings but can also be used to replace old unsightly metal fillings. CEREC is chosen by many dentists to help restore teeth back to their natural beauty and shine. Instead of the traditional fillings, which use resin or composite materials, the CEREC machine uses porcelain. Porcelain has a higher success rate and lasts much longer than the traditional non-CEREC fillings. The first step is examining you tooth structure that is to be restored. The treatment area is prepped and a digital impression is taken of the restoration area. Instead of those messy uncomfortable molds, our office simply scans the area with a wand that captures the teeth in which your fillings are to be placed. Next, we use the CEREC machine that helps us to create a 3D model of your restoration. After the design phase is complete, this information is sent to the milling machine where it mills your prefabricated porcelain filling. Once complete, the filling is ready to be placed and polished during your same visit. This process is quick, simple and creates the same feel and functionality of your natural teeth with pleasing aesthetics as well as long lasting results.

Silver and gold fillings have been around for a very long time; and to this day, they do an adequate job in filling teeth. Today's white fillings are, by far, a patient's first choice when it comes to any kind of dental procedure that requires a filling because of their natural cosmetic benefits. This doesn't mean white fillings are the best choice in every situation; metal fillings still have their own benefits.

Metal fillings (also known as amalgam fillings) are very strong and do not wear out as quickly as composite (white) fillings. In situations where a tooth requires a large filling and other treatment options such as porcelain crowns are not desired, a metal filling might be your best treatment option because of the structural qualities of the metals themselves; and composite fillings generally can't withstand the forces exerted on them if they have to cover a very large area. Metal fillings generally cost less than natural-looking fillings, and patients that need fillings in any out-of-sight teeth often consider a metal filling.

As with every dental procedure, prices vary depending on each person's unique treatment situation but white fillings generally cost more than metal fillings. Most patients report back to us that the advantages of white fillings outweigh the price differences because of their natural appearance and unique ability to bond to the teeth.

Are White Fillings Covered Under Dental Insurance?

Many dental insurance plans cover the price of white fillings up to that of metal fillings. Azari & Zahedi Dentistry will gladly check with your dental insurance provider to see just how much they will cover and help you experience white fillings for yourself.

If you are thinking about replacing your old metal fillings with natural-looking white fillings, please call us at 904-992-8900 or request an appointment today. We'll get you in and will go over everything needed to get you on your way to a much more natural looking smile.