Restorative Dentistry

Bonding and White Fillings

Bonding and filling of teeth is the process of filling gaps, cracks or holes with a resin that is selected to match the affected tooth, or teeth, in color, and is commonly applied following the removal of a cavity.

This process involves the application of a composite resin to an adhesive bonding agent which is applied to the affected area. Once the resin has been sculpted, ultraviolet light is used to harden the resin, which is then polished.

If you are interested in restorative dentistry, contact Clifford Dental to schedule an appointment at our locally owned practice.

Porcelain Dental Crowns

Crowns are tooth-shaped caps that are fitted over teeth. They are required if a tooth is weakened, decayed beyond the help of filling or bonding, or has undergone root canal therapy. Patients may also choose to receive crowns for aesthetic purposes.

After preparing the tooth, we will take an impression of your tooth and fit you with a temporary crown to wear while your permanent one is fabricated. After a few days, once the permanent crown is complete, it will be applied in place of your temporary crown.

We also use state-of-the-art CEREC equipment and technology to create crowns.

All About Dentures

Dentures are a replacement for missing teeth that can be removed and put back into your mouth whenever you'd like. Depending on each individual case, they may receive full or partial dentures. Full dentures are used when all of the natural teeth are removed from the mouth and replaced with a complete set of dentures. There are two types of full dentures:

• Conventional Full Dentures – For a conventional full set of dentures, all the teeth are removed and the tissue is given time to heal before the dentures are placed. It could take a few months for the gum tissue to heal completely so during this time you will be without teeth.
• Immediate Full Dentures – Prior to having your teeth removed, your dentist takes measurements and has dentures fitted precisely to your mouth. After removing your teeth, the dentures are immediately placed in your mouth. The benefit is that you do not have to spend any time without teeth. You will need to have a follow-up visit to refit your dentures. This is because the jawbone will slightly change shape as your mouth heals. The dentures will need to be tightened once the jawbone has healed.

Partial dentures can be another option when all your teeth do not need to be removed. This is similar to a dental bridge but is not a permanent fixture in your mouth.

Keep in mind that your dentures may take some time to get used to. The flesh-colored base of the dentures is placed over your gums. Some say that the dentures feel bulky or that they don’t have enough room for their tongue. Others say the dentures feel loose. This can affect the way you eat and talk for a little while. Over time, your mouth becomes trained to eat and speak with your dentures and they will begin to feel more like your natural teeth. They may never feel perfectly comfortable, but it is better than the alternative of not having teeth.

Even though dentures are not your real teeth, you should care for them as if they are. You should always brush them to remove plaque and food particles before removing your dentures. After they have been removed, you should place them directly into room temperature water or a denture cleaning solution. You should never use hot water because it could warp the dentures. Your dentures are delicate, so make sure that you are careful when handling them so you do not drop them. Never try to adjust your dentures yourself as you could ruin them. So always seek assistance from your dentist if they feel uncomfortable or loose.