How digital dentistry makes better smiles

How digital dentistry makes better smiles

by | Jul 15, 2025 | Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Treatment, New Dental Technology

Cold, gooey impression material, long appointments, and weeks of waiting for results that might still need adjusting—this was the reality of traditional dental techniques used for many years. It was often messy, uncomfortable, and full of uncertainty, especially when multiple visits were required just to get the fit or shade right. We went through that because, at the time, it was the best we had. But thankfully, dentistry has moved on.

These days, when you visit a modern clinic like Leeming Dental, the experience is entirely different. Digital dentistry uses clean 3D scans, advanced smile design software, and in-house milling to deliver faster, more precise, and far more comfortable care. With fewer appointments and no messy moulds, you can often walk out with beautifully natural results—all in a single visit.

Today, patients like you are reclaiming their confidence with beautiful, healthy smiles—often in just one visit. Whether it’s a single dark tooth or a full smile makeover, digital tools can offer faster, more precise, and more comfortable care than ever before.

Let’s explore how cutting-edge digital dentistry works, why it’s worth considering, and how it could be the key to your most confident smile yet.

The future of dentistry is digital—and it’s built around you

In the past, restoring a tooth meant uncomfortable impressions, unpleasant temporary solutions that you had to tolerate, and waiting weeks for a lab to finish your crown or veneer.

Not anymore.

Modern dental clinics now use high-definition intraoral scanners, digital smile design, 3D printing, and in-house milling systems like CEREC to streamline everything, giving you:

CEREC
  • ✔ Faster results
  • ✔ Better fit and comfort
  • ✔ Natural-looking aesthetics
  • ✔ Minimally invasive procedures
  • ✔ A smile that lasts

Instead of guesswork or old-fashioned moulds, digital scanners create an ultra-accurate image of your teeth. This allows your dentist to virtually design the ideal shape, shade, and fit for your restoration, right down to the finest detail.

What digital dentistry can do for you

Nobody wishes this on anyone—but one day, you might find yourself in a position like this. You walk into the clinic with one, or perhaps several, concerns: a dark front tooth, worn molars, ageing restorations, and a smile you’ve stopped showing. In the past, this would have meant multiple appointments, messy impressions, and months of treatment. But thanks to digital dentistry, the process is now faster, smoother, and far more empowering.

In clinics that have embraced modern technology, such a patient may receive:

Exocad

A full digital scan (no messy impressions!) using a high-definition intraoral scanner

Custom-designed veneers, crowns, bridges, and overlays using digital smile design software

3D-printed models for accurate fitting and try-ins—giving both patient and dentist a tangible preview before final restorations

Same-day restorations, milled in-house from multi-layer zirconia—a strong, long-lasting ceramic that mimics natural tooth structure

A beautifully restored smile—without long delays, discomfort, or compromise

What this integration of 3D printing and chairside milling means is that every step of the process is precise, personalised, and efficient. It’s not just faster—it’s better.

Precision-built for lasting health

While digital restorations are undeniably stunning, they also serve a deeper purpose: restoring function and preserving your natural teeth.

Here’s how:

Precision fit: Poor-fitting restorations can wear down other teeth or irritate gums. Digital designs ensure every crown, veneer, or bridge fits like a glove.

Conservative treatment: Digital tools allow for minimal tooth preparation, meaning more of your natural tooth is preserved.

Faster recovery: Fewer appointments and less time in the chair means less stress on your schedule and your mouth.

Long-term protection: A proper bite and strong materials like multi-layer zirconia help prevent future damage or complications.

This technology doesn’t just transform smiles—it protects them.

Why choose a clinic that uses digital dentistry?

Choosing a modern dental clinic isn’t just about having the latest gadgets—it’s about choosing a better experience for yourself.

Clinics with digital dentistry offer:

Exocad
  • Same-day smile makeovers
  • Consistent, predictable results
  • More comfort and less anxiety
  • Stronger, longer-lasting materials
  • A more collaborative approach to your care

You’ll see your smile designed in 3D before anything is done. You’ll feel involved, informed, and in control. And you’ll walk away with a smile that’s not only beautiful, but built to last.

Your smile deserves modern care—take the first step today

Don’t settle for outdated treatments, uncomfortable processes, or a smile that doesn’t feel like “you.” You can do so much better!

If you’ve been thinking about improving your smile, whether it’s one tooth or a full transformation, now is the time to explore what digital dentistry can offer.

After dental treatment smile
  • Faster results
  • Less discomfort
  • Natural-looking beauty
  • Stronger, healthier teeth

Book a consultation with your trusted dentist and discover how modern care can make all the difference—not just in how you look, but how you feel.

It’s your turn to smile with confidence. Let digital dentistry get you there.

Can 3D printed veneers fast-track your smile?

Can 3D printed veneers fast-track your smile?

by | Apr 21, 2025 | Cosmetic Dentistry, New Dental Technology, Oral Conditions and Issues

3D printed veneers can replicate the translucency and contours of natural teeth, resulting in a realistic and harmonious smile.

Imagine a smile so radiant, it boosts your confidence from the inside out! You might think that kind of transformation takes weeks of dental appointments, but you’re probably wrong. Thanks to the wonders of digital dentistry, 3D printed veneers can give you a modern smile makeover faster than ever, often in just one visit!

Faster, more precise, and conserving more of your natural tooth material, 3D printed veneers effectively transform a smile in less time than traditional methods.

What exactly are 3D printed veneers?

3D printed veneers are ultra-thin, custom-made shells created using advanced digital dentistry and 3D printing technology to transform teeth affected by discolouration, chips, gaps, or mild misalignment.

Made from durable, biocompatible materials and designed from highly precise digital scans of your mouth, these veneers offer a major advantage over traditional options. While conventional veneers often require multiple appointments and weeks of off-site lab work, 3D printed veneers can be designed, manufactured, and permanently bonded in a single visit. This offers a faster, more accurate, and minimally invasive solution for achieving a beautiful, natural-looking smile.

This image illustrates how 3D printed veneers can be tailored to achieve a noticeably whiter appearance for aesthetic preferences.
3D printed veneers
Cosmetic purpose

Are 3D printed veneers right for you?

3D printed veneers are ideal for individuals with mild to moderate cosmetic concerns, such as:

3D printed veneers
  • Tooth discolouration or staining that doesn’t respond to whitening
  • Small gaps between teeth (diastema)
  • Minor misalignment or crowding
  • Uneven or irregularly shaped teeth
  • Worn-down or short teeth
  • Chipped or slightly cracked teeth
  • Slightly rotated teeth

These veneers are typically recommended for patients with healthy teeth and gums who are looking to enhance their smile without undergoing major restorative or orthodontic treatments.

Conveniently 3D printed in-house

For a beautiful smile without the long wait, consider inhouse 3D printed veneers. Dental clinics with an onsite laboratory ensure a streamlined process, blending precision and efficiency for stunning results. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Cosmetic consultation

Your smile transformation begins with a personalised cosmetic consultation. During this visit, your dental team conducts a thorough examination to assess your overall oral health and determine whether you’re a good candidate for no-prep or minimal-prep veneers—a conservative approach that typically involves little to no enamel removal, helping preserve your natural teeth.

Step 2: Dental photographs and digital impressions

Next, a series of high-quality photographs is taken from multiple angles to capture your facial features, smile line, and tooth proportions. Then, using a high-definition intraoral scanner, your dentist captures precise digital impressions of your teeth. This advanced digital workflow ensures greater comfort, accuracy, and efficiency from the very start.

Descriptive Alt Text

Step 3: Facial analysis and smile design

With all the data collected, your new smile is digitally crafted using advanced 3D design software such as exocad Smile Creator. This stage is where art meets science, as the dental team designs a smile that harmonises beautifully with your unique facial features.

The process includes:

  • Analysing facial structure, lip movement, and how your teeth appear when you speak or smile
  • Designing the ideal size, shape, and position of each veneer
  • Generating a digital preview of your future smile for review

Seeing the big reveal of your expected result before treatment begins, means you’ll have the opportunity to offer feedback before moving forward. Having the chance to engage with a detailed 3D preview ensures your final result aligns with your goals and expectations.

3D Smile Design Software
Step 4: 3D printing the veneers

Once the smile design is finalised, it’s sent to a high-resolution 3D printer (e.g., Sprintray Pro 55S). The veneers are printed using a hybrid ceramic resin, carefully selected for its strength, flexibility, and lifelike translucency, closely resembling natural teeth.

This in-house digital workflow dramatically speeds up the process. Your custom veneers can be ready in as little as 45 minutes. Traditional veneers, in contrast, often take weeks for fabrication and transport.

Descriptive Alt Text

Step 5: Post-processing

After printing, your veneers undergo a meticulous post-processing workflow to enhance their strength, appearance, and biocompatibility.

Left Image

Right Image

  • Cleaning: Any residual resin is thoroughly washed using isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and a shaker, and then it is dried using compressed air.
  • Candy coating: A thin layer of the same resin used for the print is applied to the surface of the veneers to enhance translucency and provide a smooth, glossy finish.

  • Curing: The candy-coated veneers are placed in a UV curing unit (e.g, Sprintray ProCure 2) to fully harden the material, maximising durability and longevity.
  • Characterisation: To achieve a lifelike finish, tooth-like features such as translucency, texture, and shading are added using custom stains and glaze.
  • Disinfection: The final restorations are disinfected to ensure hygiene and patient safety before placement.

3D Smile Design Software
Step 6: Veneer placement

Once your veneers are fully prepared, they’re carefully bonded to your teeth:

  • The tooth surface is gently roughened to enhance adhesion without removing significant enamel.
  • A thin layer of dental adhesive is applied to the inner surface of each veneer.
  • The veneers are positioned precisely and bonded using a dental curing light.
  • Final refinements are made to perfect the fit, bite, and overall appearance.

This approach is maximally conservative, preserving your natural tooth structure while delivering an instantly transformed smile.

Step 7: Final results

With your newly aligned, natural-looking smile complementing your facial features, it all feels as perfect as it looks. This method requires minimal alteration to your natural teeth, and lets you walk out with a beautifully functional, aesthetic enhancement—achieved quickly, comfortably, and confidently.

Left Image

Right Image

Benefits of 3D printed veneers

  • Faster turnaround: From digital design to final placement, the entire process can often be completed in a single appointment.
  • Minimally invasive: These veneers typically require little to no enamel removal, helping preserve your natural tooth structure.
  • High aesthetic precision: Advanced 3D software ensures optimal shape, size, and alignment tailored to your facial features.
  • Natural appearance: Hybrid ceramic resin mimics the translucency, texture, and colour depth of real teeth for a lifelike result.
  • Patient-centric workflow: Digital smile previews allow you to see the design before fabrication, ensuring confidence in the final result.
  • Enhanced comfort: Digital impressions eliminate the need for messy traditional moulds, making the process more comfortable.
  • Greater efficiency: In-house design and printing reduce dependency on external labs, lowering costs and delays.

How would you like your smile transformed?

Just one visit to achieve the radiant, confident smile you’ve always wanted? It could be an option with 3D printed veneers. This marvellous technology innovation is revolutionising smile makeovers by combining cutting-edge digital design, premium materials, and same-day production, right in the dental clinic.

With less time in the chair and minimal interruption to your busy life, you can enjoy faster, more precise, and beautifully natural results.

3D printed veneers
3D printed veneers
3D printed veneers
3D printed veneers can address minor spacing issues, such as diastema (gap between teeth), and contribute to improved dental function.

To find out if 3D printed veneers are right for you, book a consultation with a trusted digital dentistry provider. They’ll assess your goals, guide you through the process, and help you take the first step toward a brighter, more confident you.

The art of natural-looking dental restorations

The art of natural-looking dental restorations

by | Dec 18, 2024 | Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Treatment, New Dental Technology

Your smile is one of your most valuable assets, reflecting confidence and enhancing your well-being. Yet dental issues like decay, chips, discolouration, or missing teeth can make you hesitant to share it.

With modern advancements in dental technology and materials, achieving a natural-looking restoration is easier than ever. These state-of-the-art techniques restore your smile’s health and natural brilliance, making it virtually impossible to tell the difference between restored teeth and their wholly natural neighbours.

Natural aesthetics matters

In today’s world of modern dentistry, we believe that function and aesthetics are equally important. A truly outstanding dental restoration doesn’t just restore a tooth’s function—it also integrates smoothly with your natural teeth, creating a smile that looks and feels perfectly in harmony.

Natural aesthetics

Achieving this level of excellence means your dentist blends technical skill with artistic flair and a deep understanding of facial aesthetics. They must pay close attention to every detail to ensure your smile not only works beautifully but also looks effortlessly natural.

Factors contributing to natural-looking restorations

Creating natural-looking dental restorations involves a combination of technical expertise and artistic insight. Several factors contribute to achieving a restoration that blends seamlessly with your natural teeth:

Material selection

Material selection

The foundation of a natural-looking restoration lies in the choice of material. Each material possesses unique optical and physical properties that influence the final aesthetic outcome.

Porcelain: Renowned for its strength and lifelike appearance, porcelain excels at mimicking the translucency and colour variations of natural teeth. Its ability to reflect light in a similar manner creates a remarkably natural look. This makes porcelain an ideal choice for crowns, veneers, and bridges where aesthetics are paramount.

Composite resin: Offering versatility and customisation, composite resin allows dentists to meticulously match the colour and shape of your teeth. It can be layered and sculpted to achieve a seamless blend with the surrounding dentition. While not as translucent as porcelain, advancements in composite technology have significantly improved its aesthetic qualities, making it suitable for fillings and smaller restorations.

Zirconia: Traditionally known for its exceptional strength, zirconia has evolved to offer improved aesthetics. Modern zirconia materials exhibit enhanced translucency, enabling the creation of restorations with a more natural appearance. However, for optimal aesthetic results, zirconia may require additional layering or masking techniques.

Lithium disilicate: Striking a balance between strength and aesthetics, lithium disilicate offers excellent translucency and colour properties. This material allows for the creation of highly natural-looking restorations with minimal masking. It is a popular choice for crowns and veneers due to its durability and lifelike appearance.

Acrylic resins: Primarily used for dentures, acrylic resins have limitations in terms of aesthetics compared to other materials. They tend to be less translucent and more susceptible to staining. However, advancements in acrylic resin technology have led to improvements in their appearance, making them a suitable option for certain temporary restorations.

New hybrid resins: The dental industry continues to innovate, with new hybrid resins emerging that combine the strengths of composite resins and ceramics. These materials offer enhanced aesthetics, strength, and durability, promising even more natural-looking restorations in the future.

Precise colour matching

Achieving a truly natural-looking restoration is deeply intertwined with accurate colour matching. Dentists employ sophisticated techniques to select materials that seamlessly integrate with the patient’s existing teeth.

Precise colour matching

Shade selection: Dentists meticulously determine the correct colour match using traditional shade guides or advanced digital shade-taking softwares. This ensures a precise foundation for the restoration.

Customisation: To replicate the natural complexity of tooth colour, dentists often layer different shades of materials. This creates a subtle colour gradient that mimics the variations found in natural teeth.

Staining and glazing: The artistry of dental restoration extends to staining and glazing. These techniques add depth, character, and lifelike qualities to the restoration. By carefully applying stains and glazes, dentists can mimic the translucency, opacity, and surface texture of natural teeth.

Lifelike contours

Lifelike contours

Replicating the natural contours and texture of teeth is essential for a seamless and harmonious appearance.

Curvature: Replicating the gentle curves of natural teeth is essential. Dentists utilise cutting-edge intraoral scanners and dental modelling software to recreate these subtle bends, ensuring a smooth and harmonious transition between the restoration and the adjacent teeth.

Translucency: Natural teeth exhibit varying degrees of translucency, depending on their location in the mouth. Dentists carefully select materials and apply layering techniques to match the light-transmitting properties of the restoration to the surrounding teeth. This creates a lifelike appearance and prevents the restoration from appearing opaque or artificial.

Surface texture: The surface of natural teeth is not perfectly smooth; it contains subtle ridges, grooves, and enamel lines. Dentists replicate these textures in restorations using advanced techniques and materials. This attention to detail contributes to a highly realistic and natural-looking result.

Harmonious integration

Harmonious integration

For a dental restoration to appear truly natural, it must seamlessly blend with the surrounding teeth and facial features.

Size, shape and alignment: The restored tooth should mirror the proportions, form, and position of its neighbouring teeth. Any discrepancy in these elements can disrupt the natural look of the smile.

Symmetry: Facial symmetry plays a vital role in aesthetic appeal. The restoration should complement the overall balance of your facial features, ensuring a harmonious and pleasing outcome.

Natural junction: The area where the tooth meets the gumline is a critical factor in achieving a natural appearance. A skilled dentist will carefully contour the restoration to create a smooth and imperceptible transition, enhancing the overall beauty of the smile.

Bite and occlusion

Proper bite alignment is crucial not only for aesthetics but also for functionality. A restoration that disrupts the bite can lead to discomfort and affect the appearance of the teeth. Ensuring the restored tooth fits well within your natural bite pattern is essential for a comfortable and natural-looking result.

natural-looking restorations

Common types of natural-looking restorations

A diverse range of dental procedures can be utilised to craft restorations that seamlessly integrate with the natural aesthetics of the teeth.

  • Composite bonding
  • Dental fillings
  • Dental veneers
  • Inlays and onlays
  • Dental crowns
  • Dental bridges
  • Dental implants
  • Dentures

The artistry of your smile

Achieving natural-looking dental restorations is a collaborative effort between the patient and the dentist. A skilled dentist is the architect of your smile, combining artistry with scientific precision.

Your dentist will conduct a thorough examination to understand your dental goals and assess the condition of your teeth. With a keen eye for detail, they will develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. By utilising high-quality materials and advanced techniques, your dentist will craft restorations that seamlessly blend with your natural teeth, enhancing your smile’s beauty and function.

Maintaining your natural-looking restorations

Proper care is essential to prolong the life and natural appearance of your dental restorations.

  • Prioritise oral hygiene with consistent brushing and flossing.
  • Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
  • Limit sugary and acidic foods to prevent plaque, decay and erosion.
  • Avoid harmful habits like nail-biting and biting hard, sticky foods.
  • Prevent tooth damage caused by sports or teeth grinding with mouthguards or night guards.
Dental Restoration
Dental Restoration

Showcase your natural-looking smile

A truly natural-looking dental restoration is where art meets science. It’s more than advanced materials and techniques—it’s the meticulous attention to detail that turns a good smile into a great one. With your dentist’s expertise, your restoration will blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, enhancing your smile’s beauty and your confidence.

Step into a future where your smile stands out for all the right reasons—effortlessly combining function, harmony, and brilliance.

Inlays and onlays—Faster, stronger smile with 3D printing

Inlays and onlays—Faster, stronger smile with 3D printing

by | Oct 24, 2024 | Cosmetic Dentistry, New Dental Technology, Oral Conditions and Issues

Stronger smiles faster with 3D printed inlays and onlays

You might be familiar with dentistry history, in which fixing moderately damaged teeth usually meant removing a lot of healthy tooth structures to make room for a crown. This approach, while effective, wasn’t ideal for preserving as much of the natural tooth as possible. In some clinics and certain cases, that older approach continues to be used, but there’s a better restoration method now available in modern clinics: 3D printed inlays and onlays. These highly precise restorations fit into or onto the damaged part of the tooth, allowing for a more conservative approach that saves more of your natural tooth.

With the introduction of digital dentistry and 3D printing, inlays and onlays have become even more efficient and precise. This technology allows dentists to create custom-fit restorations that perfectly match your tooth’s unique shape and structure, resulting in a faster, stronger, and more natural-looking smile.

What are inlays and onlays?

Inlays and onlays—Faster, stronger smile with 3D printing
Inlays and onlays—Faster, stronger smile with 3D printing

Inlays and onlays are tooth restorations used to repair teeth with moderate damage, such as large cavities, cracks, or fractures. Unlike crowns, which completely cover the tooth, inlays and onlays are more conservative. Here’s a breakdown of their key features:

Function: Inlays resemble fillings but are more substantial and custom-crafted to fit precisely within the tooth’s cusp (pointed chewing surface). Onlays, on the other hand, cover a larger portion of the tooth structure, extending beyond the cusp onto one or more sides.

Material: Inlays and onlays are typically made from strong, durable materials like porcelain or composite resin. These materials are chosen for their ability to withstand chewing forces and resist wear and tear.

Benefits: There are several advantages to choosing inlays and onlays over traditional restorations:

Preservation of tooth structure: By only replacing the damaged portion of the tooth, inlays and onlays conserve more of the natural tooth structure. This can benefit the long-term health of the tooth and surrounding bone.

Strength and longevity: The materials used in inlays and onlays are highly durable and can last for many years with proper care.

Improved aesthetics: Inlays and onlays are custom-designed to match the colour and texture of your surrounding teeth, resulting in a natural and seamless appearance.

What’s good about 3D printed restorations?

Dental Restoration

Faster turnarounds and streamlined visits

Say goodbye to weeks of waiting! Traditional inlays and onlays involve sending impressions to a lab, leading to multiple appointments. 3D printing eliminates this wait. Dentists can now use digital scans and design software to create precise restorations right in their offices. This can potentially condense the entire process into a single visit, saving you valuable time and reducing the number of trips to the dentist.

Enhanced precision and potential for longer lifespan

3D printing boasts incredible accuracy, resulting in inlays and onlays that fit your teeth flawlessly. This precise fit minimises the risk of future problems like leakage or sensitivity, potentially leading to a longer lifespan for your restoration. Additionally, the improved fit can translate to a more comfortable chewing experience.

Convenience and comfort you can smile about

Patients choosing 3D-printed inlays and onlays benefit from a more convenient treatment journey. Fewer appointments are typically needed compared to traditional methods. Plus, ditching the uncomfortable physical impressions often used in traditional techniques translates to a more pleasant experience overall.

Natural look, long-lasting results

3D printed restorations are custom-made to perfectly match your surrounding teeth, ensuring a natural and aesthetically pleasing appearance. These restorations are not just beautiful, they’re built to last. The high-quality materials used in 3D printing contribute to the durability of the inlays and onlays, allowing you to enjoy a confident smile for years to come.

How 3D printed inlays and onlays are created

Creating 3D-printed inlays and onlays uses advanced digital dentistry technology to achieve precise and efficient dental restorations. Here’s how the process works:

Digital X-rays:

For optimal treatment planning, dentists usually rely on high-resolution digital X-rays. These detailed images allow them to see your tooth’s internal structure clearly, revealing any decay, fractures, or hidden problems. This information is crucial for creating a customised restoration plan that minimises tooth removal and ensures the best coverage for your tooth.

Intraoral scanning:

This handheld camera takes a well-defined, precise 3D digital impression of your prepared tooth and the surrounding area. It eliminates the need for messy traditional impressions and provides an accurate model for designing restorations.

3D printed Inlays and onlays CAD Software

Smile designing:

Using advanced smile modelling software like Medit CliniCAD or exocad, your dentist virtually designs the 3D model of your restorations. This software allows for precise adjustments to ensure a perfect fit within the prepared cavity. For the best possible outcome, factors like gap size and restoration thickness are tailored to your unique needs, promoting strength, aesthetics, and bite function.

3D printing:

Following the design of your ideal smile, your dentist will use biocompatible resin to 3D print your custom inlay or onlay. These resins, often ceramic-filled, are incredibly strong and designed to mimic your teeth’s natural look and feel. This translates to long-lasting restorations that blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth, creating a natural and beautiful smile.

Support removal and polishing:

The temporary support structures used during printing will be removed using clippers or tweezers. Precise removal techniques ensure a smooth surface for the following polishing step. Once removed, the restorations are then polished to achieve a smooth, natural-looking surface that reflects light like your surrounding teeth.

Cleaning:

This phase typically involves an initial wash in isopropyl alcohol (IPA) to remove any residue, followed by alcohol spraying and meticulous cleaning with a micro brush. Compressed air drying ensures no moisture remains, which could impact the final result.

Post-curing in glycerine:

Your dentist may apply a thin layer of glycerine to prevent moisture absorption before final curing. Glycerine eliminates oxygen, allowing the resin to fully cure and reach its optimal strength.

Final curing:

Your restoration is placed inside a UV curing unit for final hardening, ensuring the inlay or onlay achieves maximum strength and durability.

3D printed Inlays and onlays

Characterising:

For exceptional aesthetics, pigments, stains, and textures can be applied to perfectly match the colour and surface characteristics of your natural teeth. UV light is used to ensure proper bonding and curing of the glaze and coats.

Mock-up wax-up:

A replica of your prepared tooth is used to verify the fit and function of the completed inlay or onlay. This mock-up step ensures the restoration integrates seamlessly into your mouth and functions properly before actual bonding.

Might 3D-printed inlays and onlays be right for you?

If you have a moderately damaged tooth that needs more than a simple filling but doesn’t require a full crown, 3D-printed inlays and onlays could be a suitable option. These restorations are designed to preserve as much of your natural tooth structure as possible. Here are some factors to consider:

The extent of damage: Inlays and onlays are ideal for teeth with moderate damage. If the damage is too extensive, a full crown might be necessary.

Preservation of tooth structure: Inlays and onlays are less invasive than crowns, meaning more of your natural tooth can be preserved.

Precision and fit: 3D-printed inlays and onlays offer high precision and a perfect fit, which can enhance the longevity and effectiveness of the restoration.

Consult your dentist: Your dentist will evaluate the damage’s extent and overall oral health to determine if inlays or onlays are the best option for you.

Save more of your smile to live your best life

3D printing is rapidly evolving in dentistry, offering exciting possibilities that give you better results and greater freedom. Efficient, personalised, and durable restorations are available faster than ever before! As this technology continues to advance, 3D-printed inlays and onlays are becoming an increasingly popular choice for those looking to maintain a healthy and beautiful smile. Your outstanding results are just waiting to be seen!

Consult with your dentist to discuss your specific needs so you can experience the benefits of these cutting-edge restorations for yourself.

Keep our teeth for life with minimally invasive restorations

Keep our teeth for life with minimally invasive restorations

by | Jun 24, 2024 | Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Treatment, New Dental Technology

For decades, traditional approaches to restoring damaged teeth typically removed significant portions of healthy tooth structure. While this was effective, it was also quite invasive, even for minor imperfections. Thankfully, digital dentistry offers a much gentler solution with conservative, minimally invasive restoration techniques.

Modern approaches in conservative dentistry prioritise preserving your natural tooth material, minimising discomfort, and ensuring long-term oral health. Every patient who needs a restorative treatment desires a lasting solution that does not needlessly remove healthy tooth material. Advanced techniques and materials meet this goal, allowing dentists to achieve beautiful, lasting results with minimal intervention, thereby promoting the health of every tooth.

What makes restorative solutions conservative?

Conservative restorative treatments prioritise saving the largest possible amount of your natural tooth material by using techniques that minimise the need for drilling, cutting or needles. This minimally invasive approach results in less discomfort, and retains more of your healthy tooth structure, promoting a stronger and longer-lasting smile.

Keep our teeth for life with minimally invasive restorations

Why choose conservative restorations?

Among the many compelling reasons to go for a conservative approach to restoring your teeth, these stand out:

Strength and longevity

Traditional restorative methods often require removing significant healthy tooth structure. This weakens the tooth, making it more susceptible to fractures and potentially needing further interventions in the future.

Conservative restorations prioritise maintaining as much natural tooth structure as possible. Less removal or alteration translates to a stronger foundation for the restoration and the tooth itself. This approach enhances the tooth’s long-term durability and reduces the risk of future complications.

What’s more, preserving more tooth structure keeps more options open for potential future dentistry needs. If you need more treatment down the track, having a stronger, less compromised tooth provides a more favourable foundation for successful treatment.

Enhanced oral health

Your natural tooth structure is the bedrock of a healthy smile. The more you keep, the stronger your natural defence against decay and infection. Conservative dentistry prioritises preserving this vital foundation by minimising the removal of healthy tooth tissue during restorations. This not only reduces discomfort but also promotes the long-term health of your teeth and gums.

By retaining more natural tooth structure, prepless restorations can significantly decrease the need for more invasive procedures like root canals or extractions in the future. This translates to a healthier mouth and potentially fewer dental interventions throughout your life.

Comfort and efficiency

Dental anxiety is a common concern for patients, often around fear of pain or discomfort during procedures. Conservative restorations typically involve less drilling and manipulation of the tooth, resulting in a more comfortable experience.

Furthermore, modern practices have largely replaced traditional putty impressions with digital intraoral scanning. This eliminates the messy and sometimes gag-inducing impression process, further enhancing patient comfort. Additionally, digital scans provide a highly accurate representation of your teeth, leading to a better fit for your restoration and potentially reducing the need for adjustments.

Since less tooth structure is affected, recovery time after a conservative restoration is often quicker compared to traditional methods. This translates to less downtime and a faster return to normal activities.

Natural aesthetics

Modern dental materials and techniques allow dentists to create restorations that so closely match the natural appearance of teeth that they are indistinguishable. Materials such as composite resin and porcelain can be custom-matched to blend seamlessly with your existing teeth, ensuring your results look perfectly harmonious.

Conservative restorations go beyond just restoring your tooth’s functionality, and can even enhance the natural beauty of your smile. Modern conservative dentistry addresses decay or damage while preserving your teeth’s original contours and characteristics to give your smile a beautifully appealing natural look and feel.

Keep our teeth for life with minimally invasive restorations

Minimally-invasive restoration options

Prepless porcelain veneers

Porcelain veneers are an outstanding option for enhancing the aesthetics of your front teeth. These custom-made shells are made from premium-quality ceramic and meticulously designed to match the natural colour and translucency of your surrounding teeth. Veneers are bonded directly to the front surface of the tooth, effectively concealing a variety of cosmetic concerns:

  • Chips or cracks in the tooth enamel
  • Discolouration that teeth whitening treatments cannot address
  • Gaps between teeth for a more uniform appearance
  • Mild misalignment for a straighter-looking smile

Modern advancements have revolutionised veneer fabrication and materials. Veneers can now be incredibly thin and strong, often requiring minimal to no preparation of the underlying tooth structure. This translates to a comfortable and minimally invasive procedure, allowing you to achieve a perfect smile efficiently.

Conservative onlays and inlays

Onlays and inlays are specifically designed to repair damage to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth. These highly-effective custom-made ceramic restorations are crafted to perfectly match the shape and function of the affected area. Unlike traditional crowns, which require the removal of significant healthy tooth structure, onlays and inlays offer a substantial advantage. They are bonded directly to the remaining healthy tooth, preserving its integrity and strength.

This approach ensures a durable, long-lasting restoration that functions seamlessly while minimising the impact on your natural tooth. In essence, onlays and inlays prioritise maintaining your natural bite and smile while effectively addressing damage.

Keep our teeth for life with minimally invasive restorations

Digital dentistry

Digital dentistry offers exciting new technologies that have opened the door to many excellent conservative treatments. Here’s how some key technologies make a difference:

Digital impressions: No more unpleasant putty impressions! Instead, dentists use a comfortable wand-like intraoral scanner to capture highly accurate 3D models of your teeth. This precise information means we can design fine-tuned restorations that perfectly match your unique tooth structure, minimising the need to remove healthy tooth material.

Virtual smile design: Collaboration is the hallmark of this innovative approach, which lets you work with your dentist to design your ideal smile virtually. Digital tools are used to create visually detailed digital models of your teeth, as they are now and as they can be post-treatment The digital models of your potential restoration can be freely viewed in high resolution from any angle, allowing you to tangibly understand your expected outcomes. This enables easy communication about your desires and expectations, with results of adjustments shown in real time. This collaborative process ensures you’re happy with the planned outcome before any treatment begins, which promotes a more conservative approach by eliminating most adjustments post-treatment.

3D printing: High quality 3D printing has transformed how dentists create restorations. Based on your designed 3D model, custom veneers, onlays and inlays, crowns and other restorations can be 3D printed with biosafe materials. These restorations offer exceptional precision and fit your teeth perfectly, often eliminating the need for further adjustments and minimising tooth removal. Additionally, compared to traditional methods, 3D printing has reduced treatment times and lowered costs for many treatments, making better dental care widely accessible.

The future of conservative restorations

With digital dentistry forming the foundation of our most effective and innovative conservative restorations, the future promises even more exciting developments. Researchers are constantly making new materials and techniques available to further minimise tooth removal while maximising the strength, longevity and aesthetics of restorations.

3D printing and other digital tools will undoubtedly continue to play a major role in this advancement. Imagine custom restorations designed with unparalleled precision, crafted from biocompatible materials boasting superior strength, and bonded seamlessly to your teeth – all with minimal intervention. The future here, and it is getting better every day!

Less is more

When it comes to dental restorations, the old adage “less is more” perfectly captures the essence of conservative dentistry. This modern approach prioritises preserving your natural tooth structure, keeping your comfort levels as high as possible during treatment, and achieving beautiful, natural-looking results. It’s a win-win for patients seeking a pleasant dental care experience and dentists striving for optimal dental health for their patients.

Keep our teeth for life with minimally invasive restorations

The range of minimally invasive restoration options at our disposal continues to expand with exciting advancements in digital dentistry. Your healthiest smile is already more accessible than ever, thanks to conservative restorations. So, invest a little time talking with your dentist about your best treatment options. It’s your time to thrive!

White dental fillings – CEREC porcelain vs composite resin

White dental fillings – CEREC porcelain vs composite resin

by | Feb 4, 2022 | Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Treatment, New Dental Technology

White fillings are a popular type of dental filling used to restore decayed teeth or cavities. Because they are available in a number of colour options, they can blend seamlessly with your affected tooth’s remaining structure and the surrounding teeth – as opposed to highly visible metal fillings. White fillings can also be used to change the shape and size of your teeth, which is especially beneficial in cases of damaged, worn or eroded teeth.

The difference between CEREC porcelain and composite resin fillings

Not all white fillings are the same. While different types of white fillings may look very similar, they come in two main options based on the filling material used – porcelain or composite resin. Glass Ionomer fillings (GIC) are another white filling option but are typically used in cases of child tooth decay, adult temporary fillings and sub-gingival fillings (below the gumline). The difference between porcelain and composite filling materials is like comparing apples to oranges. Porcelain fillings – also known as inlays, CEREC or ceramic restorations – are a lot harder and durable than “composite resin” fillings which are also referred to as plastic, resin or composite fillings.

Composite resin – the low-cost but less durable filling option

Composite fillings are definitely the least expensive filling option – but you get what you pay for. Despite the advantage of saving on your short term dental costs, composite fillings don’t have the same success rate as porcelain fillings. They need to be replaced after 5 or 6 years since they cannot withstand the pressures of heavy chewing over time. This may result in a higher risk of fractures and a breakage which means you may have to repair or replace them more often. Another problem with composite fillings is that they can shrink over time thus pulling away from and stressing the natural tooth structure walls surrounding the fillings.

So, not only can the filling fail but your remaining original tooth may fracture also. Additionally, once composite fillings start to contract, tooth decay can start to penetrate between the filling and original tooth structure and cause more oral issues. If left untreated, this can result in hidden decay, catastrophic failure and tooth loss. Lastly, colour integrity is also an issue since composites can fade or discolour and start standing out from the rest of your teeth.

CEREC porcelain fillings – the more natural looking and long-lasting filling

Porcelain fillings are a better and more stable long term filling solution. If they are CEREC fillings, these super-hard restorations are created using the latest 3D CAD-CAM dental technologies – for a perfect and very stable fit that lasts 15 years or more. When completed successfully, they can also support the remaining tooth structure and prevent further deterioration.

Since there is minimal wear and tear on porcelain fillings, there is less of a requirement to excavate and prep a tooth. This means you’ll be able to retain more of your natural tooth structure – to create a stronger foundation for your filling. CEREC fillings are more expensive without a doubt, but when you factor in the replacement expenses of composites over time, the cost differential is negligible.

White dental fillings – CEREC porcelain vs composite resin