Inlays and onlays: deciding how much of a tooth a repair covers
Between a filling and a full crown are restorations that replace selected parts of a tooth. Their design depends on what remains strong enough to keep.
Amalgam and glass ionomer: why familiar materials still need a close look
A familiar material is not automatically obsolete, and an old filling is not automatically failing. We look at the properties behind amalgam, glass ionomer and other established options.
Why bonding to enamel is different from bonding to dentin
The attachment beneath a filling is thin, but its chemistry is demanding. We explain the different surfaces involved and why moisture control is more precise than keeping everything dry.
Zirconia: strength, translucency and the surface that meets the bite
Zirconia is a family of ceramics with different balances of strength and translucency. Its surface finish also helps determine how it interacts with the opposing tooth.
Porcelain and glass-ceramics are not the same material
Ceramic describes a family, not a single recipe. Glass content and crystal structure help explain both the natural appearance and the fracture risks of these restorations.
Composite resin: a filling built from plastic and glass
A tooth-colored filling is a mixture with several jobs to do. We explain how its resin and filler work together, and why placement matters as much as composition.