A damaged, decayed, or missing tooth can affect more than just your smile—it can impact your confidence, oral health, and quality of life. At Lerner & Lemongello, we understand how important a healthy, beautiful smile is. Dr. Gerard J. Lemongello Jr., an accredited American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry member with over 35 years of experience in cosmetic and restorative dentistry, leads our practice with a commitment to excellence.
A graduate of the University of Florida College of Dentistry, Dr. Lemongello is nationally recognized for his expertise and dedication to personalized care. With a focus on comfort and exceptional results, our advanced tooth restoration services in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, are designed to restore the health and aesthetics of your teeth.
What Are Tooth Restorations?
At Drs. Lerner & Lemongello’s office, we know that not everyone can care for their teeth to the same degree. In fact, we have noted that many people in the Palm Beach area in Florida seem to have increased incidences of cavities and tooth loss. To manage the condition and carry out oral rehabilitation, our team has made tooth restorations more accessible to people who have been stricken with the effects of tooth decay. We want the patient to be able to regain the functionality and structural integrity of the mouth.
Types of Tooth Restoration Services We Offer
At Lerner & Lemongello, we provide many tooth restoration treatments to address various dental needs and concerns. One of the most common procedures is the use of composite fillings, also known as tooth-colored fillings. These are made from resin and porcelain materials that closely match the natural color and texture of your teeth, offering a discreet and effective solution for repairing decayed areas. In addition to composite fillings, we offer other advanced restorative options to ensure your smile is as functional and beautiful as possible.
- Dental Crowns: Custom-made caps that fit over damaged teeth, restoring their strength, shape, and appearance. Crowns are ideal for teeth weakened by decay or fractures.
- Dental Veneers: Thin porcelain shells that bond to the front of your teeth, veneers are perfect for addressing chips, stains, or slight misalignments for a flawless finish.
- Dental Implants: The gold standard for replacing missing teeth, dental implants act as artificial roots and support crowns or bridges for a natural-looking, permanent solution.
- Composite Fillings: Tooth-colored fillings made from resin and porcelain to repair cavities or minor cracks, blending seamlessly with your natural teeth.
- Full and Partial Dentures: Options for extensive tooth loss, including traditional and implant-supported dentures, designed for both comfort and function.
Whether addressing a minor issue or seeking comprehensive restorative care, our expert team is here to provide personalized solutions that enhance your oral health and smile.
Benefits of Tooth Restoration
Investing in tooth restoration goes beyond aesthetics—it’s an investment in your overall health. Here’s how it can benefit you:
- Improved Oral Function: Restored teeth make chewing and speaking easier and more comfortable.
- Enhanced Aesthetics: A beautiful smile can boost your confidence in social and professional settings.
- Prevention of Further Issues: Addressing damaged teeth promptly prevents more extensive and costly treatments later.
- Better Oral Health: Replacing missing teeth helps maintain jawbone structure and prevents shifting of adjacent teeth.
Tooth-Colored Fillings vs. Metal fillings
During previous years, most people thought that getting fillings made of hard materials like metal would give the teeth unyielding and rigorous protection from cavities. They didn’t know that these materials could be detrimental to the tooth’s structure and only worsen the deterioration by creating more cracks in the enamel. With tooth-colored fillings, this problem is efficiently averted.
Because they are highly compatible with the tooth’s natural structure, they are the perfect structural supplement to support teeth from the inside out. Although they are not as hard as metal fillings, their similarity to the organic composition of actual teeth allows them to create stronger bonds that can maintain structural stability for a very long time, sometimes lasting up to 10 years.
What are Direct and Indirect Dental Restorations?
Direct restorations are repairs that are performed fully in the mouth. A dental filling is an example of a direct restoration. In this instance, the dentist places a material such as composite resin into a prepared area of a tooth. The material is then hardened to fortify the tooth’s structure. Indirect restorations are made in a dental lab, fashioned to mimic your tooth’s natural shape. Dental crowns, veneers, inlays, and onlays are all examples of indirect restorations. Indirect restorations typically require more preparation and time for fabrication. However, they may also last longer than the average direct restoration.
Your dentist determines the type of restoration most appropriate for you based on your personal preferences and the type of injury your tooth has sustained.
What's the Difference Between Inlays and Onlays?
What differentiates an inlay from an onlay is the size and location of the restoration. Both of these restorations are types of indirect fillings. They are made in a lab using a model of the damaged tooth. Then, they are bonded to the tooth to restore optimal structural integrity and chewing strength. Inlays and onlays are primarily made for molars or premolars when the existing damage is too extensive for a filling to repair but not significant enough to warrant a dental crown.
Dental inlays and onlays are often made of ceramic or porcelain. This enables the restoration to blend in with the tooth. An inlay is made to fit into the chewing surface of a tooth. Conversely, an onlay is made to fit over the chewing surface as well as one or more of the cusps or corners of the tooth.
Patient Testimonial
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Different Types of Crowns?
Dental crowns may be made of a variety of different materials. Historically, they have been made using a metal alloy. For better aesthetics, metal crowns were fused with a porcelain overlay resembling natural enamel, minus the translucency. Now, all-ceramic and all-porcelain crowns are much more common. Contrary to the standard perception of these materials, dental porcelain and ceramic are quite strong and durable. The absence of metal makes them an appealing choice both for their cosmetic appearance and also for biocompatibility. A metal-free restoration is very unlikely to cause allergic reactions or irritation to surrounding tissues.
What Are the Risks of Having Tooth Restorations?
Having a restoration is much better than leaving a damaged tooth vulnerable to further injury. When your dentist places your restoration, it will be necessary to take very good care of it. If you bite or chew hard objects using a restoration like a crown or onlay, you risk breaking it or causing it to become loose and unstable. If you do not brush and floss your teeth daily as recommended, you risk developing cavity-causing plaque around your restoration. When Drs. Lerner & Lemongello place restorations, they discuss how to apply appropriate care that will foster lasting rewards from the treatment.
Why Choose Dr. Lemongello for Tooth Restoration?
Dr. Gerard J. Lemongello Jr. is a trusted expert in tooth restoration with over 35 years of experience in cosmetic and restorative dentistry. A graduate of the University of Florida College of Dentistry, Dr. Lemongello is an accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and has completed extensive advanced training in esthetics, restorative dentistry, and orthodontics. His commitment to excellence is reflected in his role as a senior clinical instructor at the Rosenthal Institute’s Aesthetic Advantage Continuum at NYU, where he teaches other dentists about cutting-edge techniques. Dr. Lemongello has also published widely in leading dental journals and is a sought-after national lecturer on aesthetic dentistry.
At Lerner & Lemongello Dentistry, he combines advanced technology with a personalized approach to create functional and beautiful smiles. Patients trust Dr. Lemongello for his meticulous care, dedication to innovation, and passion for designing smiles that restore confidence and oral health.
Achieve Your Best Smile in Palm Beach Gardens, FL
At Lerner & Lemongello, we offer expert tooth restoration services tailored to your needs in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. From improving your smile to enhancing functionality, we’re here to help.
If you’re considering composite tooth-colored fillings and live in the Palm Beach area, contact us today. Call 561-627-9000 to schedule a personalized consultation and discover how our restorations can transform your smile. Let Lerner & Lemongello guide you toward a healthier, more confident smile—your journey starts here.