Life Time Dentistry For All – a Q&A with Dr. Taehee Lee

Dr. Taehee Lee is a dentist with 11 years of experience in many areas of dentistry including the high-tech CEREC^®® technology and dental implants. 

Under such strong leadership the South Gippsland Dental practice philosophy remains strongly ‘preventive’ to ensure healthy teeth and gums for life.

Dr. Taehee Lee is assisted by 4 other dentists, 3 hygienist/technicians and more than 15 dental assistants, and all are committed to providing the latest in dental technology to make lifetime dentistry an option for everyone.

Tooth decay and fracture is the most common reason why people need to see a dentist and Dr. Lee has a particular interest in the long-lasting CEREC^®® porcelain technology which can provide life time dentistry for all.

He answers questions about modern filling materials.

Q. Do we have a choice in what filling material is used?

Yes, there are generally 4 types of materials and techniques available for tooth rebuilds. Ceramics (porcelains), metals (amalgam & gold), resins (plastic, with quartz fillers), and glass cements (for tooth brushing ‘divots’).

Q. Do you need to select different materials for different fillings?

Yes, depending on the size and position of the cavity to be fixed.
For example, a small front tooth cavity is ideal to be fixed with a resin (plastic) – it’s tooth coloured and not under any biting force so it’s weakness and shrinkage is not a factor. Back teeth with heavy biting forces need stronger materials to last, so resins breakdown much faster than other options. Historically, amalgam (black) fillings were used for this.

Q. Is there a tooth coloured filling for back teeth that is strong enough to last a long time?

Yes, a special type of porcelain, the “Vitablock” and “EMAX” used for CEREC^®® fillings is the modern material that looks good, feels great and lasts a long time.

Q. Can CEREC^®® porcelain fillings be used instead of a crown (or cap)?

Yes, often times a CEREC^®® larger filling can be suggested instead of a crown because it effectively holds all the remaining parts of the tooth together.

Q. Is the CEREC^®® filling alternative value for money?

Yes! It looks great, feels good and lasts a long time. The cost of CEREC^®® is often priced half way between black and plastic fillings ($200-300) and the top quality ceramic bonded to gold crown (around $1850 depending on its size).

Q. Porcelain fillings (inlays) have been around for a while as an option, is there any difference with the CEREC^®® fillings?

Yes. The major difference involves the strength of the CEREC^®® porcelain (often 2-3 times stronger), the feel and the wear of the CEREC^®® (same as tooth enamel) and the fact it is produced right there and then in one easy visit – no extra injections, models, impressions or troublesome temporary fillings.