In the case of the posterior teeth, statutory health insurance only covers treatment with amalgam. Tooth-colored acrylic fillings are also covered for the anterior teeth. In exceptional cases, where a patient has a medically proven allergy to amalgam or one of its ingredients, or suffers from severe renal dysfunction, the statutory health insurance schemes will also approve treatment of posterior teeth with acrylic fillings.
When advising you, we exercise dental due diligence and will tell you about alternative treatment materials. We take into consideration your individual dental and oral situation as well as your overall health. Of course, this also includes assessing the risk of possible systemic or local side effects from specific materials.

Amalgam fillings
In view of its high durability and low costs, amalgam is a tried and tested material. Esthetically, however, it can only provide unsatisfactory results. Amalgam should be used on a very restricted basis as a precautionary measure to protect your health and lower your mercury exposure.

Acrylic fillings
According to manufacturers, acrylic is intended almost exclusively for the anterior teeth or the neck of teeth because of its “soft” material properties and resulting short service life. As well as being well tolerated, the material offers tooth-colored esthetics in these areas. There are acrylics in various shades which can be perfectly matched to the patient’s own tooth color.

Multi-layered acrylic fillings
This treatment alternative involves working the soft acrylic directly on the tooth and using a special curing light to harden the acrylic. A consistently good result can only be achieved if the complicated processing rules are strictly observed and the area is kept absolutely dry during working.

Inlays are fillings that are inlaid. If you choose an inlay, you are always opting for more: more durability, more reliability, more function and more esthetics. As each inlay is made individually, inlays require the highest degree of precision, dental technician’s skill and dentist’s expertise, regardless of what material is used.

Gold inlays
A gold inlay meets the highest demands in terms of reliability, durability, accuracy of fit and biocompatibility in the mouth. As a dental material, gold is closest to the properties of natural teeth – except for its gold color.

Ceramic inlays
A ceramic inlay filling is characterized by perfect, natural esthetics. Being almost undiscernible, the material can be matched to your natural tooth color. In addition, ceramic inlays are highly biocompatible.

Acrylic inlays
Laboratory-fabricated acrylic inlays combine function and esthetics. However, they are rarely used because of their short life span.

As the name suggests, partial crowns cover only parts of a tooth. In most cases the occlusal surface is completely replaced, while the external tooth surface remains largely uncovered.

Partial crowns are usually made from gold alloys and – like full crowns – are fitted using cements (e.g. phosphate cement). The main advantage of partial crowns, compared with full crowns, is that more of the natural tooth is spared during preparation, while good stabilization of the remaining hard dental tissue can be achieved. A perfect partial crown can be a purchase for life, provided oral hygiene remains good. Partial crowns made of gold feature very good compatibility, optimal chewing sensation and ease of cleaning.

In recent years huge changes in esthetic awareness have reduced the use of these partial crowns for mandibular teeth. Most patients do not like the relatively wide and visible gold edge. Nowadays there are white alternatives made from acrylic or ceramic. For larger defects, ceramic inlays are the ideal treatment option. Ceramics offer unsurpassed esthetics and resemblance to natural teeth, meeting the most demanding standards.

Long-term studies over an observation period of more than ten years have demonstrated that ceramic inlays and partial crowns have a very long life span comparable to that of gold inlays.

A tooth always has to be crowned if its destruction – whether due to caries, wear (abrasion) or trauma – is so advanced that it can no longer be repaired with a filling. Crowning is intended to restore the defective tooth in form and function for as long as possible and protect it against renewed caries.

Metal crown
A non-veneered metal crown is a stable and simple form of dental crown. Full cast crowns have proved their value for a long time, but they do have esthetic shortcomings.

Metal crown with ceramic veneer
Veneering a full cast crown with ceramic fulfils patients’ wishes for natural tooth color and lasting stability.

Non-metal ceramic crowns
Non-metal crowns are fabricated from special ceramics. These crowns achieve a perfect color match with the natural teeth.