Tooth-Colored Fillings

We are a mercury-free practice. However, many people still have silver/mercury fillings in their teeth from years past. These fillings are not particularly pleaseing to the eye, and we know that by unavoidable design, silver/mercury fillings ultimately result in a weaker tooth structure. Composite resin can create fillings that are not only beautiful and natural-looking but also add strength to weakened teeth.

Disadvantages of silver/mercury fillings:

Silver fillings have many drawbacks. With age, the metal of a silver filling expands, contracts, and can fracture. This causes the edges of the filling to wear down, become weak, or even break, resulting in the tooth not being protected and allowing cavities to form again. In addition, silver fillings contain up to 50 percent mercury, and they can corrode, leak, and cause stains on your teeth and gums.

Fortunately, silver fillings can be safely replaced with tooth-colored restorations.

Advantages of tooth-colored restorations:

There are many advantages to tooth-colored restorations. Composite resin is bonded to the teeth creating a tight, superior fit to the natural tooth. Such restorations can be used in instances where much of the tooth structure has been lost. Since the resin used in tooth-colored restorations also contains fluoride, this can help prevent decay. The resin wears like natural teeth and does not require placement at the gum line, which is healthier for your gums.