We provide both silver (amalgam) and tooth colored (composite) restorations. Many people still have silver/mercury fillings in their mouths from years past. These fillings are not particularly pleasing to the eye, but may provide years of service. Whenever possible, we like to provide options for our patients. Many insurance companies, base their benefit on less expensive amalgam restorations. Porcelain inlays and tooth colored restorations (onlays) create fillings that are not only beautiful (or unnoticeable) but also add strength to weakened teeth. These restorations are esthetically pleasing and very strong thanks to new bonding technologies.
Disadvantages of Silver fillings:
Silver fillings have many drawbacks. The edges of the silver filling can wear down, become weak or break. This results in the tooth not being protected and lets cavities get started once again. With age, the metal of a silver filling expands, contracts, and can cause the filling or the surrounding tooth structure to crack or split.
Silver fillings contain 50 percent mercury. While this is not significant to your health, they can corrode, leak and cause stains on your teeth and gums.
Fortunately, silver fillings can safely be replaced with tooth colored restorations.
A composite resin is a tooth-colored plastic mixture filled with glass (silicon dioxide). Introduced in the 1960s, dental composites were confined to the front teeth because they were not strong enough to withstand the pressure and wear generated by the back teeth. Since then, composites have been significantly improved and can be successfully placed in the back teeth as well. Composites are not only used for restoring decay, but are also used for cosmetic improvements of the smile by changing the color of the teeth or reshaping disfigured teeth.
Esthetics are the main advantage, since dentists can blend shades to create a color nearly identical to that of the actual tooth. Composites bond to the tooth to support the remaining tooth structure, which helps to prevent breakage and insulate the tooth from excessive temperature changes. The resin used in tooth colored restorations wears like natural teeth and does not require placement at the gum line, which is healthier for your gums!
The result is a beautiful smile!
After receiving a composite, a patient may experience post-operative sensitivity. Also, the shade of the composite can change slightly if the patient drinks tea, coffee or other staining foods. The dentist can put a clear plastic coating over the composite to prevent the color from changing if a patient is particularly concerned about tooth color. Composites tend to wear out sooner than silver fillings in larger cavities, although they hold up as well in small cavities.
You can have your silver fillings replaced with tooth colored restorations. These restorations can be posterior composite fillings (done in the office in a single appointment) or onlays (fabricated in the lab and requires two appointments). You and your dentist can decide together which is best for YOU.
At the Lab: A resin is carefully placed into the model of your teeth. It is then designed to look natural.
Your teeth are restored to a natural look and feel, they are stronger and the tooth is protected!