The concept of a “filling” is replacing and restoring your tooth structure that is damaged due to decay or fracture with a material. We will replace old, broken-down amalgam/metal fillings that contain traces of mercury with white fillings (composites) to restore your smile and teeth to a more natural look and feel.
With today’s advancements, no longer will you have to suffer the embarrassment of unsightly and unhealthy silver/mercury fillings or metal margins of the past. Eliminate the dark, black appearance in your teeth with new-age, state-of-the-art, tooth-colored resin or porcelain materials.
Comparing White Fillings vs Silver Amalgam (Metal) Fillings:
White fillings bond to the tooth; they strengthen the tooth by restoring most of its original shape. Silver amalgams, on the other hand, weaken the teeth and make them more susceptible to breaking. Broken teeth can be very expensive to replace; white amalgam can actually save time and money in the long run.
White filling composites are preferred by most patients. This is due to the natural color, strength and overall appearance and feel.
- Composites are naturally more comfortable.
- Hot and cold sensitivity is greatly reduced with composite material compared to the silver/mercury amalgams.
- Restorations with composites require less removal of tooth, less structure to place than those with amalgams and especially with new cavities. Dramatically smaller holes are needed with a composite.
- White fillings are healthier because no traces of mercury are used, unlike silver amalgams.
When to replace metal fillings
At one time, amalgam fillings were the standard for restoring teeth. Now, most dentists prefer composite fillings. These fillings match your natural tooth color, won’t leak over time, and don’t contain any metal. If your old fillings aren’t causing you problems, you can choose to leave them in place, but if you want more aesthetic restorations, talk with your doctor about composite fillings as a replacement option.
Fillings vs. crowns
Made from composite resin, tooth-colored fillings replace decay that only impacts a portion of the tooth. With severe damage, your will likely need a dental crown, which fits securely over the remaining tooth structure and completely covers the tooth.