Tooth Colored Fillings

Here at Comfort Dental, we encourage mercury-free restorations; however, we also understand many patients have silver/mercury fillings in their mouths from years past. These fillings aren’t particularly pleasing to the eye, and we know that, by unavoidable design, silver/mercury fillings ultimately result in a weaker tooth structure. Tooth-colored composite (resin) restorations have several advantages and are the best modern day choice for most patients. Composite resins create fillings that are not only beautiful but nearly undetectable, and they add needed strength to weakened teeth. These restorations are esthetically pleasing and very strong, thanks to new bonding technologies.

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Disadvantages of Silver Fillings

Silver fillings have many drawbacks. The edges of the silver filling can wear down, become weak. or break. This compromises your treated tooth’s protection, allowing decay and cavities in. With age, the metal in your silver fillings expands and contracts, and can eventually split. More commonly, the tooth around the amalgam filling breaks away.

Also notable: Silver fillings contain 50 percent mercury. They can corrode, leak and cause stains on your teeth and gums.

Fortunately, silver fillings can safely be replaced with Tooth-Colored Restorations.

Advantages of Tooth-Colored Restorations

There advantages of tooth-colored composite fillings are many. The tooth-colored restorations are less invasive to the already damaged tooth. In fact, they actually bond to it, strengthening the remaining tooth structure. Of course, tooth-colored composite fillings blend with your natural tooth structure and look more natural than the metal filling alternatives. Since the resin used in tooth-colored restorations contains fluoride, they can help prevent further decay of the treated tooth. Also, the resin flexes more like natural teeth and is less irritating than amalgam if placed at the gum line, which is healthier for your gums, too.

The result: a bright, beautiful, healthy smile that’s sure to get noticed!

The main disadvantage of tooth-colored composite fillings includes faster wear than other harder filling materials. Considering this, If you want the ultimate in beauty AND strength, you may want to consider ceramic inlays & onlays.

Replacing Silver Fillings with a Tooth Colored Restoration

Here at Comfort Dental, we regularly replace our patients aging silver fillings with tooth colored restorations (upon their request, of course). We’re happy to replace your silver fillings with more esthetically pleasing tooth-colored filings, too. However, if you have an existing amalgam filling already in place, and it is in good condition, Dr. Funderburk does not routinely recommend replacement until signs of wear or damage appear.