Following federal and state laws we are a mercury-free practice. However, many people still have silver/mercury fillings in their mouths done years ago which are not particularly pleasing to the eye which ultimately result in a weaker tooth structure. Porcelain inlays and tooth colored restorations (also called onlays) create fillings that are not only beautiful but also add strength to compromised teeth. These restorations are esthetically pleasing to the eye and have been widely adopted by dentists and have been quite popular with patients.
Disadvantages of Silver fillings
Silver filled teeth have drawbacks like the edges of the silver filling can wear down and many a times become weak or break. This results in the tooth being compromised resulting in cavities starting all over again. With age silver filling expands, contracts, and eventually split.
Silver fillings contain 50 percent mercury and they can corrode, leak and cause stains on your teeth and gums. In the recent past silver fillings can safely be replaced with Tooth-Colored Restorations.
Advantages of Tooth-Colored Restorations
There are many advantages to tooth colored restorations. Resin onlays are bonded to the teeth creating a tight, superior fit to the natural tooth and these restorations can be used in instances where much of the tooth structure has been lost. The tooth remains intact and stronger.
Since the resin used in tooth colored restorations contain fluoride this can help prevent decay on the long run. The resin looks like natural teeth and does not require placement at the gum line resulting in healthier gums!
Replacing silver fillings with a tooth colored restorations
You can have your silver fillings replaced with tooth-colored restorations. This process requires two appointments and during the first appointment the following procedures are completed.
- The old filling is removed along with any additional decay.
- An impression is made of your teeth and a model of your teeth is made and sent to the lab. In the lab a resin is placed into the model.
- A temporary onlay is placed on the tooth.
During the second appointment the following procedures are completed
- The temporary onlay is removed.
- A conditioning gel is placed on your tooth to prepare it for the new onlay.
- Bonding cement is placed on the tooth and a high intensity light bonds the resin to the tooth.
- The tooth is then polished to give it a natural look and feel.
Your teeth are restored to a natural look and feel, they are stronger and the tooth is protected. |
