We are a mercury-free practice. However, many people still have silver/mercury fillings in their mouths from years past. These fillings are not particularly pleasing to the eye, and we know that by unavoidable design, silver/mercury fillings ultimately result in a weaker tooth structure. 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 fracture the remaining tooth around the filling.
Silver fillings contain as much as 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 are many advantages to tooth-colored restorations. Resin or porcelain onlays are 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. The tooth remains intact and stronger. The onlay 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!
Replacing Silver Fillings with a Tooth Colored Restoration
You can have your silver fillings replaced with tooth-colored restorations (inlays and onlays). Depending on the clinical situation, this can be completed in a single visit in one of two ways.
The first is by a direct composite filling. These are limited to smaller sized restorations. After removing the old amalgam restoration, the tooth is disinfected and cleaned, an appropriate shade is selected to mimic the color of your tooth, then composite (white filling) material is bonded to the tooth.
Larger fillings, which cover more than 1/3 of the biting surface of your tooth or replace a missing cusp require porcelain restorations. Once the tooth is carefully shaped, our CEREC technology is used to image the tooth, design the restoration using CAD software, and is then milled in the office while you wait. Depending on the material selected, there may be a short firing cycle in a porcelain furnace to achieve the highest strength and esthetics possible. The precision restoration is then bonded to your tooth and polished.
Your teeth are restored to a natural look and feel, they are stronger and the tooth is protected!
For more information about Dental Fillings or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bewley:
- (502) 244-4474
- Fill out our Appointment Form