Tooth Fillings
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. Composite fillings and porcelain inlays and onlays create restorations that are not only beautiful 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 creates cracks in a tooth, which if it becomes large enough, can fracture the tooth.
Silver fillings contain 50 percent mercury. They can corrode, leak and cause stains on your teeth and gums.
Fortunately, when necessary, these silver fillings can be replaced by tooth-colored fillings which are bonded to your teeth.
Advantages of Tooth-Colored Restorations
There are many advantages to tooth-colored restorations. Resin fillings and porcelain onlays are bonded to the teeth creating a tight, superior fit to the natural tooth. They do not promote cracks forming in teeth, as do silver fillings. If an area of a bonded restoration becomes damaged over time, we are able to repair it, rather than replacing the entire restoration, as we have to do with silver fillings.
