Services
- Introduction
- Fillings
- Sealants
- Veneers
- Inlays/Onlays
- Bonding
- Dental Implants
- Extractions
- ClearCorrect
- Bleaching
- Bridges
- Crowns
- Dentures
- Nitrous Oxide
- Orthodontics
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 in 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 aesthetically 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 creates an environment where cavities get started once again. With age, the metal of a silver filling expands, contracts, and can split.
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 are many advantages to tooth-colored restorations. Resin onlays are bonded to the teeth creating a tight, superior fit to the natural tooth. Such restorations also tend to require less preparation.
Replacing Silver Fillings With a Tooth-Colored Restoration
You can have your silver fillings replaced with tooth-colored restorations (onlays). This process requires two appointments.
Your First Appointment
- The old filling is removed along with any additional decay
- An impression is made of your teeth. A model of your teeth is made and sent to the lab
- A temporary onlay is placed on the tooth
At the Lab
A resin is carefully placed into the model of your teeth. It is then designed to look like your natural tooth.
Your Second Appointment
- 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.