Alafaya Center for Cosmetic and Family Dentistry

Tooth Colored Fillings

Tooth-Colored Restorations

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 foundation.  Tooth-colored restorations 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.

Disadvantage of Silver Fillings

Silver fillings have many setbacks. The edges of the silver filling can wear down, become leaky, or break. This results in the tooth not being protected and causes cavities to form. With aging, time and temperature changes, the metal of a silver filling expands, contracts, and can separate.  Over the years the expansion and contraction of silver fillings may cause your tooth to fracture and break. Dr. Michaelon stopped using metal filling material over 12 years ago.

Both of these pictures show how silver fillings will cause a tooth to fracture and break over time.

Advantage of Tooth-Colored Restorations

There are many advantages to tooth-colored restorations. One is that they are invisible to the human eye and create a tight, superior fit to the natural tooth that can last for years, up to a lifetime. Such restorations can be used even when much of the tooth structure is lost or broken. Ask Dr. Michaelson if this treatment alternative is appropriate for you!

Bonded Vs. Amalgam Fillings

In addition to the obvious esthetic superiority of the bonded fillings, there are some very real physical advantages if well done.

When a tooth is filled with amalgam, the amalgam is just packed into a hole which is broader as it gets deeper. It is the shape of the “undercut” that holds the filling from falling out.

The amalgam is not really attached to the sides of the hole so when the tooth is stressed as in chewing or grinding, the tooth can flex away from the filling. Little cracks begin to develop. Like a crack in a car windshield, with each successive stress, the crack gets longer… until part of the tooth falls off.

When a bonded tooth-colored, composite filling is properly placed, the inside surface walls of the cavity are treated chemically so the filling actually becomes attached – bonded – to the tooth. In the last drawing, tooth parts A, B and C are one continuous solid mass with filling material B

Replacing Silver Fillings with a Tooth Colored Restoration

Replacing old amalgam fillings is the best way to prevent recurrent decay and brighten up your smile.  Once Dr. Michaelson removes the old filling, he will prepare the tooth, place the tooth-colored material, and dry the bonding material with special, LED light that cures in five seconds.  Dr. Michaelson will ask you how the new tooth surface feels and then show you how you now only have natural colored fillings that are undetectable to plain sight. Do not worry about your diet. You can eat right away. The materials are ready for use as soon as you get them.