We have chosen to be a metal-free practice. Gone are the days that we restore teeth with silver/mercury (amalgam) materials! Let us provide you with the healthier, more attractive alternative- Tooth Colored Fillings.
Tooth colored fillings, also referred to as composite resin, are used as a bonded restorative material and cosmetic alternative to silver amalgams, gold fillings and porcelain veneers. Tooth colored fillings are an excellent option for those patients who do not want the look of silver or gold in their mouths, or do not want the expense of porcelain bondings. In most cases, they are also the more conservative approach to tooth restoration. Tooth colored fillings can be used on patients of all ages with teeth that are decayed, cracked, chipped, misaligned or stained. They are also used to fill in gaps and cover sensitive roots around the gumline.
Procedure
The procedure is completed in one visit. The first step is to clean the affected or unsightly portion of the tooth. The tooth is then etched with a gel and then the tooth colored filling is placed on the prepared tooth. Next, a special light that "cures" or hardens is applied. When the multilayering process is completed the tooth colored filling is then trimmed and polished, leaving you with a beautifully sculpted, natural-looking restoration.
Bonding Durability
Tooth colored fillings are cosmetically pleasing and easily placed. They are virtually invisible and do not corrode or turn dark like silver amalgams. These fillings typically last for many years and if they do stain or chip, they can be easily polished or repaired.
Advantages of Tooth Colored Fillings:
- Esthetics - the shade/color of tooth colored fillings can be closely matched to the color of existing teeth; This is particularly well suited for use in front teeth or visible parts of teeth
- Bonding to tooth structure - tooth colored fillings actually chemically bond to tooth structure, providing further support to the tooth
- Versatility in uses - in addition for use as a filling material for decay, tooth colored fillings can also be used to repair chipped, broken, or worn teeth
- Tooth-sparing preparation - usually less tooth structure needs to be removed compared with other materials, when removing decay and preparing for the filling
