Fillings

Many people still have silver fillings in their mouths from years past. These fillings are not particularly pleasing to the eye. We know that by unavoidable design, silver fillings ultimately result in a weaker, discolored tooth structure. Porcelain inlays or onlays and tooth colored composite 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.

Advantages of Silver fillings:

Silver fillings are less time consuming to place and less expensive than tooth colored fillings. Because of their physical properties, there are certain areas of the mouth that silver fillings can be used with long term success where tooth colored fillings cannot. Should such an instance arise, Dr. Levy will discuss your options with you.

Disadvantages of Silver fillings:

Silver fillings have several drawbacks in addition to poor esthetics and tooth discoloration. With age, the metal of a silver filling expands, contracts, and can split a tooth. When first placed in a tooth, silver fillings tend to cause the tooth to be significantly more sensitive to hot and cold than a tooth colored restoration.

Silver fillings can leak corrosion products 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. They are bonded to the teeth creating a tight, superior fit to the natural tooth. In contrast to silver fillings, when tooth colored restorations age, they do not expand causing tooth structure to crack. These restorations can be used in instances where much of the tooth structure has been lost. The tooth remains intact and stronger.

When used in place of a silver filling, not only do they look better, but usually result in a minimal amount of hot and cold sensitivity afterwards. In many instances, there is no sensitivity after they are placed!

Small to moderate size silver fillings can be replaced in one visit with tooth colored composite restorations. The result is a beautiful smile!

Please see our Photo Gallery for before and after examples of Cosmetic Dentistry.