Tooth Fillings
We are a mercury-free practice. However, many people still have silver/mercury/amalgam 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.
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 can split.
They can corrode, leak and cause stains on your teeth and gums.
Fortunately, silver fillings can safely be replaced with Tooth-Colored Restorations or Tooth-Colored Crowns, depending on remaining tooth structure.
Advantages of Tooth-Colored Restorations
There are many advantages to tooth-colored restorations. Tooth colored restorations made of a composite resin can be bonded to natural tooth. Such restorations can be used in instances where not much of the tooth structure has been lost. These can provide a more esthetic option to the amalgam of the past.