Tooth-Colored Fillings
Before & After
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For generations the great number of tooth fillings were done with an amalgam (silver) filling. Besides the unsightly presence of noticeable darker filling material throughout a patient’s mouth, the silver contained a high percentage of mercury, which further contributed to the decline of the teeth being filled.
Most dental patients and professionals now use a composite resin, which has multiple benefits. Most notably, this tooth-colored composite resin is indistinguishable from natural teeth, keeping smiles uniform and increasing self esteem in patients.
Tooth-colored composite fillings are as hard and durable as natural teeth and are unaffected by constant temperature changes during eating and drinking. By contrast, silver fillings expand and contract with heat and cold which eventually creates a greater likelihood of cracks forming in the tooth. The weaker strength of a silver filling also eventually may result in erosion or fraying of the edges around the filling, exposing gaps between the tooth and filling that are more likely to decay. Composite resin is much stronger and resists breakdown, which creates a lasting filling solution.
Composite resin may also be combined with fluoride, making a stark difference as compared to silver fillings mixed with mercury. Composite releases strengthening and protective fluoride into the tooth instead of degrading and toxic mercury.