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FAQ About Dental Fillings (White, Silver & Mercury)
Q: What are the different types of fillings?
A: The three most common types of filling materials are amalgam, composite, and porcelain.
- Amalgam Fillings -- Amalgam fillings (sometimes called "silver fillings")
are a mixture of mercury liquid and small pieces of silver and other metals
such as copper, tin and zinc.
- Composite Resin Fillings -- A composite resin is a tooth-colored plastic
mixture filled with glass (silicon dioxide). Introduced in the 1960s, dental
composites were confined to the front teeth because they were not strong
enough to withstand the pressure and wear generated by the back teeth. Since
then, composites have been significantly improved and can be successfully
placed in the back teeth as well. Composites are not only used for restoring
decay, but are also used for cosmetic improvements of the smile by changing
the color of the teeth or reshaping disfigured teeth. Composite resin dental
fillings were created as an alternative to traditional metal dental
fillings. Tooth fillings colored to look like a natural tooth are known as
composite resin fillings and are made of a plastic dental resin. Composite
resin fillings are strong, durable, and make for a very natural looking
smile. Many dental insurance plans cover their use.
- Porcelain Inlays and Onlays -- The real advances have been made in
laboratory processed white porcelain fillings called "inlays" and "onlays".
They are beautiful, strong, and usually long lasting. The cost is similar to
a gold "inlay" or "onlay".
Q: My old fillings in the front have turned dark. Can they be bleached?
A: Amalgam fillings, bonding and composite resin fillings do not bleach. If
you are unhappy with the look, it is time to replace those. There are now
many ways to restore teeth with materials that virtually disappear and blend
with the natural color of your teeth. Remember, only replace these fillings
and bonding after whitening in order to match the new improved color of your
own natural tooth.
Q: How are composite fillings placed?
A: Following preparation, we place the composite in layers using a light
specialized to harden each layer. When the process is finished, we will
shape the composite to fit the tooth. We then polish the composite to
prevent staining and early wear.
Q: Why are porcelain inlays/onlays used for larger cavities or restorations?
A: In cases with larger cavities or broken down areas, an inlay or onlay to
cover more of the tooth's surface may be indicated. These restorations are
indirect because they require two visits and fabrication by our dental
laboratory. The ceramic restorations are considerably more expensive and
therefore simple, one-visit composite fillings are typically used instead
for small fillings. Ceramic restorations are much more durable and will not
stain. Naturally speaking, the final result with ceramics is spectacular.
White inlays or onlays are actually glued into the tooth and there is now a
body of research that claims that because of this the tooth ends up stronger
after such a procedure, less prone to problems down the road.
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