Tooth-colored fillings

There are a lot of concerns regarding silver amalgam fillings and their effects on our health and oral hygiene. Some studies are linking the mercury that is in amalgam to health hazards and therefore are stating that their use should be banned or replaced. The American Dental Association (ADA) and multiple other US and international scientific research organizations have stated that amalgams are “safe, reliable and effective restorative materials.” Although silver amalgam fillings might not have the health issues that some research has claimed Masci & Hale recommends tooth-colored fillings.

Tooth-colored or composite resin dental fillings are natural looking and bond to teeth better than amalgam fillings. Silver fillings are not aesthetically pleasing, especially in a day and age when we have access to materials that look and feel like your natural teeth. Because of the way that the metal in amalgam transmits temperature users can experience sensitivity to hot and colds, especially when the fillings are large. Additionally cosmetic and restorative dentistry has progressed to less invasive treatments when possible. Amalgam fillings typically require more removal of healthy tooth structure to keep them in place whereas tooth-colored resins follow the minimally invasive practice.

At Masci & Hale we will not tell you that one treatment is better than another. We simply present the facts and let you decide on what is right for you and your budget or insurance allowances. Amalgams are typically less expensive than tooth-colored fillings and take less time to perform the procedure. Although we may recommend one procedure over the other we don’t want you to feel like you are being forced into making the decision based on financial concerns.

Tooth-colored dental fillings are a very popular alternative to silver amalgam and we commonly perform this procedure for our patients that have developed cavities and for patients who want to replace their old fillings. As far as cosmetics go, tooth-colored resins are made to match the color of your natural teeth. They also transmit light well and provide great durability and resistance to fracture. For more information on tooth-colored fillings contact us today.