Metal Free Fillings by Westminster Dentist Dr. Gary Imm

If your teeth are filled with dark, gray metal fillings, you have got more to worry about than your appearance. Metal amalgams can damage teeth. Temperature sensitive, amalgams expand with heat and contract with cold. This movement weakens the tooth wall, leading to fractures, and also allows bacteria to enter and cause decay. They contain mercury which may have negative long-term health effects. Tooth-colored composite fillings are a safer, stronger, more attractive and more enduring alternative to metal. They conservatively restore your teeth to strength and your smile to beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  What are white fillings?  How are they different from old, mercury, silver fillings?

A:  Many individuals have “silver fillings” in their mouth from past cavities and dental work. These “silver fillings” (called amalgams) contain mercury, a very toxic agent.  Aside from potential health issues, these fillings also have very poor esthetics and often lead to weakened or cracked teeth due to expansion and contraction with hot and cold. All Smiles Dental Care only uses the most modern and cutting-edge techniques and this means only white-colored fillings.
 
New white fillings are made of a composite resin material and larger fillings are made of porcelain. These materials are extremely strong, form an actual bond to your teeth, and look extremely natural. These materials used in white fillings do not expand and contract like older fillings and often strengthen tooth structure to ensure fewer dental visits in the future!

Q:  My old fillings don’t look good any more; they have turned black.  Is this normal and what can I do to change this?

A:  It is not uncommon to see old amalgam fillings darken an entire tooth. Unlike staining, bleaching will not improve this. If you are concerned about the appearance of your teeth, Dr. Imm can replace amalgam fillings with improved white fillings. Another way to improve discolored teeth is veneers, a new breakthrough in dentistry. 

Q: Why use porcelain on larger fillings?

A:  For larger problems porcelain inlays or onlays may be recommended. Porcelain is an extremely hard and stain resistant material. These restorations are custom made in a master lab then sent back to be fitted. Because of the extra steps, porcelain restorations are considerably more expensive than normal white fillings. The end result of these types of restorations is stunning.

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