Tooth Fillings

We are a mercury-free practice. However, many people still have silver/mercury 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. Tooth-colored restorations, or composite fillings, are not only beautiful (or unnoticeable) but also add strength to weakened teeth.

Disadvantages of Silver Fillings:

Silver fillings have many drawbacks. The edges of the silver filling can wear down, become weak or break. With age, the metal of a silver filling expands, contracts, and can split. Silver fillings contain 50 percent mercury. They can corrode, leak and cause stains on your teeth and gums.

Fortunately, silver fillings can safely be replaced with tooth-colored restorations.

Advantages of Tooth-Colored Restorations

There are many advantages to tooth-colored restorations (white fillings). Resin onlays are bonded to the teeth creating a tight, superior fit to the natural tooth. Such restorations can be used in instances where much of the tooth structure has been lost. The tooth remains intact and stronger. Our composite restorations wear like natural teeth.

Dental Bonding

Bonding is an alternative to veneers and can be used as a restorative procedure for teeth that are chipped, cracked, discolored or misarranged.

How does dental bonding work?

The tooth is prepared for dental bonding by lightly etching the surface and applying a bonding liquid. Once the liquid sets, a plastic resin is applied and sculpted into the desired shape by Dr. Vaghari. Once set, the resin is trimmed, smoothed and polished to a natural appearance.

Considerations

The bonding procedure can often be completed in a single office visit, and can improve the appearance of a tooth significantly. However, since the plastic resin used is not as strong as your natural tooth enamel, it is more likely to stain, chip or break than natural teeth. Bonding typically lasts three to five years before need of repair.