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. Amalgams have multiple disadvantages. Amalgam is a metal, which expands and contracts with hot, cold and biting. Therefore, with every meal the teeth are being weakened and over time and depending on the size of the filling the tooth becomes susceptible to fracturing. Amalgam fillings also raise a red flag because they contain mercury, which is a very toxic element. The literature is very unclear as to the amount of mercury that is released from amalgams and the long-term effects on the entire body. The safety of amalgam fillings has been in question for a number of years due to concerns over the absorption of elemental mercury contributing to several diseases, including Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis dementia and arthritis.

• Composite Resin Fillings

  If you look in the mirror and are discouraged by the unsightly gray fillings that have dulled your once youthful smile, then it's time to consider replacing them with tooth colored restorations. Very small fillings can be restored with tooth colored bonding materials.

  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. There are no known health risks of receiving composite fillings. 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.

  How are composite fillings placed? Following preparation, the dentist places the composite in layers using a light specialized to harden each layer. When the process is finished, the dentist will shape the composite to fit the tooth. The dentist then polishes the composite to prevent staining and early wear.

  Pros and Cons of Composite Resin Fillings

  Advantages: The composite of composite resin fillings bonds to further support the remaining tooth structure, which helps prevent breakage and damage to your tooth. They certainly look better, and are color blended to match your natural tooth color. These fillings are often used to improve the appearance of misshapen, chipped, or discolored teeth.

  Composite resin fillings last about six to twelve years or more, and the procedure usually takes just one visit to your dentist. There is very little sensitivity to hot or cold items often experienced with amalgam fillings. The dentist won't need to drill as much of the tooth structure as with amalgam fillings.

  Disadvantages: Composite resin fillings require more time to apply than amalgam fillings. This results in an increased cost for placing composite fillings.