mercury-free Dentistry

At Kenilworth Dental Associates, we offer mercury-free tooth restorations. However, many people still have silver/mercury fillings in their mouths from years past. In addition to these fillings not being particularly pleasing to the eye, we know that silver/mercury fillings ultimately result in a weaker tooth structure. Porcelain inlays and tooth-colored restorations (onlays) create fillings that are not only beautiful (or unnoticeable) but also add strength to a weakened tooth. These restorations are aesthetically pleasing and very strong thanks to new bonding technologies.

Disadvantages of Silver fillings

Silver fillings have many drawbacks. The edges of a silver filling can wear down, become weak or break. This results in the tooth that’s not protected and prone to cavities. With age, the metal of a silver filling expands, contracts, and can split.

Silver fillings contain 50% 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. 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.

Since the resin used in tooth-colored restorations contain fluoride, they also help prevent decay. The resin wears like your natural tooth and doesn’t require placement at the gum line, which is healthier for your gums.

The result is a beautiful smile!

Replacing Silver Fillings with a Tooth-Colored Restoration

You can have your silver fillings replaced with tooth-colored restorations (onlays). This process requires two appointments.

Your First Appointment:

1. The old filling is removed along with any additional decay.
2. An impression is made of your teeth. A model of your teeth is made and sent to the lab.
3. A temporary onlay is placed on the tooth.

  At the lab: A resin is carefully placed into the model of your teeth. It is then designed to look natural.

Your Second Appointment:

1. The temporary onlay is removed.
2. A conditioning gel is placed on your tooth to prepare it for the new onlay.
3. Bonding cement is placed on the tooth and a high intensity light bonds the resin to the tooth.
4. The tooth is then polished.

Your teeth are restored to a natural look and feel; they’re stronger and the tooth is protected!