White Restorations (Tooth Fillings)


In our office we like to use the term “restoration”, either direct or indirect . A direct restoration is the same as a typical filling, it is finished in one appointment. An indirect restoration requires two appointments one to prepare the tooth and one to place the custom made restoration. Filling was a term used when we placed amalgam (silver fillings) in the teeth, we no longer use amalgam in our office. We are now and have been for a number of years using  a bonding technique that not only looks great but  adds strength back to the tooth.
Thus with the term restoration, we restore the tooth back to its near original appearance


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 create fillings that are not only beautiful (or unnoticeable) but also add strength to weakened teeth. These restorations are aesthetically pleasing and very strong thanks to new bonding technologies.

Disadvantages of Silver ‘amalgam’ fillings:

Amalgam fillings can have many drawbacks:

The edges of the silver filling can wear down, become weak or break. This results in the tooth not being protected and lets cavities get started once again.

With age, the metal of an amalgam filling expands, contracts, and can split.

Amalgam fillings contain 50 percent mercury. They can corrode, leak and cause stains on your teeth and gums.

Fortunately, amalgam fillings can safely be replaced with Tooth-Colored Restorations.

Advantages of Tooth-Colored ‘Composite’ Restorations

There are many advantages to tooth-colored restorations. They 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.

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 .  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  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  is removed.
  2. A conditioning gel is placed on your tooth to prepare it for the new restoration.
  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 are stronger and the tooth is protected!