Tooth Color Restoration

Many people still have silver/mercury fillings in their mouths. While these fillings are not particularly pleasing to the eye, they typically have a longer clinical life than tooth colored fillings. Silver fillings may result in a weaker tooth structure. Porcelain inlays and tooth colored restorations (onlays) create fillings that are not only beautiful but also add strength to weakened teeth. These restorations are esthetically pleasing and very strong, thanks to new bonding technologies.

There are many advantages to tooth colored restorations. Resin onlays are bonded to the teeth creating an excellent 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 can actually be stronger. Some resins used in tooth colored restorations contain fluoride. This can help prevent decay.

Replacing Silver fillings with a Tooth Colored Restoration (Onlay)

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

Your First Appointment:

1. The old filling and any additional decay is removed.
2. An impression is made of your teeth. A model of your teeth is made and sent to the lab.
3. A custom made 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 and function as if it were your own tooth.

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!