Esthetic Restorations for Posterior Teeth & Bleaching Tooth Colored Fillings for Back Teeth

Should I ? Patients are always asking, whether or not to replace those ugly silver fillings with tooth colored fillings. Our recommendation is that if the silver filling needs to be replaced, and the patient wishes to have a more esthetic posterior restoration, tooth colored fillings are the way to go.

Shouldnt I ? Many people want to replace their silver fillings because they have heard that there is medical risk from the mercury in the silver fillings. There are no clinical studies to prove that there is any risk in having a silver filling, so this should not be a reason for there replacement. Literature available upon request

Different Types of Restorations Posterior Composites are indicated for small to medium size cavities. Porcelain Inlays & Onlays are indicated for medium to large size cavities. Porcelain Fused to Metal Crowns or all Ceramic Crowns are indicated for large size cavities or when parts of the tooth have fractured off.

Before & After

What is Bleaching? It is a bleaching process that lightens the discoloration of enamel and dentin This is done utilizing a mild solution which is retained in custom made tray that is worn over your teeth.

Step One Impressions are taken of your teeth, so that a model of your teeth can be made.

Step Two A custom tray is made to fit your mouth, in which the bleaching solution is placed and worn over your teeth. This can be done at night while you sleep. Or during the day, in some cases in as little as one hour per day

Bleaching Before & After

Commonly Asked Questions ? What is better a silver filling or white filling? The different restorations are comparable, tooth colored posterior restorations should be done when you wish to have the most esthetic type of restoration. Are tooth colored fillings on back teeth covered by my Insurance? Yes, they are covered but usually the insurance company will only allow the same amount as they would for a silver filling.

Commonly Asked Questions ? Is Bleaching safe? Yes, research and clinical studies indicate that whitening with hydrogen peroxide is safe under the supervision of your dentist. How long does it take? Results are often seen in just a few days. Ideal results generally take between 10 to 14 days.