Cosmetic Fillings
Cosmetic Fillings
No longer limited to silver dental amalgam fillings, patients now have other options when a filling is required. While these fillings may not be as durable as dental amalgam, they do blend in to the teeth more with natural coloring.
Ionomers are a more fragile filling used to blend in near the gum line on a non-biting surface. Made of resin and ground glass, these fillings easily match the color of the surrounding tooth. To strengthen enamel in the surrounding area, the mixture of Ionomers release a slight amount of fluoride.
Porcelain fillings are made of glass and ceramics and are stronger than Ionomers. Used on veneers, crowns, inlays, and onlays, porcelain fillings can fracture with prolonged pressure from biting.
Composite fillings are far more aesthetic than dental amalgam made of a mixture of fine particles and resin to blend in with the tooth. These fillings are cemented or bonded to the teeth.