Dr. Smigielski prefers by far to place composite fillings rather than the old-fashioned silver amalgam. They have a number of advantages.
The popular term for composite fillings is “white fillings,” but they are actually not a pure white. The color is blended to match your tooth, and he will shade-match the restoration to blend invisibly with your teeth, so that no one will be able to tell that your teeth have restorations in them.
These invisible fillings are more difficult to place than amalgam, because they are placed using high-tech bonding chemistry. This bonding procedure seals the tooth against recurrent decay, and also strengthens the tooth. Traditional silver amalgam restorations weaken the teeth and over time can tend to lead to the breaking of posterior teeth.
Another problem with traditional silver amalgam fillings is that they are mad up of about 50% mercury. Many people are uncomfortable with the idea of having mercury compounds in their mouth. White composite fillings have no mercury in them.
Pictured to the right is a comparison of amalgam fillings (top) compared to the same fillings that have been replaced with white composite (bottom).
Not only does the tooth-colored composite strengthen your tooth, but it blends perfectly with the natural color of the tooth.
These fillings are made of glass or quartz and resin materials which are blended to create a much more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Advantages of White Fillings
Dr. Smigielski prefers white fillings over amalgam filling. The Amalgam fillings are only used in special cases. There are several advantages of white composite fillings:
- The bond that is formed to the tooth makes it more structurally sound. Amalgam fillings actually weaken it.
- The metal used in amalgam conducts heat and cold making your tooth more sensitive. White composite will not be influenced by temperature.
- There is less drilling required for white composite fillings.
- They are a great solution to fill small cavities.
- They look beautiful and blend in with your natural tooth color.
Some patients have complained of a metallic taste in the mouth from amalgam fillings. This will not happen with white composite.