For many years now, most dentists have been moving away from the placement of silver-mercury (amalgam) fillings, in favor of tooth colored composite fillings. Patients widely prefer composite fillings for a couple key reasons: 1) amalgam materials are about half mercury which may not be a good material to use in the mouth, and 2) Composite materials come in many tooth colored shades and can be done to look very natural. Most dentists prefer using composite materials for the natural appearance and because the composite can be bonded to teeth to give added strength. Composites also can be done with less tooth removal than amalgam fillings.
Composite materials are “technique sensitive”, which means that your dentist has to place this type of filling very carefully in order to get the best results and ensure a comfortable and long lasting restoration. Dr. Emerson has over 30 years experience in the use of composite materials, and has successfully restored many thousands of teeth with composite restorations. Please check out our gallery pictures which show some teeth which have had ugly amalgam fillings replaced with natural looking composite. Give our office a call if you are concerned about unattractive older amalgam fillings that show when you smile, or that you suspect may need to be replaced due to cracks or leakage around the edges.