We are a mercury-free practice. This means we do not use silver fillings to fill, or restore, a cavity. The way a Silver/Mercury filling is prepared can weaken a tooth structure sometimes causing it to fracutre.
Porcelain inlays and Tooth Colored Restorations (onlays) create fillings that are not only beautiful (or unnoticeable) but also add strength to weakened teeth. These restorations are esthetically pleasing and very strong thanks to new bonding technologies.
Replacing Silver Fillings with a Tooth Colored Restoration
You can have your silver fillings replaced with tooth-colored restorations (onlays). This process requires two appointments.
Your First Appointment:
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The old filling is removed along with any additional decay.
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An impression is made of your teeth. A model of your teeth is made and sent to the lab.
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A 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 natural.
Your Second Appointment:
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The temporary onlay is removed.
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A conditioning gel is placed on your tooth to prepare it for the new onlay.
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Bonding cement is placed on the tooth and a high intensity light bonds the resin to the tooth.
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The tooth is then polished.
Your teeth are restored to a natural look and feel, they are stronger and the tooth is protected!