However, many people still have silver/mercury fillings in their mouths from years past. Our office policy is to monitor these and as they start to break down to gradually replace them. These fillings are not particularly pleasing to the eye, and we know that by unavoidable design, silver/mercury fillings ultimately result in a weaker tooth.
Tooth Colored Restorations (Composites) create fillings that are not only beautiful and unnoticeable but also add strength to weakened teeth. Unlike the silver fillings which are simply mechanically retained in your tooth, the new composites are bonded to the tooth. These restorations are esthetically pleasing and very strong thanks to new bonding technologies.
Silver fillings have many drawbacks. The edges of the silver filling can wear down, become weak, or even break. This can result in a new cavity along side of the existing filling. Over time, these silver fillings can also crack the teeth as they expand and contract at a slightly different rate than the tooth when exposed to hot and cold temperatures. Silver fillings contain a high percentage of mercury which is very toxic and has been linked to multiple systemic health problems with long term exposure. They can corrode, leak and cause stains on your teeth and gums as well.
Fortunately, silver fillings can safely be replaced with Tooth Colored Restorations.