TOOTH COLORED FILLINGS
Tooth colored fillings help restore strength and function while giving your teeth a healthy, natural appearance. In the past, dentists filled cavities with dark, silver (mercury) fillings. Over time these fillings break down due to metal fatigue. The mercury in the filling allows the metal to expand and contract with changing temperatures. When this occurs it causes cracks around the filling that now leave it vulnerable to decay or fractures. Thanks to modern technology, we can now repair teeth with composite / resin material. These resins are tooth colored and shaded to match your teeth. Amalgam / silver fillings are safely removed and replaced with natural looking composite material.
INLAYS AND ONLAYS
For some teeth, there is a need for a more extensive restoration than a filling. An inlay will replace a large filling on the top surface of the tooth. An onlay will replace not just the top surface, but the outer wall of the tooth as well. These are made by a lab using an impression of your tooth. They are then bonded/cemented in place and become permanent.
Benefits of Inlays and Onlays
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Appearance of the inlay can be nearly invisible.
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Feel like natural teeth while chewing or speaking.
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Can be used to chew just like natural teeth
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Onlays protect a greater portion of the chewing surface.