Dentist and Skin Care Blog from Boston's Area Leading Dental Office

While silver amalgams are a time-tested way to address tooth decay, many Smile & Skin clients prefer a more cosmetic method of cavity-repair. If you’re concerned about smile aesthetics, consider composite resin over silver fillings. Composite fillings are made of white resin that blends with the tooth’s surface, making it nearly impossible to see the filled area. Composites can also be used to bond the broken, cracked or chipped teeth that are impacting your smile.

Advantages of White Fillings

Aside from the obvious cosmetic benefits, white fillings have many other advantages. First, composites contain no mercury. The mercury content in amalgams is very small and deemed safe by the FDA, but patients who have mercury allergies or are concerned about mercury-related health conditions may prefer composites. Other resin filling benefits include:

• Smaller filling size: White composite fillings require less drilling than silver amalgams during the preparation process. As a result, your filling will be smaller and less noticeable.   
• Tooth restoration:  Silver fillings can weaken teeth over time, but composite resin bonds with the tooth to restore tooth durability. In addition, many patients report that their teeth are less sensitive to temperature extremes when composites are chosen over silver, since the resin acts as an insulator.  
• Secondary decay detection: Occasionally, a tooth will begin to decay underneath an existing filling. This is called secondary decay, and it’s much easier to locate when you have white vs. silver fillings.
• Low maintenance: In the event that you damage a composite filling, it is generally easy and affordable for Smile & Skin experts to repair it—without starting from scratch.

Composite resin fillings are an attractive option for most people, and typically last eight to ten years.  Although they are generally considered cosmetic treatment, your insurance will usually cover a portion of the cost.  If you’re interested in composites, discuss your options with Dr. Meola’s staff.

Ready to begin working on your smile? Call us today at (781) 893-7500 to schedule your annual exam, report tooth pain.  Ask about Smile & Skin Aesthetics cosmetic dental options or inquire about special pricing packages.