Differences between Mercury and Tooth Colored Fillings

Some of this information is quite controversial and has become a hot topic in the press recently, especially as scientists discover more about mercury pollution and we get warnings to limit consumption of certain foods that contain high levels of Mercury. Some groups have called for Mercury Amalgam fillings to be banned and others have fought for it to be maintained as a viable option. I don't take a position in this controversy, but hopefully the article will give you a good understanding about why we choose the tooth colored filling option at Smile Solutions.

MERCURY AMALGAM FILLINGS

What is dental amalgam?
Mercury amalgam is a very strong and durable dental filling material. It is an alloy composed of a mixed powder of metals and up to 60% liquid mercury. These are gray or silver in color and are also known as silver fillings.

What are the advantages of dental amalgam?

• Durability – extremely durable.
• Ease of placement

What are the disadvantages of dental amalgam?

• Aesthetics – does not mimic tooth color.
• Sacrifice healthy tooth structure – removal of large areas of healthy tooth structure is required solely to create adequate retention.
• Weakening of the tooth– expands over time and may lead to significant tooth fracture, thus causing the tooth to need a crown.
• Sensitivity to cold and heat
• Set time – does not harden immediately, so patients shouldn't eat on them for at least a day.
• Presence of bound elemental mercury – concerns regarding toxicity and allergy are growing among patients.

Is dental amalgam safe?
These fillings were first introduced in the 1800's and there has been some concern regarding its safety. When dental amalgam fillings are placed in teeth they release mercury vapor, which is also released during chewing. Many people are concerned that this mercury vapor can cause a variety of health problems but, so far, nothing has been proven.

TOOTH COLORED FILLINGS

Tooth colored fillings were first introduced to the American public in the mid 1960's .

Since that time, tooth colored filling materials have undergone continual improvements in durability, aesthetics and material handling. They mimic the natural appearance of tooth structure and may also be used cosmetically to change the size, color and shape of teeth. This quality is particularly useful in closing gaps between teeth, repairing chipped teeth and making teeth appear to be straighter or even.

What are the advantages of tooth colored fillings?

• Closely match natural tooth color and appearance
• Original tooth strength is nearly matched – up to 95%!
• Set time – They completely harden in seconds instead of days.
• Take out only diseased part of tooth - leave the healthy part of the tooth
• Doesn't always require numbing
• Can be used on all teeth instead of just molars like the mercury fillings

What are the disadvantages of tooth colored fillings?

• Staining – Frequent and/or prolonged exposure to dark liquids may stain them (this stain is superficial and can be polished out).
• Cost – They can be just slightly more expensive than Mercury Amalgam.
• Insurance might not cover as much – But it depends on the insurance company.

Should you get your mercury fillings removed?
The answer to this question will be different for each person. At Smile Solutions we only recommend removing mercury amalgam fillings that are damaged or broken. Although there is no scientific evidence that replacing them will improve your health, many patients are eager to have the material removed from their mouths for health reasons anyway, or because they just don't like the way it looks.