Why use white restorations?
We avoid using metal, silver, or amalgam fillings because of their potential risk to the patient. Amalgam contains mercury, a harmful heavy metal. Today, we don’t have to use amalgam because composite resin offers a durable alternative. Among its other benefits, our composite fillings are BPA free and look completely natural. When a filling won’t sufficiently restore a damaged tooth, Dr. Gross may recommend a porcelain inlay, onlay, or crown.
Advantages of White Restorations
- Closely match the color of teeth
- Can replace metal dental work for a more natural look
- Mercury and BPA free
- Durable
- Long lasting
What are white restorations?
There are different types of white restorations that are used for different purposes:
- White crowns are caps that cover the entire tooth surface exposed above the gum line.
- White inlays or onlays are lab-made partial crowns. They provide more durability than a filling, yet less tooth preparation than a crown.
Crowns, inlays, and onlays restore a damaged tooth’s integrity. Porcelain crowns are the most popular because they provide a natural look, they are durable, and they can last for many years. Other materials used to fabricate crowns zirconia and porcelain fused to metal. These types are preferred for molars because they can withstand more pressure than porcelain.
- Composite resin fillings are made of a durable plastic material that is tinted to match tooth color. In an effort to improve our patients’ overall health, our office uses mercury-free, metal-free, BPA-free composite fillings.