Modern dentistry now has many choices in types of materials used to restore teeth. Our office chooses two basic materials, and advises against silver amalgam. For simple fillings in the front and back teeth we use composite resin. Composite is an acrylic hardened with microscopic silicate particles to give it strength. It is placed directly into the prepared tooth, cured with a bright light, and polished to fit the bite.

Depending on the circumstances, porcelain fillings may be chosen to improve the esthetics and strength of a filling. A porcelain inlay makes sense when not enough tooth is lost to require a crown (which means cutting away sound natural tooth), but composite may not be strong enough to close a gap. Another advantage of lab technician constructed porcelain is the fit and artwork that brings the looks to life. Other filling materials less commonly used include cast gold and gold foil. Typically these have very specific reasons for use.

Finally, I do not place silver (mercury) amalgam fillings.