For more than 100 years, dentists restored teeth primarily with a material made of mercury and silver. The procedures tended to hold up pretty well, but there were some weaknesses, including teeth cracking due to the expansion of the material and restorations turning black as the silver corroded.
Fortunately, we have excellent new techniques in adhesion dentistry that have better, longer-lasting results. We can replace old crowns and bridges with metal-free restorations. The difference between the old metal fillings and our new porcelain restorations is amazing. The porcelain restorations reflect the translucence of natural teeth, don't show wear, or cause opposing teeth to erode. Plus, fitting the crown or bridge is so easy that these dental procedures can be accomplished in one appointment.
Tooth Restoration FAQs
What are silver-mercury fillings?
For over 100 years, dentists have been using silver-mercury amalgam fillings to restore decayed or broken teeth. The only other alternative was gold.
At Kneib Dentistry, there is a new and economical way to restore teeth using tooth-colored resin fillings. The resin is made up of glass particles in a plastic matrix. Dr. Kneib bonds the putty-like material to the tooth with a high-intensity light. This hardens the material and allows it to be shaped and polished for immediate use.
Once completed, your tooth has a natural appearance and is actually stronger than before due to the strength of the adhesive agent used to bond the resin to the tooth. Resin restorations not only look better, but they are stronger and longer lasting than the old silver-amalgam fillings. Resin restorations can range from $150 to $350 per tooth.
What are tooth-colored restorations?
