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TOOTH
COLORED COMPOSITE FILINGS
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The
clear alternative to traditional mercury fillings.
The Problem:
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Decay
on a portion of any tooth
Desire to replace old-fashioned mercury (silver) fillings
Desire to maintain a white, beautiful smile
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The
Solution:
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Composite
filling is a tooth colored quartz-like material. After tooth decay is
removed and cleaned, this tooth colored material is layered into the
tooth. Each layer is hardened or cured with highly intense visible light,
and the final surface is shaped and polished to match the tooth. The final
restoration is virtually invisible.
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Advantages:
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Composite
fillings are more than just attractive. They are environmentally non-toxic
because they use no mercury. They are stronger because they bond directly to
the surface of the tooth. They protect the tooth from fracturing because
they don't require the severe "undercut" (removal of healthy tooth
structure) of a mercury filling.
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Disadvantages:
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The
initial investment in a composite filling is higher than that for a mercury
filling. This is due to the fact that the composite material is more
expensive and the restoration is more difficult and time consuming to place.
However, this initial higher investment is offset in the long run by the
health benefits and reduced likelihood of restoring potentially fractured
teeth.
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Alternatives:
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Inlays/onlays
are sometimes good alternatives to composite fillings, offering excellent
long term durability. In cases of extensive decay, inlays/onlays or crowns
are the only alternative.
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