Esthetic Restorations for Posterior Teeth

& Bleaching

Tooth Colored Fillings for Back Teeth

Should I ?

• Patients are always asking, whether or not to replace those ugly silver fillings with tooth colored fillings.

• Our recommendation is that if the silver filling needs to be replaced, and the patient wishes to have a more esthetic posterior restoration, tooth colored fillings are the way to go.

Shouldn’t I ?• Many people want to replace their silver

fillings because they have heard that there is medical risk from the mercury in the silver fillings.

• There are no clinical studies to prove that there is any risk in having a silver filling, so this should not be a reason for there replacement.

• Literature available upon request

Different Types of Restorations

• Posterior Composites are indicated for small to medium size cavities.

• Porcelain Inlays & Onlays are indicated for medium to large size cavities.

• Porcelain Fused to Metal Crowns or all Ceramic Crowns are indicated for large size cavities or when parts of the tooth have fractured off.

Before & After

What is Bleaching?

• It is a bleaching process that lightens the discoloration of enamel and dentin

• This is done utilizing a mild solution which is retained in custom made tray that is worn over your teeth.

Step One

• Impressions are taken of your teeth, so that a model of your teeth can be made.

Step Two• A custom tray is made to

fit your mouth, in which the bleaching solution is placed and worn over your teeth.

• This can be done at night while you sleep.

• Or during the day, in some cases in as little as one hour per day

BleachingBefore & After

Commonly Asked Questions ?• What is better a silver

filling or white filling?• The different

restorations are comparable, tooth colored posterior restorations should be done when you wish to have the most esthetic type of restoration.

• Are tooth colored fillings on back teeth covered by my Insurance?

• Yes, they are covered but usually the insurance company will only allow the same amount as they would for a silver filling.

Commonly Asked Questions ?

• Is Bleaching safe?• Yes, research and

clinical studies indicate that whitening with hydrogen peroxide is safe under the supervision of your dentist.

• How long does it take?• Results are often seen

in just a few days.• Ideal results generally

take between 10 to 14 days.