Tooth-colored fillings

Dr. Gibree is using tooth-colored composite resin fillings for back teeth, exclusively. Studies are showing that these bonded restorations are less stressful to the tooth than those old, ugly metal fillings.

Ever been embarrassed by those ugly black fillings in your mouth? Do they show when you laugh? Silver Amalgam has been the mainstay of dentistry for over 150 years. While it has served us well, the days of amalgam are numbered. Besides the fact that they become unsightly by turning black, amalgams have other drawbacks. Silver amalgam requires removal of tooth beyond the decay in order to allow it to lock mechanically into the tooth. Silver amalgam also expands over time producing stresses that may cause cracks or fractures in the tooth

New materials and techniques have enabled us to provide what patients have wanted all along: White fillings and teeth. Tooth colored (white) restorations include:

• Direct Composites -Composites have been the cutting edge material in dentistry for the past several years. Composite is a high-tech plastic. A "Direct" Composite filling is a tooth colored filling that is done in a single office visit. It is most appropriate for small restorations.
• Composite Inlays (Laboratory Fabricated Composite)
  Today's state of the art restoration is the Inlay. It is a lab processed composite (also called "indirect") which is bonded to the tooth. Lab processed composite inlays are stronger and more durable than "Direct" Composites. Two office visits are required for this procedure.