Filling Upgrades

in Portland, Scarborough, Southern Maine and New Hampshire
Improve Your Smile * Improve Your Life

"Dear Gretchen:
Just a quick note to tell all of you what a wonderful service you are providing! Not only do I have a brighter smile since you removed by mercury fillings - but also a healthier one, now that my gum tissue has been given the attention it needed, (when other dentists simply said I should floss better. . .) I truly feel like I'm being treated as a family member when I come to your office - and have recommended you to friends, family, and colleagues alike. Thanks Again for all your caring! "
- Mike T

Over the past 40 years, many advances have been made in the materials and techniques used to fill cavities and repair decayed teeth. When fillings were first introduced, they were all made of amalgam, a metal mixture containing mercury. These fillings, which are still used today, are not desirable for a variety of reasons: they are prone to cracking over time, very noticeable – often turning black with age, and contain hazardous mercury. For all of these reasons, dental filling upgrades that use metal-free materials are more popular than ever.

Aside from the reasons listed above, white filling upgrades offer many benefits over amalgam. When you upgrade your metal fillings to porcelain or composite, they are:

  • Custom made to create a better seal over your teeth,
  • Stronger and harden much more quickly than amalgam
  • Match the natural color and sheen of your teeth,
  • More stable and don’t expand/contract in extreme hot and cold temperatures- which can cause your teeth to be sensitive and weaken over time.

The procedure to replace your amalgam fillings is relatively simple. The amalgam is removed using a drill under cold water to prevent the mercury from vaporizing. Once the metal is thoroughly removed, an impression of the teeth that need new fillings is taken. This impression is then used to build custom-made porcelain fillings to be put into the amalgam’s place.

Read more about filling upgrades on our Filling Upgrade FAQs page.

If you would like to replace the dental fillings you currently have for aesthetic or health-related reasons, call Advanced Cosmetic Dentistry & TMJ today. Your initial cosmetic consultation is always free, so there’s no better time to start experiencing the beauty of a healthy smile!