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Obvious Dark Fillings


I have a number of mercury fillings that are dark grey in colour on my lower teeth, which are extremely noticeable when I smile and talk. I am interested in getting white fillings but I have heard they are not as strong as mercury ones. Please advise.
D.Y.

Dear D.Y.,
The white fillings, or tooth-coloured fillings, as I prefer to call them, can be categorised into two types – glass ionomer and composite fillings. You might want to opt for composite fillings as glass ionomer fillings are usually indicated for children.

Another option is that you can enquire about porcelain inlays or onlays to replace your mercury fillings – porcelain is the strongest tooth-coloured dental material. Inlays and onlays are basically precision-made porcelain pieces that fit precisely into the prepared cavity and are fixed into place with dental cement.

Answered by Dr. Tan Bun Chia | Sun, 2009/01/11 - 11:03pm
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