Normal Appearance
Patients are often advised to get tooth-colored restorations when they require dental work in the front of the mouth. If metal restorations were used in front teeth, they might distract from an otherwise attractive smile. In the long term, composite material is cosmetically ideal also because unlike mercury amalgam, it will not stain the tooth structure around it.
Durability
Composite material is durable in several ways. Importantly, it will stay in place with less tooth structure removal beforehand. Tooth-colored restorations also bond well with the surrounding teeth for greater strength against impacts. Finally, composite material will not expand and contract as mercury amalgam does, so tooth breakage is less likely to happen over time.
Lack of Toxicity
Although studies have repeatedly found that the mercury found in metal fillings is not dangerous for recipients, many people still feel safer getting composite fillings instead. Patients who are very concerned about mercury toxicity can even have their metal fillings removed and replaced with composite ones by our East Los Angeles dentist.