Dark and unattractive, old crowns and fillings can make you feel self-conscious when you smile.  Traditional metallic crowns and fillings leave teeth and gum lines discolored.  In addition, metal based restorations have had concerns about metal allergies and mercury content.

Thanks to recent breakthroughs in adhesives combined with the development of stronger materials, Everett dentist Dr. Michelle Steinhubel can create beautiful tooth-colored crowns and filings. Crowns and fillings blend with the natural color of your teeth and eliminate the discoloration that the metallic solutions of yesterday created.  A white filling also called composite is like putty that is molded into place. It is bonded to the tooth with a thin adhesive layer. Activating a reaction with a high-intensity light hardens the material. The smaller the filling the longer it will last.

If a large filling is needed it is better to use an inlay, onlay, veneer or crown. These are restorations that are made outside the mouth, therefore they are more precise in fit, shape, and strength. They are bonded to the tooth with a thin adhesive layer. They last longer and do cost more than a white filling.

Quite often, your insurance provider will cover part or all of the cost of replacement.   Next time you are in please ask about the latest restorative options.