Fort Worth Mercury-Free Restorations
Tooth-Colored Fillings That Look & Feel Natural
Our practice is mercury-free. We use tooth-colored composite resin and porcelain restorations that don't just fill the cavity — they restore strength to the tooth, look completely natural, and contain no mercury.
- 100% Mercury-Free
- Composite Resin Fillings
- Porcelain Inlays & Onlays
- Replace Old Silver Fillings
Silver Amalgam vs. Tooth-Colored Restorations
Many people still have old silver amalgam fillings from years past. Understanding the differences between the materials clarifies why tooth-colored options are the superior long-term choice.
Marshall H. Brown, DDS & Associates is proud to be a mercury-free dental practice. We use only tooth-colored composite resin and porcelain restorations for all new fillings — no silver, no mercury, no compromise.
Silver amalgam fillings — the old standard — contain 50% mercury and can corrode, leak, and cause staining on teeth and gums. Their edges wear, weaken, or break, leaving teeth vulnerable; the metal expands and contracts with temperature, potentially causing teeth to split; the material does not bond to tooth structure and adds no strength; the dark, metallic appearance is highly visible; and placement requires removal of more healthy tooth.
- 100% mercury-free — completely safe composite resin or porcelain material
- Bonds directly to the tooth structure — creating a tight, superior fit that adds strength to the tooth
- Resin contains fluoride — helps prevent decay around the restoration
- Wears like natural teeth — no expansion or contraction issues
- No gum-line placement needed — healthier for gums
- Completely invisible — matched precisely to your natural tooth colour
Three Types of Tooth-Colored Restoration
The appropriate restoration depends on how much tooth structure remains and the location of the cavity or damage. Dr. Brown will recommend the most conservative option that adequately addresses your situation.
- Direct Composite Filling — the most common tooth-colored restoration for small to medium-sized cavities. Composite resin is applied directly to the cleaned and prepared tooth in thin layers, each cured with a UV light, then shaped and polished to match your natural tooth. Completed in a single comfortable visit.
- Porcelain Inlay — a laboratory-fabricated restoration that fits precisely within the cusps of a back tooth. Used when a cavity is too large for a direct composite filling but the cusps of the tooth remain intact. Stronger and more durable than a direct filling for larger restorations. Lab-fabricated over 2 appointments.
- Porcelain Onlay — extends over one or more cusps of the tooth and is used when much of the tooth structure has been lost. Stronger than an inlay and more conservative than a full crown, an onlay keeps the tooth intact while adding significant strength.
Why Tooth-Colored Is Better — The Advantages
Your teeth are restored to a natural look and feel. They are stronger than before, the tooth is protected, and the restoration is completely undetectable.
- Superior bond strength — resin onlays bond directly to the tooth, creating a tight, superior fit. This creates a seal that prevents bacteria from re-entering and adds structural strength.
- Completely invisible — matched precisely to the colour of your surrounding teeth, tooth-colored restorations are virtually undetectable, even to other dentists.
- Fluoride release — composite resin contains fluoride, which is slowly released to help prevent decay from starting around the edges of the restoration.
- Tooth remains intact — composite restorations require less removal of healthy tooth structure than amalgam, so the remaining tooth structure stays stronger and more complete.
- Healthier for gums — tooth-colored restorations do not require placement at the gum line, which is significantly healthier for the surrounding gum tissue.
- Wears like natural teeth — the resin material wears at a rate similar to natural enamel, unlike metal which expands, contracts, and can eventually crack the tooth.
How Dr. Brown Replaces a Silver Filling in Two Visits
Appointment 1 — Preparation & Impression: the old silver filling is removed along with any additional decay, the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and prepared, a precision impression is taken, and a model is sent to the dental laboratory. A temporary onlay is placed to protect the tooth. At the lab, a resin is carefully placed into the model of your teeth and artfully shaped to look completely natural — matching the colour, contour, and translucency of your surrounding teeth.
Appointment 2 — Bonding & Finishing: the temporary onlay is removed, a conditioning gel is applied to the tooth surface, bonding cement is applied to create a secure bond, a high-intensity curing light bonds the resin permanently, and the restoration is polished to a smooth, natural finish. Your teeth are restored to a completely natural look and feel — stronger than before, fully protected, and completely undetectable.
Note on simple fillings: simple direct fillings are completed in a single visit. The two-appointment process above applies to porcelain inlays and onlays (lab-fabricated restorations). For smaller cavities, a direct composite resin filling can be placed and finished in one comfortable appointment — no lab, no temporary filling needed.
Your Questions Answered
Frequently Asked Questions
Are tooth-colored fillings as strong as silver amalgam?
Yes — in fact, tooth-colored restorations are often stronger than silver amalgam in the long term. Resin onlays bond directly to the tooth structure, creating a tight fit that adds strength to the tooth. Silver amalgam does not bond to the tooth, and the metal expands and contracts with temperature changes over time — which can eventually cause the tooth to split or crack.
Is it safe to replace old silver amalgam fillings?
Yes. Silver amalgam fillings can be safely replaced with tooth-colored restorations. Our practice follows established safety protocols for the removal of amalgam fillings. Dr. Brown will assess each filling individually — including its current condition, size, and location — and advise on the most appropriate type of replacement restoration and timing.
How long do tooth-colored fillings last?
Direct composite resin fillings typically last 7 to 10 years with proper care and regular dental checkups. Porcelain inlays and onlays are more durable and can last 10 to 30 years. Longevity depends on the location of the restoration, bite forces, dietary habits, oral hygiene, and attendance at regular checkups where wear can be monitored.
What is the difference between a filling, an inlay, and an onlay?
The three types differ in coverage. Direct composite filling — placed and cured directly in the tooth in one visit; best for small to medium cavities where enough tooth structure remains. Porcelain inlay — a laboratory-fabricated restoration that fits within the cusps of the tooth; used when a filling is too large but the cusps are still intact. Porcelain onlay — extends over one or more cusps; used when much of the tooth structure has been lost. Stronger than a filling, more conservative than a crown. Dr. Brown will always recommend the most conservative option that adequately restores your tooth's strength and function.
Does replacing a silver filling hurt?
No. All filling procedures — including the removal of old silver amalgam — are performed under local anaesthesia. You will feel nothing during the procedure. Some mild temperature sensitivity in the first day or two after placement is completely normal as the tooth settles, and resolves quickly. Most patients find the experience entirely comfortable.
Does dental insurance cover tooth-colored fillings?
Most dental insurance plans cover composite (tooth-colored) fillings for front teeth, and many plans now also cover posterior (back) tooth composite restorations at the same rate as amalgam. Coverage for porcelain inlays and onlays varies by plan. Our administrative team will verify your specific benefits before treatment begins and provide a clear, transparent cost estimate with no surprises.
How do I know if my old fillings need replacing?
Signs include: sensitivity or pain in a tooth with a filling; a visible crack, chip, or darkening around the filling; a feeling that the filling has shifted or the bite has changed; new decay detected around the edges of an existing filling; or the filling is very old (15–20+ years for amalgam). The best way to know for certain is to attend regular dental checkups. Dr. Brown examines all existing restorations at every visit and will advise you honestly if any need attention.
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Replace Old Fillings with Something Beautiful and Stronger.
Whether you have old silver fillings you'd like replaced, a new cavity to treat, or damage from a cracked filling — Dr. Brown's mercury-free, tooth-colored restorations restore your teeth to their natural look and feel. New patients always welcome.