white fillings | Naperville Cosmetic Dentistry

Can You Whiten Dental Fillings?

I have very yellow teeth because of stains picked up over the years. I want to whiten them but I also have some white fillings. Will they match? Will they whiten with my teeth or will I need to replace them? Katie Dear Katie, When you whiten your teeth, the only thing which will actually whiten is your natural tooth structure. No dental work whitens with our current technology. When […]

Can I Lie About an Allergy?

My dentist insists that my silver fillings are fine and that all the fuss over them is overblown. I want to switch them out for the white ones. He’s so resistant that I’m frustrated. What if I just told him I’ve developed an allergy to the materials? Would he be able to tell I’m lying? Miranda Dear Miranda, I’m not going to recommend this idea for three reasons. First, it’s […]

Problem with Amalgam Fillings

I had to get a dental filling. It was my first one. I’ve been with the same dentist for years, since I was a child actually. He still does those amalgam fillings. I’d asked for a white filling, but he said they’re not a good idea on back teeth. I’m wondering if I could be allergic to the filling. Ever since I had the filling placed, my cheek has been […]

Does Teeth Whitening Cause Cavities?

I’ve been doing teeth whitening with this kit my dentist provided for me. But, now my teeth have started becoming sensitive. I looked online and it said teeth whitening can lead to cavities. Is that’s what is happening? Should I stop whitening? Meredith Dear Meredith, It seems like you’ve been given some half information. That can make things quite confusing for you. Your tooth enamel is extremely strong and loaded […]

Do I Need a Cosmetic Dentist for White Fillings?

I go to a decent family dentist. However, he’s more of a bread and butter type practice—function over form. I’ve been considering getting rid of my silver fillings for the mercury-free white fillings. My dentist says they’re perfectly safe, but I have my doubts. Even if I’m wrong, it will give me peace of mind to get rid of them. Will I need to switch to a cosmetic dentist for […]

Do Amalgam Fillings Stain Teeth?

I want to remove a couple of amalgam fillings on my back teeth but my dentist insists it won’t help their appearance to look white because amalgam stains teeth. If that’s true, is there any way to make them look more attractive? Hardly anyone has a smile filled with silver anymore and I feel like it makes me look bad. I have a big smile and you can see my […]

Allergic to Fillings

I had my first filling a few months ago. My insurance only covered silver fillings so I went ahead and got those. Ever since, I haven’t felt right and my tongue has been itchy. I think I’m allergic to the filling. Have you heard of this? My dentist doesn’t think that’s the problem. Catie Dear Catie, If you’ve eliminated other possibilities then it could very well be your fillings. Some […]

Why is Mercury-free Dentistry the Big Thing Now?

All I’m ever hearing about these days is “You must go to a mercury-free dentist.” Is this the new healthcare fads? Is it really as important as everyone is saying? Ben Dear Ben, Rather than a fad, I think of it more as a greater awareness. Until recently, most people didn’t realize the main ingredient in their silver fillings was mercury. Now they do. As mercury is a known toxin, […]

I Want My Silver Fillings OUT!

I’ve had silver fillings for years. Yes, they’ve served me well. But, at the time I got them it was our only option. These days, my grandchildren and great-grandchildren are all getting white fillings. I want those. My silver fillings have always conducted heat, which with my mouthful of metal can be uncomfortable. My dentist, who is close to my age, said he’s not that interested in removing something that’s […]

Teeth Whitening Store Has Me in Agony.

I’m in complete agony and am too embarrassed to call my dentist. I’ve wanted to whiten my teeth for a while, but am a broke college student. So, as you can imagine, what my dentist quoted wasn’t feasible for me. I was at the mall and saw a teeth whitening store. I was curious if they’re the same price so I wandered in. The girl seemed super helpful and knowledgeable. […]