General Dentistry
Tooth-Colored Fillings in Pikesville, MD
Mercury-free fillings that strengthen the tooth
Voted Top Dentist by Baltimore Magazine, 2026
We are a mercury-free practice. Tooth-colored restorations are bonded directly to the tooth, so they are not only beautiful and nearly unnoticeable but also add strength to weakened teeth.
Understanding tooth-colored fillings
We are a mercury-free practice. However, many people still have silver/mercury fillings in their mouths from years past. These fillings are not particularly pleasing to the eye, and we know that by unavoidable design, silver/mercury fillings ultimately result in a weaker tooth structure. Porcelain inlays and Tooth Colored Restorations (onlays) create fillings that are not only beautiful (or unnoticeable) but also add strength to weakened teeth. These restorations are aesthetically pleasing and very strong thanks to new bonding technologies.
Disadvantages of Silver fillings:
Silver fillings have many drawbacks. The edges of the silver filling can wear down, become weak or break. This results in the tooth not being protected and lets cavities get started once again. With age, the metal of a silver filling expands, contracts, and can split.
Silver fillings contain 50 percent mercury. They can corrode, leak and cause stains on your teeth and gums.
Fortunately, silver fillings can safely be replaced with Tooth-Colored Restorations.
Advantages of Tooth-Colored Restorations
There are many advantages to tooth-colored restorations. Resin onlays are bonded to the teeth creating a tight, superior fit to the natural tooth. Such restorations can be used in instances where much of the tooth structure has been lost. The tooth remains intact and stronger.
Since the resin used in tooth-colored restorations contain fluoride this can help prevent decay. The resin wears like natural teeth and does not require placement at the gum line, which is healthier for your gums!
The result is a beautiful smile!
Replacing Silver Fillings with a Tooth Colored Restoration
You can have your silver fillings replaced with tooth-colored restorations (onlays). This process requires two appointments.
Your First Appointment:
- The old filling is removed along with any additional decay.
- An impression is made of your teeth. A model of your teeth is made and sent to the lab.
- A temporary onlay is placed on the tooth.
At the Lab: A resin is carefully placed into the model of your teeth. It is then designed to look natural.
Your Second Appointment:
- The temporary onlay is removed.
- A conditioning gel is placed on your tooth to prepare it for the new onlay.
- Bonding cement is placed on the tooth and a high intensity light bonds the resin to the tooth.
- The tooth is then polished.
Your teeth are restored to a natural look and feel, they are stronger and the tooth is protected!
Many of our Pikesville patients ask us to replace old silver fillings that have darkened or begun to fail. We can swap them for bonded, tooth-colored restorations that blend in and protect what is left of the natural tooth.
Why patients choose them
The benefits of tooth-colored fillings
Strengthens the tooth
Resin restorations are bonded to the tooth, creating a tight, superior fit that leaves the tooth intact and stronger.
Naturally invisible
Tooth-colored restorations match your natural teeth, so your fillings are beautiful or simply unnoticeable.
Helps prevent decay
The resin contains fluoride, which can help prevent decay, and wears much like natural tooth enamel.
Gentler on gums
Bonded restorations do not require placement at the gumline, which is healthier for your gums.
What to expect
The tooth-colored fillings process
- 01
Remove and impress
The old filling is removed along with any additional decay, and an impression of your teeth is made and sent to the lab.
- 02
Temporary restoration
A temporary onlay is placed on the tooth while your custom restoration is crafted to look natural.
- 03
Prepare and bond
At the second visit the temporary is removed, a conditioning gel prepares the tooth, and bonding cement is set with a high-intensity light.
- 04
Polish and finish
The tooth is polished, restoring a natural look and feel with the tooth stronger and protected.
From Our Blog
Learn more about tooth-colored fillings
Common Questions
Tooth-Colored Fillings questions
Not seeing your question? Call the office at (410) 594-9500 and someone will actually pick up.
Patient Reviews
What our tooth-colored fillings patients say
“Here again for my regular cleaning and check up. Look Ma no cavities! All because they have the most gentle hygenist who keeps my teeth really clean and Dr Danny is the most knowledgeable dentist. You're family here, not just a patient.”
Faithon Google“Sarubin Family Dental Associate is a wonderful place, filled with wonderful and professional people from the Receptionist, Hygienist'dental services and Dentist' recommendations to your dental need and they are equipped with sophisticated g…”
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Interested in tooth-colored fillings?
Our doctors will tell you honestly whether tooth-colored fillings are the right choice for your smile. Call our Pikesville office to schedule a consultation.