We like to use the white filling material for a few reasons. First we like them because they blend in very nice and look better. Second, we like them because these white fillings act like glue and hold the tooth together. This is known as "bonding." Even if we bond a booth together with a tooth colored filling, overtime this tooth can still breakdown if the filling is large enough. The before photo show a piece of tooth that has broken away from the tooth colored filling. In the same photo, the brown part of the tooth is where it is becoming shattered and stained - from coffee or tea - is getting within the cracks. We recommended a crown (also known as a "cap") for this tooth which will prevent further breakdown on the tooth. A crown will hug the tooth 360 degrees and therefore preventing the tooth from breaking down.
"I know I won't be the first to say it, but I hate going to the dentist (sorry Dr. Melissa - you really are great). Having Ashley T. as my hygienist was the best part of my visit! She makes me forget that I'm in the chair, mouth wide open. :) Thanks again everyone! No cavities! Woohoo!"