Dental fillings are one of the most common procedures we perform. Due to bacteria that accumulate on teeth, cavities can form, and fillings are used to repair the damage and protect teeth from further harm. In the past, the materials used for fillings left patients with noticeable silver areas in their mouths. We now have a way to administer fillings without altering the appearance of your smile. Read on to find out more.
Composite resins are used to create tooth-colored fillings that blend in with the natural color of your teeth. Unlike traditional metal fillings, not only do they maintain the look of your natural tooth, but there are also added benefits:
- Silver amalgam fillings have been known to expand and contract with temperature fluctuations, which can put pressure on the tooth and increase the chances of it cracking or breaking. Tooth-colored fillings do not expand and contract, which makes them safer for your teeth.
- Tooth-colored fillings are bonded to the tooth, restoring its strength.
- Silver amalgam fillings can discolor the tooth over time, giving it a grayish tint, while tooth-colored fillings with not.
- With tooth-colored fillings, the dentist removes less of the damaged tooth, which helps to maintain its strength and integrity.
While the best kind of filling is no filling at all, the tooth-colored option is ideal for patients who want to maintain a white smile that doesn’t show they’ve had dental work done.
The procedure is fairly the same, although it does take a bit longer for the tooth-colored filling, as we need to keep the tooth completely dry in order for the material to bond with it. A composite resin filling is just as durable and long-lasting as a metal filling, but with the added benefit of not being noticeable.
Please let us know if you have any questions about tooth-colored fillings or your dental health in general. We are happy to help!
