Benefits of Tooth Colored Fillings

Nobody ever really wants to get a dental filling. After all, they’re often only used to restore teeth damaged by decay, which means you didn’t take proper care of your teeth. But, as much as having cavities is bad news, it’s not exactly the end of the world. Besides, it’s not like anyone other than you and your dentist will know about it.

Types of Tooth Colored Fillings

Because of the advancements in dental technology, patients these days no longer have to worry about being seen with dental fillings. Composite and porcelain fillings are tooth colored fillings that have been in vogue for quite some time. Although they’re not as durable as amalgam and gold fillings, they can last for a very long time.

Composite (plastic) resins, for example, are very affordable and are ideal for small fillings. Meanwhile, porcelain fillings are best for large fillings, are very durable, and resist staining.

Of course, if the decay or fracture has done extensive damage already, the dentist may recommend either a crown or a cap. Also, in cases where the decay has reached the nerves, the dentist may recommend either root canal therapy or pulp capping.

Tooth-Colored Fillings Vs Amalgam and Gold Fillings

• Treatment is quick – Getting a tooth-colored filling doesn’t take as much time as compared to amalgam and gold fillings. The process typically involves administering local anesthesia to numb the gums and teeth in the treatment area. Then, the dentist proceeds to place the tooth-colored filling, cure it to make sure it’s bonded properly and then polishing it to give it a nice, clean look. Overall, the process should take no more than an hour for treating two cavities.

 

• It looks good – Of course, the main reason for getting a tooth colored filling is so that no one call tell that you’ve already had a cavity. Regardless of whatever you do, all anyone will ever see is you and your beautiful, while teeth.

 

• Less tooth structure is removed – Unlike in silver or gold fillings where dentists have to remove a lot of natural tooth structure, dentists don’t have to remove as much with tooth-colored fillings because they actually bond to your natural teeth.

 

• Mercury-free – A common concern among patients years ago was that amalgam and silver fillings contained some mercury. Although the amount of mercury in the fillings was too low and not considered dangerous, many patients still had concerns. As such, some didn’t even consider getting fillings at all and waited for the damage to be extensive enough to require a crown or a cap. However, none of that will be a problem anymore, thanks to tooth-colored fillings.

As you can see, tooth-colored fillings are currently the best option for those who want to maintain their smiles and not feel conscious about. But, of course, while tooth-colored fillings are awesome, the best way to maintain a bright and healthy smile is still to avoid cavities in the first place. To do that, you simply have to remember to eat a natural and healthy diet, brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once, and more importantly, don’t forget to visit your dentist at least once every six months.