If you are tired of the unsightly silver fillings in your mouth, you are not alone. Even though they restore your tooth functioning, they ruin the aesthetic appeal of your smile. On the other, tooth-colored fillings are an amazing alternative. The fillings match the shade of your tooth, meaning that people won’t be able to tell whether you even had a treatment.
But, it is more than just the aesthetics. Tooth-colored fillings, also known as composite resin fillings, are supposed to provide a better support structure as well. A dentist at cosmetic dentistry in Lansing, MI can help you determine if you are a good candidate for the position. Why opt for conspicuous metal when you can opt for something that blends seamlessly?
Why are traditional metal fillings bad?
Teeth that have been damaged due to decay or breakage can be fixed with dental fillings. While traditional dental fillings have served their purposes for decades, their time has come to an end. There are various problems associated with them, including the following:
- Aesthetics: Metal fillings are obvious and make it completely apparent that a treatment has taken place. They do not match the shade of your teeth and look weird. On the other hand, tooth-colored fillings are less noticeable.
- Compromise with tooth structure: Traditional metal fillings require the removal of a significant amount of your tooth. On the other hand, resin fillings require minimal alteration, which allows for the preservation of natural tooth structure.
- Compatibility: Traditional metal fillings expand due to temperate changes. This could lead to a crack in your tooth and lead to even more dental treatments. Composite fillings remain in their shape.
What are the benefits of tooth-colored fillings?
Millions of dental patients in America have metal dental fillings, also known as amalgam fillings. If you are one of them, you may be interested in knowing what tooth-colored or composite resin fillings are. Composite resin is a mixture of plastic and glass. They can be matched with the exact color of your teeth and look completely natural.
Tooth-colored fillings offer a number of advantages over amalgam fillings, including the following:
- They blend in with your natural teeth and, thus, are invisible.
- It is a strong material that can withstand biting and chewing forces for years.
- Dental amalgams contain mercury and, thus, pose a risk. Resin fillings do not contain mercury.
- Resin can be used to fill small fillings to bigger chips and cracks. Its use is versatile.
What are the other types of filling materials available?
Apart from amalgam and resin, there are a few other types of fillings available. ]
- Silver Amalgam: While it is sturdy, it also has the same problems of being noticeable as with metal fillings.
- Gold Fillings: Gold fillings are very expensive and obvious as well. They do last a long time but require multiple visits to the dentist.
- Porcelain fillings: They are aesthetic and highly durable. They can match the color of your tooth. However, they are more expensive than resin fillings.
- Glass ionomer fillings: This option is ideal for children. They release fluoride and thus, prevent further tooth decay.
Preventing cavities following a dental filling treatment
Once you get a dental filling done, you must take care of your oral hygiene to avoid cavities again. Make sure to brush twice a day, once when you wake up and once before going to sleep. Next, do not skip flossing. Flossing ensures the spaces between your teeth are clean.
Finally, do not take regular dental visits so lightly. Seeing your dentist at least once a year can save you from various costly treatments down the road.
Learn more about tooth-colored fillings!
Thanks to the advancements in the dental industry, people now have various options at their disposal. To learn more about composite resin fillings, schedule a dental visit today!
