7 Benefits of Choosing Tooth-colored Fillings

When dealing with a fractured or decayed tooth, dental fillings are usually the answer. Thankfully, getting a dental filling is straightforward. The dentist begins by removing the decayed and infected tissues from the tooth.

Next, the tooth is clean and disinfected. Layers of filling materials are applied to the tooth and hardened by a special light. Lastly, the dentist polishes up the tooth to give it a natural appearance.

Depending on your condition, budget, and preferences, you have three primary options for choosing a filling material. You can opt for tooth-colored fillings, cast gold fillings, or amalgam fillings.

Due to their natural tooth-looking color or shade, tooth-colored fillings are considered by most patients. This article outlines reasons why tooth-colored are ideal in restoring your smile and oral function.

Benefits of Tooth-colored Fillings

• Aesthetically Appealing

A few years ago, amalgam or silver fillings were the only option. While some people still use them, these fillings tend to leave silver spots along with the teeth, which can significantly affect your smile and social skills.

Tooth-colored fillings are made from a resin material and customized to match the color or shade of your existing teeth. When well installed, it would be impossible for anyone to notice you’ve had dental treatment.

• Saves Your Tooth

A tooth-colored filling is a great way to repair minor front teeth damage to a tooth. If tooth decay or damage isn’t treated timely, it can worsen and cause further complications.

Tooth-colored fillings seek to treat the decay and fill the tooth, eliminating the harmful bacteria and preventing the infection or damage from worsening. Your tooth and smile are preserved.

• Safe for your teeth

Amalgam fillings are said to have traces of mercury which can cause allergic reactions to some patients. Similarly, amalgam fillings tend to change the color of the teeth over time, giving them a grayish tint. Amalgam fillings also tend to shrink or expand when exposed to extreme conditions. Over time, they can cause cracks in the filled tooth.

Tooth-colored fillings match or blend well with your natural teeth, so you won’t have to worry about discoloration or allergies. Also, tooth-colored fillings don’t change when exposed to temperature variations, meaning that they won’t affect the structure of the filled tooth.

• Restored Dental Strength

Eating with a fractured or decayed tooth can be painful, risky, and uncomfortable. Tooth-colored fillings are strong enough to withstand bite force, allowing you to eat and chew comfortably. This means that you aren’t restricted to dietary choices, which greatly improves the quality of your life.

• Preserves more of the natural tooth

With amalgam fillings, more of a tooth’s enamel has to be shaved off for the filling to fit correctly. Fortunately, tooth-colored fillings require little shaving of the damaged tooth.

This maintains the tooth’s structure and strength, significantly reducing the risk of cracking, chipping, or breaking.

• Long-lasting

Another benefit of using tooth-colored fillings is that they protect your teeth for long. Factors such as the filling materials, location of the filled tooth, and dental care practices determine the lifespan of your filling. On average, tooth-colored fillings last for five to 15 years or more.

• Cost-effective

A tooth-colored filling treats tooth decay or damage before it worsens. The initial cost of getting a filling is way cheaper than addressing the complications of untreated tooth decay or damage.

Untreated decay or damage can cause the need for a root canal, tooth extraction, and restoration treatments such as implants and bridges, which can be expensive.

Caring for your Tooth-colored Fillings

If you care for your mouth and filling, you won’t need to visit your dentist any sooner for repair. To ensure maximum performance of your fillings:

• Brush twice a day
• Floss daily
• Schedule regular professional cleanings and check-ups
• Avoid damaging habits such as chewing nails, hard foods, or using your teeth to open cans.
• Wear a mouth guard for bruxism or physical activities
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride-based toothpaste

Final Verdict

Tooth decay or damage should be treated promptly to prevent further severe discomfort or even tooth loss. A tooth-colored filling restores your tooth’s health, appearance, and function, significantly improving your quality of life.

Are you looking for a dental practice office that offers dental filling services? Contact Beverly Dental Group today to book your appointment.