Within the domain of dental care, amalgam fillings have stood as a reliable solution for addressing cavities and tooth decay over an extended period. Nevertheless, their noticeable appearance and the discomfort associated with their metallic composition have sparked a movement toward alternatives that prioritize aesthetics. Tooth-colored fillings, crafted from composite materials, have emerged as a compelling option for individuals seeking a more natural and visually pleasing choice. This transition from traditional metal fillings to tooth-colored alternatives not only signifies a preference for enhanced aesthetics but also acknowledges the broader benefits provided by these contemporary options. Read on to explore the reasons why opting for tooth-colored fillings is a decision worthy of consideration.
The Problems with Amalgam Fillings
For a long time, dentists have used amalgam fillings made of different metals like silver, gold, zinc, copper, and mercury. These fillings are known for being tough and lasting a while, making them good for fixing teeth with decay.
But, there are some downsides. They look dark gray and stand out in your smile, and they can make your teeth sensitive to hot and cold. Also, there’s worry about the mercury in them, and some people feel uneasy about having that in their mouths.
Why Tooth-Colored Fillings Are the Better Option
Tooth-colored fillings come with numerous advantages, avoiding the drawbacks linked to amalgam fillings. Some notable benefits include:
- Natural-looking – Carefully designed, tooth-colored fillings seamlessly integrate with your smile, providing the distinct advantage over traditional amalgam fillings by ensuring that people won’t even be able to tell you have a filling.
- Improved texture – Shaping these fillings to mimic the appearance of a real tooth surface is much simpler, resulting in a more natural and aesthetically pleasing outcome.
- Better adhesion – Composite materials naturally bond with tooth tissue, simplifying the placement of these fillings. This facilitates your dentist in preserving more of your natural tooth structure throughout the procedure.
- Restored strength – Using these fillings typically restores nearly all of the natural strength of the teeth.
- Potentially safer – Not only are these fillings free of mercury and other metals that might cause harmful allergic reactions, but there are also no documented cases of allergic reactions to composite materials.
Whether you want to improve an existing amalgam filling or need a new filling for tooth decay, tooth-colored fillings are an excellent option. Their visual appeal, natural bonding to tooth tissue, and lack of potentially harmful metals make them a superior choice for restoring compromised smiles. Embrace the beauty and functionality of tooth-colored fillings, and provide your smile with the care it deserves!
About the Practice
For those missing multiple or all of their teeth, Texas Dentistry and Braces, led by Dr. Anne Lindley, Dr. Yosuk Lee, Dr. Thanh Tran, and Dr. Victoria DeLeon, provides a diverse range of solutions. They offer treatments such as tooth-colored fillings to restore your smile and provide you with a complete, healthy set of teeth. If you have inquiries about their services or wish to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to reach out to Texas Dentistry and Braces’ Mesquite office at (469) 296-9210, their Terrell office at (972) 563-9444, their Kaufman office at (972) 932-3918, or visit their website.