The use of tooth colored fillings has enhanced the appearance of many patients. This material provides solutions for cosmetic improvements as well as to correct dental decay. The result from using tooth colored fillings has made dental repairs a much more aesthetically pleasing experience than ever before.
The composite resin used for cavity repair can be matched to your natural tooth color making decay correction virtually impossible to detect. While silver amalgam was the standard for many decades, tooth colored fillings are designed to be long lasting; leave the damaged tooth stronger (material is bonded to the tooth – not just filling a hole drilled into the tooth); and since much less of the natural tooth is removed when repaired with composite, the tooth’s integrity is left stronger.
If a composite filling is damaged, it can usually be repaired … unlike its amalgam counterpart which usually requires total replacement.
Bonding is a tool your dentist can use to correct a chipped tooth, help blend away deep dental stain, and correct worn dentition. The material is malleable allowing your dentist to craft away problems; with each layer put in place, a laser is used to harden it in preparation for the next layer.
Cosmetic Advantages
The tooth colored filling material used for fillings and in many cosmetic applications provides a much more aesthetically pleasing result. Your dentist can color match to your natural shade making many corrections virtually impossible to detect.
Old fillings that were treated with silver amalgam have darkened over time affecting your appearance. Those fillings can be safely removed and replaced with the tooth colored filling material.
Prevention
As in most cases, preventive measures are more advantageous than having to be reactive. With that in mind, make sure you eat a healthy diet (fruits, vegetables, dairy, protein, healthy grains); avoid soda and sugary beverages (water is a better choice; if you are going to drink a soda, consume with a meal – don’t sip on it all day).
Do not smoke or use tobacco in any form.
Brush twice every day with a fluoridated toothpaste for the recommended two minutes; floss every day to remove debris your toothbrush missed; and visit our team at Bliss Dental every six months (or as recommended) for cleaning and dental exam.