Everything You Need to Know About Tooth-Colored Fillings
Many people have heard of dental fillings and how they have played a big role in revolutionizing restorative dentistry. They are available in different varieties of filling materials which gives patients the freedom to choose one which favors them. Since we can’t talk about them all, this article will mainly focus on providing detailed information on tooth-colored fillings.
What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings and Their Benefits?
Tooth-colored fillings are dental fillings made from composite resin, which is a material mainly consisting of medical-grade plastic. The fillings provide a natural-looking and attractive alternative to traditional dental fillings like amalgam (silver) filling, making them suited for cosmetic restorations. The composite resin used in making tooth-colored fillings can be painted to match the natural shade of a patient’s natural teeth, making them almost impossible to tell they are restorations when fitted.
How Tooth-Colored Fillings Are Placed
Fitting tooth fillings in Mainline involves a series of steps. First, the dentist removes the decayed or damaged part of the tooth and cleans it. This is done to ensure the decay doesn’t continue spreading and damaging the tooth further.
Once done, your dentist will prepare for filling by etching its surface and then applying a bonding agent. They will then carefully place the composite resin in layers while shaping the filling material to restore the natural contour of the tooth.
Finally, to end the filling process, we’ll use a special light to harden the filling material and bond it to the tooth.
Benefits of Getting Tooth-Colored Fillings
Like traditional dental fillings, there are several benefits to getting tooth-colored fillings. Here are a few examples:
Aesthetics: a major benefit of getting tooth-colored feelings is its aesthetic appeal. The filling material easily blends with the color of the patient’s natural teeth. The material can be custom painted to match the exact color of your natural teeth to the point where it’s hard to tell them apart from natural teeth. This is usually why many patients opt for the filling material when looking to restore their front, visible teeth.
Flexible: your dentist can use tooth-colored fillings even when restoring your back teeth. However, they are best used for restoring front teeth or back teeth with fractures, chips, or small-sized cavity holes since they may damage when constantly exposed to too much pressure.
Preserves the Natural Tooth Structure: prepping a tooth for tooth-colored fillings doesn’t require much removal of healthy tooth structure as compared to silver fillings. This makes it slightly better than traditional filling material.
Reduced Tooth Sensitivity: tooth-colored fillings are less prone to temperature sensitivity than amalgam fillings. This is because, unlike amalgam fillings, composite resin fillings don’t contain metal which tends to expand and contract with temperature changes causing discomfort.
Durable: although composite resin fillings aren’t as strong as silver fillings, they can last for years when properly maintained. To ensure your tooth-colored fillings last for an extended period, don’t frequently use them to chew on hard objects, and ensure you go for regular dental checkups.
Doesn’t Contain Mercury: although Mercury found in amalgam fillings has been proven safe, some people may be bothered and wish for an alternative. Tooth-colored fillings are a none metallic option with no trace of Mercury.
How to Take Care of Tooth-Colored Fillings?
Like natural teeth, you need to take good care of your tooth-colored fillings so they may serve you for longer. Here’s how to do that:
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: brush your teeth on a daily basis using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. Also, remember to floss regularly to remove food particles stuck between your tooth and gums.
Use Nonabrasive Dental Products: avoid using abrasive tooth cleaning and whitening products when brushing or whitening your teeth. The products may scratch and damage your tooth filling, reducing their lifespan.
Watch Your Diet: composite resin is susceptible to staining over time. To ensure your tooth-colored fillings maintain their color, limit your intake of tea, coffee, red wine, colored food, and tobacco products. If you consume any of the listed items, rinse your mouth shortly after to reduce the chances of them staining your fillings.
Avoid Unnecessary Biting and Grinding: grinding and clenching your teeth (bruxism) excessively can place unnecessary pressure on your fillings, causing them to wear, chip, or crack. If you suffer from bruxism, visit a cosmetic dentist near you so they may recommend a custom mouthguard to protect your fillings during sleep. In addition, don’t use your fillings to bite on hard objects such as ice and nails.
Conclusion
There are many advantages to getting tooth-colored fillings. The tooth restorations have restorative and cosmetic benefits and are quite affordable and easy to maintain. Follow the tips we provided to ensure your colored fillings last for a long period without cracking, breaking, or staining. Visit The Dental Spa – Mainline for high-quality, affordable tooth-coloured fillings or any other dental restoration.