Categories: Restorative Dentistry

Why Are Modern Fillings Tooth-Colored?

Patients who have cavities and need fillings to treat them often expect their fillings to be made of metal. That’s largely because metal fillings have been the typical cavity treatment for over a century. However, many patients are often surprised to learn that they can successfully treat their cavities with more discreet and biocompatible tooth-colored fillings. Instead of being made from metal and shining conspicuously against the appearance of your teeth, a tooth-colored filling is designed to blend in with your tooth’s appearance and remain virtually undetectable after it’s placed within your cavity.

What fillings were always meant to do

No matter what a tooth filling is made of, its main purpose is always the same – to fill a cavity and stop the tooth decay behind it from growing more severe. With a custom filling, your tooth can regain most of the strength and integrity it had before decay developed and caused a cavity. However, the material your filling is made from has a significant impact on the quality and long-term success of the restoration. When made from metal, a filling is strong enough to withstand any bite pressure; however, metal changes shape over time, and isn’t as biocompatible with your natural tooth structure. By contrast, the composite resin that tooth-colored fillings are made from can be tinted to match your tooth’s natural, healthy color. Also, once the filling is placed, it retains the shape of your cavity for good.

The biocompatible nature of tooth-colored fillings

The ability to treat your cavity with a filling that isn’t noticeable can do a lot for your smile’s appearance and your self-confidence after treating a cavity. However, the natural appearance of the filling isn’t the only benefit it provides. For instance, tooth-colored composite resin is crafted from a biocompatible mixture of finely ground acrylic and quartzlike particles, rather than a mixture of metals. The resin is also customizable to closely match your specific tooth color and shade, allowing you to smile confidently once again. In addition to its appearance, tooth-colored composite resin also interacts better with your tooth structure. It bonds more securely to the structure inside of your cavity, ensuring the filling remains stable and secure long after it’s been placed. Resin also conforms precisely to the shape of your cavity, and retains that shape after it’s been hardened to ensure that the restoration doesn’t fail and expose your tooth to more extreme decay.

Learn more about tooth-colored fillings

Today’s tooth fillings don’t just treat cavities, but also help you improve and preserve your smile’s healthy, natural appearance. To learn more, schedule an appointment by calling Gentle Smiles in Dallas, TX, today at 972-329-7645 (972-329-SMILE).

Gentle Smiles

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