Tooth Colored Fillings FAQs

Having tooth-colored fillings is always better than amalgam fillings. Switching to these natural-looking fillings will bring more health to your body. It will even do wonders for your self-image. If you want to know more about tooth-colored fillings, here are some FAQs and their answers.

Why are tooth-colored fillings better than silver fillings?

Silver or amalgam fillings are durable, but they contain mercury. This toxic metal can do harm to a person’s health. These fillings also need indentations or undercuts within the cavity. The undercuts will help hold the amalgam in place. This means taking out more healthy dental structures.

These fillings are from biocompatible materials. These fillings do not trigger allergic reactions or toxic side effects. The dentist will take out a small amount of healthy dental structure. Only the decayed parts will need removal. The dentist can match the color of the fillings to the surrounding natural teeth. This will make the fillings almost invisible.

What are the other uses of these fillings?

These restorations can bring good in other forms. The dentist can use them for dental bonding. This procedure can fix dental chipping, gaps, enamel erosion, staining, and enamel breakage. A dental bonding procedure can restore teeth right away. It will only take one dental visit.

Dental bonding does not need to remove enamel to attach the bonding material. There is also no need for a dental lab. The dentist will shape, polish, and harden the bonding material. This will restore the tooth’s healthy appearance and function.

What are the different types of fillings?

One can choose from three types of tooth-colored fillings. Glass ionomer is made of glass powders and acrylic. These are translucent and capable of blending well with the surrounding natural teeth. Glass ionomer fillings release fluoride while in the teeth. This helps strengthen teeth.

Porcelain fillings are high-quality dental ceramics. They have a high aesthetic value. These durable tooth-colored fillings can resist staining. Composite fillings have glass and plastic. These look natural on teeth as well.

How long do these fillings last?

Proper care and maintenance can make any dental restoration last. Each of the tooth-colored fillings has a different life span. Glass ionomer can last for two to three years. This type of filling is less resistant to wear. Ceramic fillings can last for about five or even 12 years. Composite resin tooth-colored fillings are durable and can last for about a decade.

Composite resin fillings can wear down right away if the patient has bruxism. The same thing happens if the person chews all the time. These restorations can last as long as metal fillings. Frequent visits to the dentist can ensure its long life.

What materials make up tooth-colored fillings?

These fillings have glass and tooth-colored plastic materials. Other names for these fillings are composite fillings and dental composites. These fillings appear flat and white. The combination gives a translucent, natural look that resembles the enamel layer of teeth. The dentist can match its color to the color of natural teeth. Other people will not be able to detect these fillings at all.

How do fillings work?

Tooth-colored fillings can bond to teeth right away with some help from an etching solution. Applying the solution will not hurt at all, but a topical anesthetic can help provide a painless treatment. The dentist will choose the right shade of filling that can match the shade of the patient’s natural teeth. Shaping it to be like real dental structures can make the fillings look natural. A curing light will harden the filling. Polishing the material will help make the tooth look new.

Do these fillings look natural?

These fillings can look natural with the right dentist. The material can correct any dental problem and provide durability and protection from deterioration. Placing composite fillings can preserve one’s healthy dental structure. Seeing the dentist for routine dental checkups can help repair or replace broken composite fillings.

How long does it take to apply composite fillings?

These fillings may take about an hour to place in each tooth. The dentist will need to prepare the affected tooth. This involves grinding away the decayed parts of the teeth. The etching solution can help strengthen the attachment of the bonding material to the teeth. The dentist will only apply the composite after the tooth dries completely.

Knowing more about tooth-colored fillings can help you prepare for your dental filling treatment

Dental damage can be in the form of chipping, cracking, or decay. You can get the quick repairs you need with tooth-colored fillings. Seeing your dentist can help fill the small cavities right away. Proper installation and care can make these fillings last for years.

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