Historically, dentists relied on amalgam, or silver, fillings to treat tooth decay. These repairs are made from powdered metals, such as siler, tin, and copper, combined with about 50% liquid mercury as a bonding agent. These resilient materials can withstand the daily pressure of biting and chewing, but unfortunately, they can also pose various problems.
Thankfully, most providers today offer lifelike tooth-colored fillings made from composite resin instead. Continue reading to learn more about 3 excellent reasons to treat cavities with these realistic restorations rather than their metallic counterparts!
Reason #1: Biocompatible Materials
Although the metallic materials used previously are incredibly durable, they’re not always ideal for oral use. For instance, they tend to expand and contract with changes in temperature, such as eating or drinking hot or cold foods, which can eventually erode the surrounding enamel. Plus, they don’t bond with your teeth and require notches or grooves to be carved to hold them in place.
Meanwhile, tooth-colored fillings are made from FDA-approved composite resin, which is a synthetic blend of finely ground glass, quartz, or ceramic particles. This is applied as a putty-like substance to rebuild lost or damaged sections of enamel, then is hardened with a special ultraviolet curing light. This bonds it to the protective outer layer of your tooth to preserve more of its natural strength and structure.
Reason #2: Customizable Solution
Metal fillings can leave teeth looking dark and dirty, which can cause feelings of self-consciousness or anxiety about being judged for your appearance. Meanwhile, tooth-colored restorations are made with resilient materials that can also be customized to match the shade of your enamel for seamless results.
As a result, repairing your damaged teeth this way can improve your appearance as well as your dental health. Your boosted confidence, in turn, can contribute to better professional or educational achievements, more meaningful relationships, and a more rewarding social life.
Reason #3: Long-Lasting Results
If you’re concerned that you’re sacrificing longevity for appearance by choosing a more lifelike repair, you can thankfully set your fears aside. Tooth-colored fillings often last between 5 and 15+ years when cared for correctly, which can be just as long as their metallic counterparts.
Plus, keeping your restorations in good shape is relatively easy because it doesn’t require much special care. Basic precautions, like brushing and flossing twice daily and visiting your dentist every 6 months for a routine checkup and cleaning, are often all that’s needed to maintain them.
As you can see, there are several excellent reasons to choose tooth-colored fillings over ones made of metal!
About the Practice
Patients at Cedric C. Chenet DDS PA benefit from two providers who are passionate about helping them build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. Dr. Cedric Chenet has decades of experience, and today, he collaborates with Dr. Derek Chenet to provide a comprehensive menu of services, including tooth-colored fillings, to meet your unique needs. Their caring approach is combined with advanced technology to deliver beautiful, long-lasting results. If you have cavities requiring treatment, you can request an appointment on the website or call (321) 253-3136.