Summary :
Are you suffering from a cavity or decay in your teeth?
If so, you’re not alone! Over 90% of Americans have at least one cavity. While it might seem familiar, the hidden dangers of an oral cavity are vastly unexplored. An oral cavity can impact your smile and health, resulting in complex future conditions.
What to do in such instances?
Experienced Summerville, SC dentists are your best option during such events. They can help you remove and clean your teeth’ damaged, cavity-affected areas. These professionals can also restore the hollow with tooth fillings, which act as a protective barrier for your smile, keeping bacteria at bay.
Interestingly, there are several options for tooth fillings. Every filling material has advantages and disadvantages, making it unique for your needs.
In this blog, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of tooth-colored fillings with insight into topics such as:
- Understanding tooth-colored fillings.
- Types of tooth-colored fillings.
- Advantages of tooth-colored fillings.
- Disadvantages of tooth-colored fillings.
- Making the right choice.
Continue reading as we explain more about tooth fillings, and take this blog as your initial guide to make the right decision.
Understanding Tooth-Colored Fillings
Tooth-colored fillings, also known as dental fillings, are essential in dental restoration. They are an innovative, modern version of metal fillings that preserve function and integrity.
Thanks to their advanced design, these appliances look more natural and blend with the teeth very well, unlike amalgam fillings, which are easily noticeable and darker. They are made of composite resin material that can chemically link to the teeth and help to repair chipped or cracked teeth. They can also fill the cavity after the decayed teeth have been removed.
Thanks to modern technology and the composition of composite fillings, it is possible for Summerville SC dentists to use dental fillings on molars as well. Composite restorations are utilized to treat the closest front teeth in your mouth.
Types Of Tooth-Colored Fillings
1. Amalgam Fillings
Amalgam fillings are alloys that involve more significant parts of silver and mercury. They are also known for durability and cost-effectiveness. Amalgam fillings are the oldest choice for tooth fillings. The mercury levels in amalgam fillings are shallow and do not affect your health.
Amalgam fillings are often called Silver Fillings because of their silver-like appearance. However, this term is not recommended anymore because it does not correctly explain the materials in amalgam.
2. Composite Fillings
Composite fillings or composite resins are made from resin and plastic. They offer a more natural look, seamlessly blending with your teeth, and are durable and resistant.
Thanks to their cosmetics nature, composite fillings are used more than amalgam fillings. They blend naturally with teeth and are not permanent but highly durable. They will last a couple of years, giving you a beautiful smile.
3. Ceramic Fillings
Ceramic fillings are dental restorations used to repair decayed teeth. They are known for their aesthetic appeal and can withstand stains, providing both durability and cosmetic appeal for you to prioritize the look of your fillings.
However, it is hard but liable to break easily, so it must be used on large cavities to prevent breakage. Restorative Dentistry in Summerville, SC, can make room for extra bulk by enlarging the area.
4. Glass Ionomer Fillings
Glass ionomer fillings, a combination of glass and acrylic, are often used to repair decaying teeth, fill cavities, and replace outdated fillings. However, they are weaker and more likely to break or wear out, so they only last a few years.
Glass Ionomer fillings provide a magnificent alternative for you as they do not contain harmful components and are usually considered a simpler option for minimal tooth decay or damage.
Most people choose tooth-colored rather than metal fillings because they are more reliable. Remember, you can now have several choices when selecting the right fillings for a cavity.
A tooth-colored filling dentist can help you make the most appropriate choice based on your dental history, tooth position, and age.
Advantages Of Tooth-Colored Fillings
Tooth-colored fillings are improved to fill a deficiency. Each improvement also came with strong-quality material, which led to several advantages.
Some advantages of tooth-colored fillings are :
1. Aesthetically appealing
While silver amalgam and gold fillings are highly beneficial in repairing tooth damage, they are low-aesthetically pleasing. On the contrary, tooth-colored fillings mimic the color of your teeth, making them unnoticeable and providing aesthetically appealing results.
2. Improved self-esteem and confidence
If your teeth have chipped, broken, or cracked, you may feel self-conscious or embarrassed to meet people, talk, or smile. This can lead to depression or stress. Fortunately, tooth-colored fillings repair damaged teeth or any dental problems pleasingly, boosting your confidence and self-esteem.
3. Improved overall quality of life
Tooth-colored fillings repair multiple dental problems that negatively impact dental health and appearance. Resolving these issues with tooth fillings allows you to enjoy your favorite meal, brush, and floss, and freely interact with new people without worrying about your smile.
This significantly improves your career and overall quality of life. Additionally, tooth-colored fillings are safe for teeth and gums. They are nonmetal and non-toxic, protecting them from allergic reactions and staining.
Disadvantages Of Tooth-Colored Fillings
1. Stains:
Smoking and food colors are prone to staining, especially when pigmented items like tea, coffee, and wine are consumed frequently. Once strained, these fillings cannot be bleached.
2. Not so strong:
Tooth fillings are undoubtedly aesthetically pleasing, but some of the substances used to make them are not as strong as metal restorations, and you might have to replace them.
3. Expensive:
Sometimes, tooth-colored fillings cost more money and tend to be more expensive than metal restorations.
Remember, tooth fillings has its advantages and disadvantages. According to your specific situation, seek help from a professional.
Making The Right Choice
Consulting a dentist is vital when choosing the right tooth filling and complete dental care. Tooth fillings may vary in different situations. While silver amalgam and gold fillings benefit more than porcelain and composite, tooth-colored fillings offer cosmetic benefits but may not provide enough strength for specific treatments.
Your dentist will recommend a specific filling for your teeth depending on their condition, the size of the area to be repaired, the position of the teeth, and the forces being placed on them, such as chewing, grinding, and other jaw movements.
Therefore, choose wisely to ensure excellent results. Discuss your options with an experienced dentist and consider your budget, personal preferences, and dental problems. Tooth-colored filling choices can make your smile more appealing, but the most significant benefit is preserving your natural smile.
Takeaway
- A dentist can help you remove the damaged parts, clean them, and then intact the hollow with tooth fillings.
- Tooth-colored fillings look more natural and blend with the teeth very well.
- Some tooth-colored fillings are amalgam, composite, ceramic, and glass ionomer.
- The advantages of tooth-colored fillings are that they are aesthetically appealing, improve self-esteem, and are safe for health.
- The disadvantages are it is expensive and provides less strength.
- Tooth-filling is crucial to enjoying a healthy smile! Make the right choice by consulting our professionals at Cane Bay Dentistry.
