Dental fillings are the most common way to fix teeth damaged by cavities, small cracks, or normal wear and tear. For a long time, silver metal was the only choice, but things have changed.
Today, tooth-colored fillings are the new standard. They look natural and stay strong under pressure. If you are looking at your options, learning how these materials work can help you feel more comfortable about your dental care.
What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings?
These are dental repairs made from a special material called composite resin. The best part is that the material is color-matched to your natural teeth. Unlike old metal fillings that stand out when you laugh or speak, these blend right in.
Most dentists use this resin to patch up cavities, fix chips, or smooth out cracks in both the front and back of the mouth. They are also a popular choice for people who want to replace old metal fillings they no longer like.
The Procedure Involved
There are more advantages to a tooth-colored filling beyond just sealing an open space. The material used is bonded to the tooth, thus helping recreate the tooth’s structure and strength internally. The procedure is fast and relatively straightforward.
Teeth Preparation
Initially, the dentist removes any decayed part of tooth enamel. After removing the decayed tooth, they make sure that it is cleaned and isolated for treatment.
This process is key in making sure that no bacteria remain, which might contaminate the bonding material.
Placement of the Resin
After preparing the tooth, the dentist starts applying the resin on it. Here, they take extra measures to make sure that the resin looks like your own teeth.
Hardening Process
Using a blue light, the dentist makes the softened resin firm by shining it on every layer. After the material is solid, they shape and polish it until it matches your bite.
When it is finished, it feels smooth to your tongue and looks just like the rest of your tooth.
The Benefits of Choosing Composite
- A Natural Look: The number one advantage is the aesthetics factor. Since the material is color-matched with your teeth’s enamel, there will be no problem having a dazzling smile knowing that there won’t be any unsightly metal in your mouth.
- Strong and Long Lasting: New generation resins are very durable materials. They are capable of enduring the everyday forces produced by biting and chewing.
- Less Drilling Needed: One of the best things about composite fillings is that they require little drilling of the tooth for them to stick on well.
- Very Versatile: Composite resin fillings do more than just fill cavities in your tooth. In fact, they can restore chips or cracks in your teeth as well as replace old metal amalgam fillings.
- Time-Saving Process: Most people would not believe this, but with composite fillings, your treatment can be done in one appointment only.
Keeping Your Fillings in Great Shape
If you want your fillings to last, stick to a good cleaning routine. Brushing twice a day and flossing are the best ways to keep the edges of the filling clean.
It is also important to go to your professional cleanings so your dentist can check for any signs of wear. Avoid habits like chewing ice or using your teeth to open packages, as these can cause the material to chip.
Restoring Your Smile
When you need a repair, tooth-colored fillings offer a great mix of strength and beauty. Choosing this modern approach gives you a healthy smile that looks natural.
Quality is always our top priority at Rath Family Dental. We aim to offer you the highest quality dental services that will keep your teeth healthy and beautiful. Call us now on (713) 551-9400 to schedule your appointment and experience what natural fillings have to offer.