Has it been years since you last needed restorative dental treatment? If so, you might not know what options you now have for improving your oral health and protecting fragile teeth. Tooth-colored fillings, for instance, offer a number of benefits when compared to older metal amalgam fillings. Cosmetically and functionally, they are often a better solution for addressing dental decay, and improving a patient’s comfort while chewing and overall confidence in his or her smile. So, if you have recently been diagnosed with dental decay, there are many compelling reasons to speak with a restorative dentist about how a seamless solution, like a tooth-colored filling, can help.
What Makes Tooth-Colored Fillings Unique?
Unlike metal fillings, which are obvious and sometimes uncomfortable, tooth-colored fillings are designed to be nearly seamless and functionally beneficial forms of restorative dentsitry. For instance:
- Tooth-colored fillings conduct a lower level of heat than metal, which can help prevent sensitivity while enjoying hot or cold foods and beverages.
- Composite resin can be made to closely match natural teeth in shade, shape and even contouring. Therefore most people will not recognize that you have had restorative dental work completed, when you opt for a natural-looking tooth-colored filling.
- The resin material requires less space than metal fillings, which allows for more of the natural tooth to be preserved.
- Resin also bonds well with teeth, creating an incredibly tight seal. That is why these fillings are often better at preventing leaks or further damage, than metal fillings.
- Fillings made of resin are safe for most patients, including children and those with metal allergies.