Why Tooth-Coloured Fillings Are the Top Choice for Aesthetic Dentistry
For a lot of people, the look of their smile is one of the key factors when it comes to dental care. The materials used in dental procedures can hugely influence your confidence in your smile, whether you are visiting for regular check-ups or cavities. At Alexandra Hills Dental, the trend of patients opting for composite fillings instead of mercury ones has been steadily increasing. In this blog, we will explore the reasons why tooth-coloured fillings have become the best option in aesthetic dentistry and why they have been gaining acceptance so quickly among dental practitioners nowadays.
What Are Tooth-Coloured Fillings? Tooth-coloured fillings or composite resin fillings are fillings that can be camouflaged with the patient’s tooth’s natural colour. Composite fillings, unlike silver or amalgam fillings that are made of metal, consist of a mixture of plastic and glass particles. The colour of the teeth grinds up perfectly with this material, hence they are extensively used in the visible areas, for instance front teeth due to their aesthetics.
Aesthetic Appeal: The Natural Look Aesthetic uplift is one of the most significant reasons why folks choose tooth-colored fillings. Conventional silver fillings are obvious and sometimes easily seen, particularly in the front teeth. Besides, silver fillings after a considerable time may darken even more which will create a bigger gap with the natural shade of your teeth. It can be diverting and may even ruin the overall look of your smile. In contrast, tooth-coloured fillings blend seamlessly with the natural colour of your teeth, making them nearly invisible.
Preserving More of Your Natural Tooth Structure With traditional metal fillings, the dentist needs to remove a fair amount of healthy tooth structure to ensure that the filling stays in place. This can weaken the tooth over time, making it more susceptible to cracks or fractures. Tooth-coloured fillings, however, allow for a more conservative approach. The composite material bonds directly to the tooth, which means that less of your natural tooth needs to be removed.
Durability and Strength A great number of patients worry about the fact that tooth-coloured fillings might not be as durable as silver ones. But to the contrary, the strength and durability of modern composite materials have greatly improved. Tooth-coloured fillings still aren’t as strong as metal fillings in some cases but they are very durable and made to take the forces from chewing. For larger fillings or those in the back teeth,We can offer recommendations on the best material options based on your needs.
Better for Your Overall Health Tooth-coloured fillings are also favored over silver fillings mainly because they do not have mercury which is contained in the classic amalgam fillings. Mercury has been a health concern for a long time, and even though some research claims that the minute quantity in silver fillings might not be dangerous, still some individuals opt not to have any contact with mercury at all. For patients seeking a more natural and biocompatible solution, tooth-coloured fillings are a great option that aligns with these health-conscious choices.
Quick and Comfortable Procedure Getting tooth-coloured fillings is a quick and comfortable procedure. Unlike silver fillings that require the dentist to use a special amalgam to harden in place, composite fillings are placed in layers and then hardened using a special light. This process typically takes less time than traditional fillings and requires fewer visits.
Less Sensitivity Silver fillings sometimes cause sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. This is because they expand and contract with temperature changes, which can put pressure on the tooth. Tooth-coloured fillings, on the other hand, are more flexible and expand and contract in a way that is more similar to natural tooth structure. As a result, many people experience less sensitivity after receiving tooth-coloured fillings.
Filling Can Be Done in One Visit Tooth-coloured fillings are generally placed in a single visit, saving you time and hassle. The composite material is applied in layers, with the dentist shaping and hardening each layer. This means you don’t have to wait for multiple visits or for a crown to be made in a lab. The result is a quicker, more efficient treatment without compromising on quality.
Long-Term Value While tooth-coloured fillings can be slightly more expensive than silver fillings upfront, many patients find they provide better value in the long run. Additionally, because they can be more conservative in terms of tooth removal and cause less sensitivity, they may reduce the need for future dental treatments. Over time, you may find that the durability and comfort of tooth-coloured fillings outweigh the initial investment.
A Better Choice for a Beautiful Smile At Alexandra Hills Dental, we take into consideration that every patient has different requirements and likes regarding dental treatment. For people wanting to have a filling material that is natural-looking, durable and safe, tooth-coloured fillings are considered to be the best option. In case you’re thinking of getting tooth-coloured fillings for cavities or other tooth issues, then do not think twice before contacting us. Our welcoming staff is always ready to clarify any doubts and lead you to the best choice concerning your smile.
