Tooth fillings become necessary if your teeth have developed a cavity or are in the process of decaying.
But while fillings are useful, they usually have an impact on the person’s confidence—adding to feelings of self-consciousness and embarrassment.
There are various types of tooth fillings: gold, amalgam, and tooth-colored are just some of them. Today, we’ll be talking about tooth-colored fillings, and why they might be a better choice for you or your child.
They Don’t Show
The one draw-back of having gold and silver amalgam fillings is that they’re immensely visible. Whether it’s one of your front teeth or one near the back of the jaw, gold and silver amalgam fillings are immediately identified. This makes people conscious while they speak and smile, two things every person has a right to do freely.
Tooth-colored fillings are made to match your teeth’s natural color. Because of the components used to make these filings, they can be custom-made to match every patient’s natural shade of white. This means you don’t need to worry about them showing every time you smile widely!
You Get To Choose
Tooth-colored fillings are available in three different materials. While the most commonly used is composite resin, you can also get tooth-colored fillings that are made of ceramic or glass ionomer.
Composite resin fillings tend to chemically bond with your tooth structure, giving it increased support and sustainability. They also serve a variety of purposes—this material can be used for fillings and tooth restructuring if there’s a chipped or damaged tooth.
Tooth-colored ceramic fillings are mostly made of porcelain. They’re known for their longevity—over fifteen years—and their resistance to damage. Because of their composition, ceramic fillings are highly resistant to spotting and staining.
Glass ionomer fillings are suitable for younger children and older people who lack fluoride in their teeth. The ionomers release fluoride over time, supplying the structure with an adequate amount to prevent further decay and keep their teeth structure healthy.
All three materials have their pros and cons–but one thing remains common: they won’t be noticeable!
Lesser Damage
The most common tooth-colored filling, composite resin, is also known for not causing damage to the tooth. Filling procedures often require heavy abrasions that can weaken the teeth structurally. Composite resin requires lesser prep and space to be applied as a filling, which is good for your teeth in the long run.
If you’ve realized tooth-colored fillings are what you need to strike that confident smile, get in touch with the dentists at West Hills Smiles for a consultation. Don’t let dental issues affect your confidence or your smile!