What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings?
In essence, dental fillings are mixtures used to repair teeth. Their main role is to “fill” the holes left by tooth decay (i.e., cavities). By doing so, they protect treated areas from harmful bacteria and debris.
Given these facts, tooth-colored fillings resemble enamel. They’re customized to blend seamlessly with adjacent teeth. That way, friends and family won’t even notice your former cavity. The effect stems from the material of these fillings – composite resin. This substance is metal-free and matches your smile’s qualities. Therefore, it hardly ever causes allergies and hides tooth damage perfectly.
The Process of Getting a Tooth-Colored Filling
Thankfully, getting a tooth-colored filling is a simple matter. The process is short and moves quickly. In fact, it only takes a one-hour dental visit.
There are several steps to a filling treatment. First, our dentists will numb your mouth with an anesthetic. (This act keeps the procedure from hurting.) They’ll then remove the problem tooth’s decayed enamel and clean its innards. From there, they’ll wrap up by applying the actual filling.
Once you’ve got the filling(s), there won’t be much to do. We’ll only make a few last-minute changes so everything looks good. Afterward, your tooth should be as strong as ever and ready for the world!
The Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings
Unlike metal fillings, tooth-colored ones have many great perks. These typically include the following:
- Lifelike Looks – Given their composite resin, tooth-colored fillings match your other teeth. That means they look natural and won’t turn nearby areas gray.
- Less Invasive Care – Compared to metal fillings, tooth-colored kinds remove little enamel. Dentists don’t need to alter your teeth much to place them.
- A Healthier Smile – Tooth-colored fillings don’t trigger metal allergies. Plus, they don’t expand or contract with temperatures. As such, they’ll reduce your risk of chips, cracks, and fractures.
- No Tooth Sensitivity – A tooth-colored filling has resin that shields your tooth’s nerves. It thus keeps your pearly white from getting sensitive.
- Enduring Effects – Tooth-colored fillings can last seven years or more with proper care. Better yet, you can clean them like natural teeth. Just remember to brush twice daily, floss once daily, and attend regular dental checkups.