Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings
Tooth-colored fillings are better than the traditional metal amalgam fillings for many reasons, which is why our Wilmington, NC, dentists often recommend them for their numerous advantages:
- More attractive appearance
- Creates a seal with natural teeth
- Require removal of less natural tooth material
- Can strengthen weakened teeth
- Provide better insulation against heat and cold
- Can last longer than metal amalgam fillings
- Don’t contain toxic mercury
The most recognizable benefit of tooth-colored fillings is that they don’t stand out the way metal amalgam or gold fillings do. Metal amalgam fillings start out silver, but they can rapidly turn black, resulting in an appearance that may be even worse than the cavity they are filling.
Another problem with metal amalgam fillings is that they are just pressed into the hole in your tooth. They aren’t actually bonded to the tooth, which means they won’t create a good seal. Tooth-colored fillings are bonded to your natural teeth, creating a tight seal.
Tooth-colored fillings are made of plastic and/or ceramic, so they provide about the same level of insulation against heat and cold as your natural tooth. Metal amalgam fillings are metal and conduct heat or cold into the tooth. The metal amalgam also shrinks faster in response to cold, which means it becomes smaller than the hole in the tooth, and allows liquid in around the filling. When the temperature returns to normal, the liquid is forced back out of the hole. This is described as percolation, and it can lead to damage to the tooth.
Another problem occurs when the filling is exposed to heat. It expands faster than the tooth, pushing against the tooth enamel, causing cracking. It may also push into the tooth and cause pressure sensitivity.
Despite these problems, metal amalgam fillings can be durable. But tooth-colored fillings can last even longer.
One concern many people have about metal amalgam fillings is that they contain mercury, which is known to be toxic. Dentists are being urged to add special filters to their practices to prevent mercury from reaching water supplies because it contaminates the ecosystem and makes fishes toxic to eat. Although the FDA and the American Dental Association claim that metal amalgam fillings are safe, many people do not like the thought that they will have this toxic substance in their teeth.
Types of Tooth-Colored Fillings
We offer different tooth-colored filling options to suit your needs. One option is a composite filling, which is made of a blend of plastic and ceramic particles. This putty-like material is shaped to fill the prepared tooth, then hardened with a special light. Composite fillings are quick, inexpensive, and attractive. They also require the removal of less of your natural tooth material. However, the downside is that composite fillings may not be as durable as metal amalgam fillings.
Another option we provide is a ceramic inlay or onlay, which can be produced using our CEREC system. The CEREC system (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) is an advanced technology that allows our dentists to design and create custom restorations, such as inlays, onlays, and even dental crowns, all in a single visit.
Using 3D imaging, the CEREC system takes digital impressions of your teeth, eliminating the need for traditional molds, which can sometimes be uncomfortable. From there, the CEREC software designs the restoration based on the shape and size of your tooth. A high-precision milling machine then carves the restoration from a ceramic block. This process is fast, accurate, and results in a highly durable, natural-looking restoration.
Ceramic inlays and onlays produced with the CEREC system not only restore strength to weakened teeth but also provide a seamless match with the color and texture of your natural teeth. In addition to inlays and onlays, CEREC technology is commonly used to create dental crowns, which are full caps that cover a damaged tooth, offering protection and support. Whether for fillings, crowns, or onlays, the CEREC system offers a more efficient and comfortable treatment option, often completed in just one visit.
Repair Your Teeth In Wilmington, NC
To learn how tooth-colored fillings can beautifully restore your smile, call our Wilmington, NC dental office at (910) 392-6060 or today!
