Tooth-colored fillings are natural-looking dental restorations customized to look like your teeth. The fillings blend fine particles and powdered glass and can last 10 to 12 years. Tooth-colored fillings restore your smile and improve the appearance and functionality of decayed teeth. Additionally, dental fillings consist of resin that makes them resistant to wear and tear, unlike other filling materials. Also, dental restorations are easy to repair when damaged. Glow Family Dental is the go-to place for long-lasting tooth-colored fillings in Duncanville, TX.
The Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings Over Traditional Metal Fillings
Tooth-colored dental fillings are becoming more popular than metal fillings in treating tooth decay, and here’s why:
- They are Aesthetically Pleasing
Metal fillings tend to stand out as they aren’t the same color as your teeth. Tooth-colored fillings are practically indiscernible as they blend in with your tooth. Additionally, they are made of composite resins that match your exact teeth color, thus giving you a natural smile. On the contrary, metal fillings are conspicuous and get darker with time.
- They are Mercury-Free
Traditional metal fillings may be uncomfortable for some patients and unsuitable for patients who are allergic to mercury. However, tooth-colored fillings are made of non-toxic plastic resins and powdered glass and are mercury-free. In addition, they are more comfortable than metal fillings.
- Tooth-colored Filling Treatment is Quick
Getting tooth-colored fillings installed is a quick and painless procedure that a reputable dentist near you can do. The dentist administers an anesthetic to numb your teeth and gums. The treatment begins once the drug has set in, and it only takes your Duncanville dentist one visit to complete the treatment. Amalgam-filling treatment may require more than one dental visit as it’s a complex procedure involving the extraction of some teeth.
- Tooth-colored Fillings Provide More Support
These fillings are bonded straight onto the tooth, making them stronger and more long-lasting. The procedure doesn’t cause gum destruction, unlike the treatment of metal fillings. The additional support makes it possible for tooth-colored fillings to last for over a decade.
The Lifespan of Tooth-colored Fillings
Composite fillings are known to last from 5-7 years. However, when well maintained, they can serve you for a decade. Although they have a shorter lifespan than metal fillings, they don’t cause any damage to the teeth for the entire duration. Moreover, composite fillings are easy to repair when damaged, adding to their lifespan. However, the longevity of tooth-colored fillings varies from person to person. Factors that determine how long composite fillings last include the following:
- Your Oral Hygiene Habits
Accumulating bacteria in your mouth due to poor dental hygiene can cause decay and destruction of your composite fillings. Regular brushing and flossing of your composite fillings keep off bacteria and make them more durable.
- Diet
What you eat determines the lifespan of your dental fillings. Hard or chewy foods like chocolate, candy, nuts, and dried fruits cause the gradual destruction of your composite fillings.
- Their location in your mouth
Composite fillings are placed in affected teeth to repair them. Tooth-colored fillings placed on molars and premolars wear faster than composite fillings placed on other teeth. Nevertheless, you can visit a dentist near you to repair damaged composite fillings to increase their longevity.
The Oral Health Benefits of Tooth-colored Fillings
Tooth-colored fillings have numerous benefits for your oral health. Some of the benefits of composite fillings to your oral health include the following:
- They Preserve Your Tooth Structure
Unlike metal fillings, your tooth structure will be preserved during the installation of composite fillings. They last longer and preserve your natural teeth.
- Reduced Sensitivity
Duncanville dentists use composite fillings to fill in cavities, thus reducing the sensitivity of damaged teeth. They ease the discomfort experienced when chewing foods and the sensitivity caused by eating hot or cold foods.
- Increased Durability
Composite fillings last for many years and are a more cost-effective option. Further, they increase the bonding strength of your teeth. They also reduce the chances of tooth decay in the future. Tooth-colored fillings are less prone to chipping, unlike their counterparts.
Conclusion
Overall, composite fillings have many advantages to your oral health. They are mercury-free and hence suitable for patients allergic to mercury. Composite fillings preserve the original structure of your teeth while remaining aesthetically pleasing. However, the lifespan of your tooth-colored fillings depends on factors like your diet, their position in your mouth, and your oral hygiene. Composite fillings are gaining more popularity not only for their numerous benefits but also for their ease of installation and repair. Nevertheless, health experts recommend visiting a dentist near you to help you determine the best fillings.