If you need dental fillings, you may think any type would be “good enough.” Don’t they all have the power to treat cavities and tooth decay? However, you’d do well to opt for tooth-colored ones instead of the others on offer. These restorations offer more perks than those made of silver, mercury, and similar materials, promising better results. As for the proof, here are four major reasons why tooth-colored fillings are better than metal ones.
They Look Much Nicer
Perhaps most obviously, tooth-colored fillings look nicer than metal ones. They blend more seamlessly with your smile and don’t draw unwanted attention.
The fact is that silver amalgam fillings have a dull appearance. People can tell they’re “unnatural” at first glance, as they have a shade that strongly contrasts with tooth enamel. Meanwhile, tooth-colored fillings (per their name) match the color of your adjacent teeth. That means they don’t stand out and hide decayed areas perfectly.
They’re Less Invasive
Tooth-colored fillings are also the least invasive kind available. Unlike those made of metal amalgam, they don’t alter your existing smile that much.
You see, dentists have to change your teeth to place metal fillings. They must make a larger hole in your enamel to ensure the final material doesn’t fall out. On the other hand, tooth-colored fillings don’t face this problem; they bond directly to the tooth surfaces. The result is less removal of your smile’s healthy structures!
They’re More Stable
All in all, tooth-colored fillings offer more stability than silver amalgam ones. They don’t fluctuate as much in response to outside forces.
One problem with amalgam fillings is that they react to temperature changes. When exposed to extreme heat or cold, they expand and contract within your teeth. Such reactions can cause irreversible and long-term damage to a tooth, putting it in even more danger. Luckily, tooth-colored fillings aren’t affected by changes in temperature.
They Don’t Cause Allergies
Another perk of tooth-colored fillings is that they don’t cause allergies. Once placed, you shouldn’t expect them to trigger unpleasant allergy symptoms.
It happens that some patients have allergies to metals, including mercury and nickel. These materials are the ones most commonly found in traditional amalgam fillings. In contrast, tooth-colored fillings only consist of composite resin – a substance that doesn’t cause allergies.
Given the points above, it’s clear that tooth-colored fillings are the better choice. Talk to your dental provider about getting some soon!
About the Practice
Hanford Family Dental Center is based in Hanford, CA. Led by Drs. Raiyani, Randhawa, and Rambhia, our practice takes pride in its trustworthy and high-quality dentistry. We tailor a patient’s oral care to their specific preventive, cosmetic, or restorative dental needs, ensuring optimal results. That means our treatments can give your whole family thriving smiles! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (559)-530-8080.