What are Tooth-Colored Fillings?
Tooth-colored dental fillings, also known as all-white fillings, repair the damaged portion of a tooth with a material that matches the appearance of the surrounding tooth. Studies show that tooth-colored fillings are safe, reliable, and long-lasting. Combining their durability with being aesthetically pleasing, makes them the preferred material for these dental restorations most often.
The material used to create tooth-colored fillings is a blend of plastic resin and silica fillers. When combined, these ingredients mimic the qualities of natural tooth structures. This makes it possible for tooth-colored fillings to remain durable and translucent as they strengthen the integrity of the treated tooth.
How Are All White Filling Applied?
Many patients request all-white fillings to enjoy their distinct benefits:
- Natural appearance
- Durability
- Safety
- Longevity
Even the treatment process is easy! After numbing the area to prevent pain, your dentist removes any existing decay and applies the filling material directly into the tooth. It takes a few moments for the tooth-colored filling to bond with the tooth, and then the procedure is complete.
Since tooth-colored fillings look natural, they can be used on highly visible teeth, not just the back molars.
Dental technology has come a long way in the last few decades. This is especially true in the field of cosmetic dentistry, which focuses on helping patients achieve their ideal, brilliant smile. One of the biggest advances in dentistry has been the advent of white fillings, also called tooth-colored fillings. This technology has essentially replaced the use of metal, metallic, and silver fillings entirely. Cavities are now almost always filled with a tooth-colored or white filling, made of a composite resin.
Due to these changes in how dentists fill cavities, many of our patients ask us: should I replace my metal fillings? More specifically, should I replace metal fillings with white, tooth-colored ones? In most cases no, it is not recommended that you replace your current metal fillings with newer white or tooth-colored fillings. After all, in most cases, metal fillings are not dangerous or unhealthy to have in your mouth. Therefore, it is not important for your health to have them changed to white fillings.
However, there are some exceptions. If our dentist has noticed some cracks or decay around your metal fillings, they may recommend replacing them.
Alternatively, if you want to replace your metal fillings with tooth-colored ones to help you achieve your ideal smile, talk to one of our cosmetic dentists about your options.
