Five Advantages of Tooth Colored Fillings
Composite dental fillings are white alternatives to traditional metal restorations. Instead of visible metal compounds, a white filling uses small particles of things like glass or polymer, depending on the material that’s used. These constructs give composite fillings multiple advantages over conventional methods used in the past. Here are just a few worth considering:
Less Invasive to Your Tooth
Aside from their color, the biggest advantage of white fillings is that they’re the least invasive restorative option for teeth. Due to the way they adhere to enamel, only the damaged structure has to be removed, maximizing the amount of healthy enamel left intact. When treating a cavity, white fillings are significantly smaller than ones made of metal.
Aesthetically Pleasing
It’s easy to see how a white filling looks better on your smile than a silver one, which tends to darken one time. When we need to repair teeth further back in your mouth, this isn’t always an issue. But anterior (front) teeth require cosmetic considerations, because they’re visible every time you talk or smile.
With a white filling, we can restore cavities in front teeth in a way that isn’t visible to other people. In reality, only our Long Island dentists should be the ones to know that there’s a filling.
Strengthens Your Tooth
Some types of dental fillings contain fluoride, which is released over an extended period of time. As such, it helps protect and strengthen the remaining healthy tooth around your restoration. The fluoride reduces demineralization and decay, lowering your risk of recurring cavities (making them especially useful for our Suffolk County dental patients who tend to have a high cavity risk.)
Natural Bonding Mechanism
The molecular capabilities of a white filling make it so that the material forms a close, direct bond with your tooth’s porous structure. Instead of being wedged into place by cutting out a larger area at the base of the filling (like what’s needed for a silver restoration,) the composite adheres to the surface that it’s placed onto. This characteristic creates an even tighter seal, protecting your tooth from the risk of recurring cavities and leakage around the filling.
Ability to Place on More Surfaces
Metal fillings aren’t an option when you have a cavity in the front of your smile, or on smooth surface irregularities. But with white fillings, it’s easy for our Long Island dentists to smooth over abnormalities or repair enamel that’s in your smile zone.
Considering Changing Out Your Old Fillings?
At Sachem Dental Group, our multi-specialty general practice offers a variety of restorative options in one location. If you prefer to change out your metal fillings with white ones (or another cosmetic restoration) we can help you do just that. Even if you don’t qualify for a composite filling, you can discuss alternatives like inlays, onlays, and ceramic crowns.
With over 35 years of experience, our dentists are committed to ensuring the best outcome for every patient who steps through our doors. Contact Sachem Dental Group today to request an appointment.
