When you need a dental filling to repair a cavity, you may have more than one material to choose from. Tooth-colored fillings, also called composite fillings, have become a popular alternative to traditional silver-colored amalgam fillings. While both materials can effectively restore teeth, composite fillings offer several advantages for certain patients. Here’s more on 5 reasons you may want to consider a tooth-colored filling.
1. They Blend in with Your Natural Teeth
One of the biggest advantages of a tooth-colored filling is its appearance. Composite material can be matched to the shade of your natural tooth, making the restoration much less noticeable.
Amalgam fillings have a distinctive silver or gray appearance that can stand out when you smile, laugh, or open your mouth. Tooth-colored fillings can provide a more natural-looking result, particularly when repairing teeth that are visible when you smile.
2. They Require Less Removal of Healthy Tooth Structure
Composite fillings can often be bonded directly to the tooth. This bonding process may allow your dentist to preserve more healthy tooth structure when preparing the tooth for a filling.
Preserving natural tooth structure is an important goal of restorative dentistry. However, the amount of tooth that must be removed depends on the size and location of the cavity and the condition of the tooth.
3. They Can Strengthen the Restoration Through Bonding
Unlike amalgam, which is mechanically retained within the prepared tooth, composite material bonds to the tooth structure. This can help create a close connection between the filling and the tooth.
Bonding may also be useful for repairing small chips, cracks, or worn areas in some situations. Your dentist can determine whether composite is appropriate based on the condition of your tooth.
4. They Don’t Contain Mercury
Dental amalgam is made from a mixture of metals that includes elemental mercury. Major dental and public health organizations generally consider amalgam safe and effective for most patients when used appropriately. However, some patients prefer to avoid amalgam and choose composite fillings instead.
Tooth-colored composite fillings do not contain mercury, which can make them an appealing option for people who prefer a mercury-free restorative material.
5. They Can Provide a More Natural-Looking Smile
Even when a filling is necessary to treat a cavity, you don’t necessarily have to sacrifice the appearance of your smile. Tooth-colored fillings can restore the damaged portion of the tooth while maintaining a natural appearance.
Composite fillings are especially appealing when treating front teeth or highly visible areas of the mouth. They can also be used on many back teeth, although the best material depends on the size and location of the restoration and other factors.
Tooth-colored fillings offer cosmetic and restorative advantages, but they aren’t automatically the best choice for every cavity. Your dentist can explain the advantages and limitations of each material and help you choose a restoration that supports both the health and appearance of your smile.
About the Practice
With a picturesque setting in beautiful Lebanon, NH, our friendly team at Hanover Road Dental Health prides itself on having multiple dentists in our office so you can get the care you need when you need it. If one of those needs happens to be cavity repair, we offer tooth-colored fillings to restore functionality while keeping your smile looking beautiful. Contact us online or call (603) 643-4362.