There have been many advances in dental care technology that have resulted in improved patient experience. These days dentists are continually finding pain-free and anxiety-free means of providing treatment, and they are also combining restorative and cosmetic dentistry to enhance the overall beauty of your smile as well as your total health and wellness. This is particularly true with modern dental restorations.
Right now, we want to consider the nature of modern dental fillings and how they may be able to greatly benefit you.
About Tooth-Colored Dental Fillings
Also known as white fillings and composite fillings, tooth-colored dental fillings are a new step forward in treating cavities and tooth decay. Tooth-colored dental fillings are made of composite materials that are carefully laid into the prepped tooth.
When in place, the tooth-colored dental fillings serve the same function as the metal dental fillings of the past: they restore tooth structure and allow patients to bite and chew just as they normally would.
The Aesthetic Advantages of Tooth-Colored Dental Fillings
One of the most obvious advantages of tooth-colored dental fillings is that they blend in seamlessly with your natural tooth structure. Patients can smile and laugh, and yet no one will notice that there have been fillings placed. This is just another example of how restorative dentistry has evolved to improve dental health and take into account smile aesthetics as well.
The Issue with Mercury in Metal Dental Fillings
Another advantage of tooth-colored dental fillings is that they are much safer than the metal fillings of the past. The old metal fillings used to contain mercury, which is toxic and harmful to people. By contrast, the tooth-colored dental fillings of today are made of entirely safe materials that pose no danger to patients.
Problems with Minor Tooth Damage Due to Metal Dental Fillings
Another issue with metal dental fillings is that they could warp slightly in extremes of temperature simply given the nature of metals. With hot temperatures, the metal fillings could expand slightly, and with cold temperatures, the metal fillings could shrink slightly. In both cases, small fractures could result within the tooth, leading to potential issues later on. Tooth-colored dental fillings are not subject to these fluctuations in size or shape.
Tooth-Colored Dental Fillings Require Less Prepwork
One of the biggest benefits of tooth-colored dental fillings is that they require less prep than metal fillings. A certain amount of tooth structure must be removed to accommodate a filling. With tooth-colored fillings, less tooth structure needs to be removed. This is ideal for patients in that the more natural structure that can be retained, the better it is for lasting wellness later in life.
Other Dental Restoration Options to Consider
If patients are not considered good candidates for tooth-colored dental fillings, there are other dental restorations that may be able to meet their needs, including inlays, onlays, and dental crowns. You will be able to learn more about all of these matters in much greater detail during your consultation at our practice.
Learn More About Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry
If you would like to learn more about all of your options for advanced dental care, be sure to contact our Manhattan and Brooklyn cosmetic dentistry offices today. Our entire team looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you achieve total dental wellness through the latest treatment options.
