If you had a cavity that needed treatment, the go-to solution used to be a metal amalgam filling. Gold or silver would be combined with other alloys to “fill” the hole in the tooth left behind by decay.
Nowadays, though, most patients prefer tooth-colored fillings made from composite resin. It’s easy to see why! Tooth-colored fillings have three distinct advantages over their metal counterparts. Here’s what you should know.
#1. Tooth-Colored Fillings are Aesthetically Seamless
As the name implies, tooth-colored fillings are expertly color-matched to blend in with the exact shade of your tooth. When patients smile in the mirror, they see a seamless restoration. In contrast, metal fillings are more obvious. The silver or gold gleam can be seen by onlookers, which is not an aesthetic effect most patients desire.
#2. The Materials Don’t Expand or Contract
You may remember from science class that certain metals expand or contract when exposed to extreme temperatures. This applies to metal amalgam fillings as well! Overly hot and cold foods can cause the materials to grow and shrink, compromising their structural integrity. Over time, this can cause discomfort or damage the restoration.
Composite resin doesn’t expand or contract, making it more comfortable and resilient overall.
#3. Tooth-Colored Fillings Bond Well with Teeth
Finally, tooth-colored fillings physically bond with surrounding tooth structure. This helps them stay in place without much drilling or undercuts. Since metal fillings don’t bond quite as well, dentists often have to reshape the tooth more drastically in order to prepare it for treatment.
Most (if not all) dentists would tell you that it’s best to leave as much of a tooth’s natural structure intact as possible. This helps maintain the strength and durability of the tooth, improving oral health and function overall. Composite resin naturally lends itself to a more conservative process.
While a metal amalgam filling can treat a cavity effectively, tooth-colored fillings have several unique advantages that have made them quite popular in recent years. If you’re interested in a seamless restoration, comfortable materials, and conservative treatment, it’s worth considering tooth-colored fillings!
About the Practice
Dr. Steven Crovatto and Dr. Megan Edwards use high-quality materials to ensure every restoration looks fantastic and feels comfortable. They love tooth-colored fillings for all of the reasons outlined in this post, and find that patients appreciate the benefits as well. If you suspect you have a cavity, contact Dr. Crovatto and Dr. Edwards’ office at 904-272-0800 to book a timely appointment.