In the past, dentists relied on amalgam mixtures of metal to fill cavities, which often consisted of options like tin, silver, copper, zinc, or gold mixed with liquid mercury as a bonding agent. Although repairs made with these materials are strong enough to withstand the pressure of biting and chewing, they don’t do much to improve your appearance.
Thankfully, most providers today utilize tooth-colored options that can be customized to match your natural smile seamlessly. Continue reading to learn 3 excellent reasons to consider treating tooth decay with this lifelike alternative to traditional amalgam fillings!
Benefit #1: Customizable Materials
Metallic restorations are renowned for being durable and long-lasting, but the materials tend to draw unwanted attention. They might shimmer in the sunshine, for example, or leave your enamel looking dark and dirty rather than recently repaired.
Meanwhile, tooth-colored fillings utilize a putty-like composite resin material that can be made to match your natural enamel for more seamless results. Once your cavity is filled, your dentist hardens the resin with an ultraviolet curing light for a beautiful, lifelike restoration that can often last just as long as its amalgam counterparts.
Benefit #2: Preserve More Enamel
Would you be surprised to learn that filling your teeth with metallic materials requires adjustments to the structure of your teeth? They are made from materials that the human body rejects, so to remain in place, minor grooves are carved in your enamel to anchor them. These changes are minimal, but metal expands and contracts with changes in temperature, which can eventually wear down the protective outer layer of your tooth.
Thankfully, tooth-colored fillings are made from biocompatible materials that bond directly with your enamel. This preserves more of the natural structure of your tooth, helping to prevent additional cavities or injuries.
Benefit #3: Avoid Sensitivity
Your amalgam fillings might also cause sensitivity thanks to the materials they’re made from. As the metal expands and contracts, it can trigger irritation in the nerves inside your tooth, causing a sharp sensation when you bite down or when eating anything overly hot or cold. Furthermore, some patients are allergic to different metals and have a localized reaction to their dental work.
Tooth-colored repairs that are made from FDA-approved composite resin are much less likely to cause any reaction, which reduces the likelihood of experiencing tenderness in your treated tooth.
If your outdated amalgam fillings detract from your appearance or oral health, your dentist can enhance your smile by replacing them with resilient, customizable materials that can last just as long!
Meet the Author
Dr. Jeffrey Skupny is passionate about providing patients with exceptional services to meet all their needs under one roof, including tooth-colored fillings. He earned his Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the University of Florida College of Dentistry and has remained committed to continuing education to stay current with the latest treatment trends. His caring approach is combined with advanced technology to provide comfortable, accurate results you can count on. If you’re concerned about cavities, you can request an appointment on the website or call (239) 261-5566.