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Benefits of Natural-Colored Fillings
“You have a cavity” is not a sentence we like to hear from the dentist, but is usually inevitable. While it may be feasible to make it through life without a cavity, that possibility is very slim. At least 90 percent of Americans have been diagnosed with at least one cavity – meaning one out of every 10 people you come in contact with has one. If you are over the age of 35 and have had a cavity repaired with a dental filling, you more than likely have silver amalgam fillings. While this used to be the material of choice for many years, dentists today generally offer composite resin fillings as a natural-looking approach to repairing teeth.
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With a natural-colored filling, your repaired cavity will be virtually unnoticeable. Read on to learn about some of the many benefits of composite resin fillings and why they make a great choice to repairing cavities. Dr. Teel and Dr. Gilbert are passionate about helping patients both improve their smiles with the most realistic options available so they can maintain the natural aesthetics of their smile. To schedule your consultation, contact our Fort Wayne, IN practice online or give us a call at (260) 432-0561.
Maintains Natural Aesthetics
Natural-colored fillings, also known as tooth-colored fillings or composite resin fillings, offer the most aesthetically pleasing option available compared to gold and silver amalgam fillings. When the composite resin is being prepared, it can be tinted to match the natural shade of your enamel, providing customized results. As an added benefit, the composite resin will not alter the appearance of your teeth. Over time, silver amalgam fillings can darken your natural teeth, making them appear grayish in color. With your natural-colored filling in place, you can open-mouth laugh without anyone being aware you have a dental filling.
Minimal Tooth Preparation
When a dental filling is placed, the dentist will remove the unhealthy bacteria and reshape the tooth to prepare the cavity for the filling mixture. With silver amalgam fillings, more enamel removal is required, resulting in the possibility of more damage. This is not the case with composite resin. When the dentist prepares the tooth, he will be able to preserve your tooth structure to ensure structural integrity of the tooth is maintained.
Safer Materials
Silver amalgam fillings are made with a variety of metals and may contain silver, copper, zinc, nickel, and mercury. Mercury and nickel are known allergens for some patients and can put their health at risk. In more recent years, research has proven that mercury has been linked to serious health issues, such as autoimmune diseases and chronic illnesses. Composite resin is made from a mixture of acrylic and ceramic and offers a safer approach to repairing your smile.
Durable and Long-Lasting
Silver amalgam fillings are susceptible to drastic temperature changes. When eating or drinking something hot or cold, the metal alloy can expand and contract, causing small cracks to develop in your tooth. Over time, this may cause greater damage and require the removal of the filling and the placement of a dental crown. Composite resin is not affected by temperature changes and can withstand great amounts of pressure. When properly cared for, your natural-colored filling can last up to ten years before needing to be replaced.
Choose a Natural-Colored Filling to Repair Your Cavity
If you are concerned about the appearance of your smile and the health risks connected to silver amalgam fillings, you will benefit more from replacing your cavity with a natural-colored filling. Please contact our Fort Wayne, IN practice today by calling (260) 432-0561 or filling out our online form to schedule your consultation with Dr. Teel or Dr. Gilbert.