Tooth-Coloured Fillings: Benefits Over Traditional Fillings
When it comes to dental fillings, many people are now opting for tooth-coloured, or composite, fillings instead of the traditional silver amalgam fillings. Tooth-coloured fillings offer several advantages, making them a popular choice for both aesthetic and functional reasons. Let’s explore the benefits of choosing tooth-coloured fillings over traditional ones.
What are Tooth-Coloured Fillings?
Tooth-coloured fillings are made from a composite resin material that matches the natural color of your teeth. This type of filling blends seamlessly with your teeth, making it nearly invisible when you smile or speak.
Benefits of Tooth-Coloured Fillings
Aesthetic Appeal:
- One of the most significant advantages of tooth-coloured fillings is their ability to blend in with your natural teeth. Unlike traditional silver amalgam fillings, composite fillings are virtually undetectable, allowing you to maintain a natural-looking smile.
Preservation of Tooth Structure:
- Composite fillings bond directly to the tooth structure, which means that less healthy tooth material needs to be removed compared to amalgam fillings. This conservative approach helps preserve more of your natural tooth.
Stronger Bonding:
- The bonding process used with composite fillings strengthens the tooth, providing additional support and reducing the risk of the tooth cracking or breaking in the future.
Mercury-Free:
- Traditional amalgam fillings contain mercury, which has raised concerns for some patients. Tooth-coloured fillings are mercury-free, offering a safer alternative for those who prefer to avoid metal in their dental work.
Versatility:
- Tooth-coloured fillings can be used to repair not only cavities but also chipped, broken, or worn teeth. This versatility makes them an excellent option for various dental issues.
Reduced Sensitivity:
- Some patients experience less post-treatment sensitivity with composite fillings compared to amalgam fillings. The composite material doesn’t expand or contract as much with temperature changes, which can lead to increased comfort.
Durability:
- While composite fillings were once considered less durable than amalgam, advances in materials have improved their strength and longevity. With proper care, tooth-coloured fillings can last many years.
No Risk of Metal Allergy:
- Some individuals may have allergic reactions to the metals used in amalgam fillings. Tooth-coloured fillings eliminate this risk, as they are made from non-metallic materials.
