When dealing with a decayed or damaged tooth, you need a solution that provides greater protection so you can continue to eat and speak normally. While traditional amalgam was once the only way for dentists to repair vulnerable teeth, advancements in dentistry now make it possible for more aesthetically pleasing options, including tooth-colored fillings. Read on to discover four reasons why this discreet solution is far better than its old-fashioned counterpart.
They Blend In With Your Smile
Tooth-colored fillings are crafted from composite resin, a malleable, fully customizable material. Your dentist can color-match it to your natural enamel so that once it is in place, it will blend in seamlessly with the rest of your smile.
Traditional amalgam is shiny and obvious, making others aware of your dental work. However, tooth-colored fillings keep your treatment a secret.
They Allow You to Keep More of Your Natural Tooth
Placing traditional amalgam often requires removing more of your natural tooth to ensure there is ample room for the filling. This can cause you to lose healthy areas and further weaken the overall structure. With tooth-colored fillings, however, the composite resin bonds directly to your tooth once it is cured, helping strengthen the area.
They Don’t Expand and Cause Further Damage to Your Tooth
Composite resin does not expand and contract like traditional amalgam, so when you are eating hot or cold foods and beverages, you do not need to worry about potential damage to your tooth. Since the material adjusts to withstand these thermal temperatures, you are less likely to experience a significant problem that requires you to receive a dental crown because of additional damage.
While they are not meant to last forever, tooth-colored fillings are more likely to keep your teeth protected against future harm.
They Are Safer For You and the Environment
Traditional amalgam includes mercury, which researchers have found to be toxic to humans and the environment. It is estimated that these fillings contain about 50% mercury, and although the FDA claims they are safe, long-term exposure can cause health problems. Patients who are allergic to metals or who are pregnant are advised to avoid these fillings at all costs.
Tooth-colored fillings, however, contain no mercury, making them a safer and healthier option for you and the world around you. With no vapors released while wearing them, you can worry less about your overall health.
Protect your smile and oral health by choosing tooth-colored fillings. Your smile, body, and environment will thank you.
About the Author
Dr. Nelson Y. Howard graduated from the UCLA School of Dentistry before completing a one-year General Practice Residency at the V.A. Medical Center in West Los Angeles, California. With more than three decades of experience, he delivers exceptional service, care, and advanced techniques to his patients, ensuring every smile is fully restored and healthy for years to come. Instead of using traditional amalgam to repair damaged or decayed teeth, he trusts tooth-colored restorations to give patients a more fully protected and beautifully blended smile. Want a more discreet dental filling? Visit our website or call (858) 451-0550 to schedule an appointment.