Everyone wants an eye-catching smile that makes a good first impression. However, if a shiny piece of metal is what others see the moment you open your mouth, it may be eye-catching for all the wrong reasons. Cavities require restorative treatment, and while amalgam was once the only way to address this problem, modern dentistry now offers another option: tooth-colored fillings. Here are 4 reasons to choose a more lifelike solution for cavity-stricken teeth.
You Get Natural-Looking Results
Who doesn’t want a restoration that blends with existing enamel, making it virtually impossible for anyone else to see? With tooth-colored fillings, you can achieve this exact result. Instead of worrying about amalgam shining bright every time you speak, eat, or smile, your composite filling will stay invisible, so only you and your dentist know it’s there. Of course, if you eat or drink too many dark-colored beverages, smoke, or don’t have it replaced over time, it may begin to discolor and stand out.
You Get to Keep More of Your Natural Tooth
Excessive drilling may be necessary for an amalgam filling, but because composite resin is used for tooth-colored fillings, you’ll keep more of your natural tooth structure. Amalgam isn’t malleable like resin, so more of the enamel and interior must be removed to ensure a proper fit. However, composite resin bonds well with healthy tooth structure, so your dentist will layer it into the cavity before hardening it with a curing light.
They Are Mercury-Free
Other areas of the body may require metal to fix injuries, but the mouth isn’t one of them. Amalgam fillings contain about 50% mercury; researchers and many dental professionals consider these restorations unhealthy for patients. Over time, mercury vapors can be released and pose a risk. Composite resin contains no harmful materials, making it a safer option for most patients, including pregnant women and those with metal allergies.
You’re Less Likely to Experience Further Tooth Damage
It’s hard enough to learn you need a filling, but imagine finding out you need a crown because an expanding filling damaged your tooth even more. This is what can happen with traditional amalgam. Its sensitivity to temperature changes increases the risk of cracks forming in your tooth over time. Composite resin doesn’t expand, so the chances of further damage are drastically reduced.
Instead of choosing a metal that stands out, let a tooth-colored filling give you a natural-looking smile that stays durable, confident, and long-lasting.
About the Author
Dr. Aaron Swingdorf earned his dental degree from the University of Minnesota in 2011 and has been with Chaska Dental Center since 2014. Offering restorative dentistry to patients dealing with broken or decayed teeth, he uses metal-free materials to create healthier smiles. If you have a cavity that needs filling, call (952) 448-4151 to schedule an appointment today.
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