More Than Just Good Looks: The Benefits of Tooth-colored Fillings
Let’s start out this blog article with the obvious question behind its topic: “What are the benefits of tooth-colored fillings?” Most people would probably answer, “Well, they’re tooth colored, so they blend into the mouth better than metal fillings,” and they would be right. That is an obvious and very real benefit to this extraordinary restorative dentistry treatment. However, many people may think that the advantages of tooth-colored fillings over their metal counterparts end there, and that simply isn’t the case. While tooth-colored fillings do represent an aesthetically superior alternative to silver amalgam and other metal fillings, Dr. C. Mike Meek and Dr. David J. Tasch choose to offer them to patients of 38th Street Dental for a variety of reasons beyond that.
In truth, tooth-colored fillings have existed for decades; however, there was a time when most dentists either did not offer them or advised patients against them in most cases. This is because metal fillings in general were stronger and lasted longer. They stood up better to the pressures of biting and chewing, and they were far more likely to provide a good return on a patient’s investment.
Now, when discussing the benefits of tooth-colored fillings during consultations at our Austin, TX practice, Drs. Meek and Tasch are able to compare these fillings favorably to metal fillings. Patients no longer have to choose between an aesthetically pleasing smile and a healthy, functional mouth. They can have both.
Are tooth-colored fillings the right option for you? To find out, please schedule your initial consultation with one of our esteemed dentists at 38th Street Dental today.
What Are the Benefits of Tooth-colored Fillings?
As stated above, tooth-colored fillings definitely look more attractive and natural than more conspicuous metal fillings. This benefit has always been a given. Modern tooth-colored fillings offer a wealth of other benefits, however, including:
- Strength and durability: The composite resin material we use in our tooth-colored fillings is exceptional in its quality. It is able to withstand the pressures of chewing even when placed in the back teeth. Indeed, when cared for properly, our tooth-colored fillings generally last as long as - and may even last longer than - silver amalgam fillings.
- Stability: Metal fillings tend to expand and contract when exposed to hot and cold temperatures. This can cause them to become fractured or dislodged. Tooth-colored fillings expand and contract to far lesser degrees when exposed to extreme temperatures, thereby reducing the risk of fracture or loss of the filling.
- Safety: It should be noted that the amounts of mercury found in silver amalgam fillings have never been proven to be hazardous to the health of humans. However, mercury is a toxin, regardless of the level contained in a restoration, and tooth-colored fillings are 100-percent free from mercury. Those are simply facts.
Learn More about the Benefits of Tooth-colored Fillings
If you would like to learn more about the benefits of tooth-colored fillings, we invite you to schedule your initial appointment at 38th Street Dental today.