Why Dentists Recommend Getting Tooth-Colored Fillings

Practicing good oral hygiene is essential for ensuring your overall physical health. It can boost your self-esteem and prevent several oral health problems. Neglecting this part of your routine can result in painful consequences, such as gum disease and cavities.

Nobody wants to visit the dentist and discover that they have a rotting tooth. Fortunately, thanks to tooth-colored fillings, your dentist can treat your damaged tooth efficiently.

This article will discuss dental fillings, the different types, and how they can enhance your smile.

What Are Dental Fillings?

A dental filling is a procedure that can treat a damaged tooth to restore its regular function and shape. Your dentist can repair the damage by removing the decayed area and filling the space with a filling material.

4 Types of Dental Fillings

The location, severity, and type of tooth decay will determine which type of tooth-filling best addresses your needs. It's also best to consider your budget and preference to help you get the most out of your money.

• Tooth-colored fillingsmade from non-toxic plastic can last from three to ten years. However, it's best to remember that they'll eventually wear.

• On the other hand, silver fillings are affordable yet durable materials your dentist usually uses for damaged back teeth.

• For a more durable yet pricey option, you can opt for gold fillings, where these materials can last up to 20 years.

• You may also ask your dentist for porcelain fillings, which are resistant to staining and have a similar cost to gold options.

Consult your dentist to help pick the dental filling suitable to your needs.

5 Reasons to Get Tooth-Colored Fillings

While each option offers unique benefits, several people opt for a tooth-colored filling because they're safer and a popular choice. After discussing dental fillings and the four types, this section will tackle why you must ask your dentist to give you a tooth-colored filling.

1. They Don't Have Mercury

Safety always comes first when visiting your dentist to fix your damaged tooth. And for this reason, we strongly recommend finding the safest options to protect your smile.

Dentists don't usually recommend opting for silver amalgam fillings because they contain some mercury, a toxic chemical. While silver amalgam fillings have low levels of mercury that can't harm your health, other patients prefer tooth-colored fillings because they're non-toxic.

2. They're Durable

Besides safety, you must also find a durable option to sustain your beautiful smile. Fortunately, tooth-colored fillings can last for ten years or more if you practice good dental habits, such as flossing, brushing, and going for regular checkups.

Dentists also recommend avoiding bad dental habits that can chip or dislodge the fillings, such as biting your fingernails or pens and chewing ice or hard candies.

3. They Provide a Quick Treatment

Unlike other dental procedures, getting a tooth-colored filling is quick and painless, where it only takes less than an hour for your dentist to treat the cavities.

Your dentist will begin by numbing the teeth and gums in the treatment area using local anesthesia. After the anesthesia takes effect in 10 to 15 minutes, they'll clean the affected area. Next, they'll apply the tooth-colored resin directly into the already-cleaned area. Then, your dentist will shape the composite resin material and harden it using a special curing light.

4. They're Aesthetically Appealing

You also want to find natural yet aesthetically pleasing ways to restore your smile's former glory. Unlike silver and gold fillings, tooth-colored fillings naturally blend with the treated tooth.

5. They Secure Healthy Tooth Structure

Lastly, unlike golden or silver fillings, tooth-colored fillings allow your dentist to subtly treat your cavity and maintain more of your tooth's natural structure.

Filling in a Natural Smile

Your smile is one of your best assets, and a damaged tooth can negatively impact your oral health and self-esteem. Dentists strongly recommend getting tooth-colored fillings to restore your natural smile.

Are you looking for a dentist in Waterford and Ann Arbor, MI? We got you covered! Dental House MI offers high-quality dental services to help ensure you always wear your best smile. Schedule an appointment today!