Most of us either have or will receive cosmetic fillings at some stage in our lives. Cosmetic Fillings are used to treat decaying teeth or to repair cracked and or broken teeth. It is very important to treat a decaying tooth before the decomposition spreads to the root of the tooth and causes a serious infection, such as an abscess. There is a variety of filling materials that are available to potential customers. Such fillings include gold, porcelain, silver amalgam, and composite resin fillings.
But, What Exactly are Cosmetic Fillings?
Traditionally, in the majority of cases, teeth were filled with silver amalgam which is much darker than natural teeth structures. As a result, such fillings boldly stand out in contrast to the teeth that they fill.
In the case of cosmetic fillings, which are also referred to as composite or tooth-colored fillings, they are made of a composite plastic resin that possesses the same color as natural teeth. For aesthetic purposes, cosmetic fillings are much more favored over silver amalgam.
Steps Involved in Getting Cosmetic Fillings
Your dentist will first seek to remove all the decayed areas of the tooth. After testing to make sure he/she has indeed removed all the decay, the area will be thoroughly cleaned and then prepared to receive the filling. In the case of cosmetic fillings, the resin is applied in layers and a special light is used to harden each layer. After the completion of the multi-layering, the composite material is then shaped, trimmed, and lastly, polished.
Advantages of Cosmetic Fillings
- They resemble the natural color of teeth so they can easily blend in. No one will even recognize that you have in a filling!
- They could restore 85%-95% of the original strength of the tooth/teeth being filling.
- Minimal tooth sensitivity is experienced with the use of cosmetic fillings.
- Repairs to damaged cosmetic fillings are possible.
- They chemically bond to the structure of the tooth which provides additional support to the tooth.
Disadvantages of Cosmetic Fillings
- They tend to not last as long as amalgam fillings, especially under the pressure of chewing, and when used to fill large cavities.
- They tend to take longer to be completed since they are additional processes involved, as compared to amalgam fillings. (In most cases, however, the time will not exceed 20 minutes)
- They are more expensive as compared to some other fillings such as amalgam filling.
Our Dental Care providers are ready to assess your decayed, cracked, or broken tooth/teeth and will give due care and attention as they restore your tooth/teeth to provide you with a highly desirable level of comfort and beauty. Give us a call today to request an appointment.
