Tooth-colored fillings are a versatile restorative dentistry treatment. They also fit in the cosmetic dentistry category because, no matter what they’re being used to fix, the tooth looks great afterward too. What many people don’t realize is just how many things a tooth-colored filling can fix – they’re good for more than just repairing cavities.
1. Damage
A damaged tooth is a problem, not only because it probably looks unsightly, but also because any chips, cracks, or compromised enamel is susceptible to decay and bacteria. So not only is a damaged tooth weak and more likely to break or suffer further deterioration when it isn’t addressed, it can also invite in the bad stuff and allow problems to develop under the surface. Tooth-colored fillings cover up all the damage to protect the tooth and make it strong again.
2. Wear and Tear
Over time, teeth break down. Not all teeth, not everyone’s teeth, but some patients definitely suffer with this problem more than others. If you grind and clench your teeth, you are more likely crack or chip a tooth or wear down tooth enamel. Fillings known as onlays or inlays can be placed over the biting surface of the tooth as well as some cusps to create a more robust tooth.
3. Decay
The most common use for tooth-colored fillings, of course, is to repair tooth decay. When a small- or medium-sized cavity invades a tooth, it needs to be addressed so the problem is not allowed to fester, grow, and turn into a major problem that requires an invasive dental restoration like a root canal and porcelain crowns. Addressing tooth decay as soon as it is detected protects the tooth and saves you from extensive dental repairs.
4. Stains
There are many ways to address stained and discolored teeth. For people who aren’t interested in a large smile makeover with a solution like porcelain veneers, or for people whose teeth won’t respond to professional teeth whitening, there are tooth-colored fillings. A carefully customized and applied filling can correct those one or two problem teeth that stand out because they look so different from the rest of your smile.
5. Old or Silver Fillings
Once you have a filling in a tooth, that does not mean you are destined to keep it forever, especially if you have a silver filling – the toxic kind. Amalgam fillings can be carefully and properly removed by your Arlington dentist and replaced with tooth-colored fillings. They are not only safer for your mouth and overall wellness, they blend into your enamel and look better too.
And, of course, if you have an old filling that is cracked or failing, a tooth-colored filling is a strong, long-lasting repair. Silver fillings often threaten the strength of a tooth, expanding over time and making a tooth more likely to break.
Get Strong Teeth Today
Tooth-colored fillings are usually made of a strong, durable, composite material that preserves the natural toot in color and stability. Large cavities benefit from porcelain tooth fillings that are tough and stain resistant. No matter what kind of dental restoration you need, Arlington dentist Dr. Alana Macalik has a solution that will make your smile whole and healthy and make it look completely natural. Schedule a consultation today to get your oral health on track.