Tooth Coloured Filling
Dealing with a cavity is a common dental experience, but the solution doesn’t have to be a noticeable, dark spot in your smile. For years, silver amalgam fillings were the standard for repairing decayed teeth. Today, modern dentistry offers a more discreet and aesthetically pleasing alternative: tooth-coloured fillings.
Also known as composite fillings, these restorations blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, offering a strong and durable repair that enhances your smile instead of detracting from it. If you need a filling, this modern solution provides both function and beauty.
What Are Tooth-Coloured Fillings?
Tooth-coloured fillings are made from a composite resin—a durable mixture of plastic and fine glass particles. Unlike metal amalgam fillings, this resin can be precisely matched to the shade of your existing teeth, making the restoration virtually invisible. This material bonds directly to the tooth structure, which not only fills the cavity but also provides additional support.
Their ability to blend in makes them an excellent choice for repairing cavities in visible areas, such as the front teeth. However, their strength and durability also make them a great option for molars and other teeth that handle more chewing pressure.
The Advantages of Choosing Composite Fillings
Patients choose tooth-coloured fillings for a variety of compelling reasons that go beyond just aesthetics.
- Natural Appearance: The most obvious benefit is their appearance. Composite resin can be tinted to match your tooth colour, ensuring your filling is discreet and your smile remains beautifully uniform.
- Preserves More Tooth Structure: The process of placing a composite filling is often less invasive than for an amalgam filling. Because the resin bonds directly to the tooth, the dentist can remove less of the healthy tooth structure to prepare for the filling.
- Durable and Versatile: Modern composite materials are strong and built to last. They can withstand the forces of chewing and are suitable for small to mid-sized cavities. They can also be used to repair chipped, broken, or worn teeth.
- Mercury-Free: While amalgam fillings are considered safe by major health organizations, some patients prefer to avoid materials containing mercury. Composite fillings offer a completely mercury-free alternative.
The Process of Getting a Tooth-Coloured Filling
Getting a tooth-colored filling is a quick and straightforward procedure, usually completed in a single dental visit.
- Anaesthetising and Preparing: First, the dentist will numb the area around the tooth to ensure you are comfortable. Then, they will carefully remove the decayed portion of the tooth and clean the area.
- Application and Bonding: The composite resin, which has a putty-like consistency, is applied in layers. After each layer is placed, a special curing light is used to harden it. This light-activated process allows the material to bond securely to your tooth.
- Shaping and Polishing: Once the final layer is hardened, the dentist will shape the composite to match the contours of your tooth. They will check your bite to ensure it feels natural and comfortable. Finally, the filling is polished to a smooth finish, leaving you with a restoration that looks and feels like a natural part of your tooth.
Caring for Your Tooth-Coloured Fillings
Maintaining your composite fillings is simple and involves the same good habits required to care for your natural teeth.
- Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene: Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to keep the teeth and the margins of the filling clean.
- Avoid Staining Substances: Just like natural teeth, composite fillings can become stained over time. Limiting coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco can help keep your restoration looking its best.
- Be Mindful of Hard Foods: Avoid chewing on ice, hard candies, or using your teeth as tools, as this can potentially chip the filling material.
- Schedule Regular Dental Check-ups: Routine exams and cleanings allow your dentist to monitor your fillings and ensure they are in good condition.
Tooth-coloured fillings offer a fantastic way to repair cavities without compromising the look of your smile. If you need a filling or are interested in replacing old metal fillings, talk to your dentist to see if composite resin is the right option for you.
