Tooth Colored Fillings
Inlays and Onlays are tooth-colored restorations that are used in place of silver fillings on the chewing surfaces of back teeth. Unlike silver fillings made from metals that may cause further damage to teeth, these cosmetic fillings look extremely natural and typically require that far less of the tooth be removed.
Tooth-colored Fillings
Author:
Patricia Woloch
What are tooth-colored fillings?
Tooth colored fillings, or white fillings, are fillings that match your natural teeth in color, feel and translucence. Tooth colored fillings are also referred to as composites because they are composed of a complex composite of plastic and zirconia/silica.
Tooth-colored fillings were introduced in the 1960’s and have undergone continual improvements in durability, color stability, and aesthetics.
Tooth-colored fillings are actually bonded to the teeth compared to the traditional metal fillings, which are not.
What are the advantages of tooth-colored fillings?
In addition to being more attractive, tooth-colored fillings offer many advantages over traditional metal fillings. These advantages include:
· Teeth restored with tooth-colored fillings are much less sensitive to hot and cold than teeth restored with metal fillings.
· Tooth-colored fillings do not contain mercury, which is considered by many to be a potentially toxic substance.
· Tooth-colored fillings require less removal of the tooth structure, leaving the tooth stronger
· Because tooth-colored fillings bond to the tooth, they can restore most of the original strength of the tooth making them more resistant to fracture, while silver weakens teeth and makes them more susceptible to breaking.
· Tooth-colored fillings restore the natural appearance of teeth and are more attractive and healthy in appearance.
How do tooth-colored fillings look?
Tooth-colored fillings look just like your natural teeth. They come in a variety of colors so that they can be exactly matched to your individual tooth color. Usually a different type of material is used for front and back teeth. The materials used for front teeth have a more shiny appearance while the materials for back teeth are designed for strength.
How long will they last?
Tooth-colored fillings are harder and more durable than traditional metal fillings. A small filling could conceivably last your lifetime, while larger fillings can be expected to last many years. The factors that determine the life span of a particular filling include the tooth itself, the size of the filling relative to the tooth and how teeth are cleaned and maintained daily.
How will they feel?
A new filling should feel natural, like your other teeth. After the anesthesia has worn away and you can feel your teeth again, you should not notice any difference from your natural teeth. The tooth-colored filling should feel smooth and comfortable.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/dental-care-articles/toothcolored-fillings-675780.html
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If you are in the Portland, Oregon area and would like to see if tooth-colored fillings are right for you, please contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.
Tooth-colored Fillings: Disguise Your Cavities
Author:
Randall
If diagnosed with cavities and you\’d rather avoid any noticeable metallic in your mouth, you\’re in luck. Tooth-colored fillings, or composite restorations, are a more attractive and safer alternative to traditional metal amalgam fillings. By exactly matching composite fillings with the natural color of your teeth, your local dentist is able to provide you with white fillings that are virtually invisible. You can also use these white fillings to replace older amalgam fillings, giving you whiter teeth which show a brighter, silver-free smile.
These fillings are made of composite resin and serve to fill cavities just like silver amalgam fillings. However, tooth-colored fillings represent the true color of your teeth. As the availability of white fillings increase and the possible dangers associated with amalgam fillings grow, more and more patients want their cavities filled with this aesthetically-pleasing option. In addition, these more effective fillings are compatible with dental sealants. A tooth can be filled and sealed at the same time to prevent further decay, thus improving your overall oral health.
When a new cavity or decay needs filling, the vast majority of patients now choose tooth-colored composite fillings. Moreover, while having this simple procedure done, patients commonly request their dentist to remove and replace their already-in-place amalgam fillings. Ridding your mouth of the unsightly silver enables you to embrace your new, confident smile.
Aside from creating a more beautiful smile, tooth-colored fillings are also healthier than the previous option. Silver amalgam fillings contain about 50 percent mercury, a chemical that has been scientifically shown to be more toxic than lead, cadmium or arsenic. The likelihood of mercury leaking from these fillings over time has prompted a movement toward mercury-free dentistry. The mercury in silver amalgam fillings is thought to leave the filling and enter the organs of the body in small amounts throughout the patient\’s lifetime. Some medical practitioners believe this mercury is causing physical and psychological problems in patients, including neurodegenerative diseases, birth defects and mental disorders.
To determine if tooth-colored fillings are right for your smile, contact Dr. McCarty\’s Austin dentist office today. His qualified staff will gladly answer any questions or concerns you may have about this cosmetic dentistry option. New clients are offered a free initial consultation, so what are you waiting for?
Source: http://www.austinsmiles.com
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/dental-care-articles/tooth-colored-fillings-disguise-your-cavities-3354633.html
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