Tooth-Colored Fillings – Millersville, MD
Metal-Free Solutions for Repairing Cavities
In years past, cavities were traditionally filled with a combination of metal materials. Unfortunately, these shiny silver fillings are quite noticeable and can even damage your teeth in the long run. Thankfully, we offer metal-free solutions for repairing cavities in the form of tooth-colored fillings. This treatment offers a safe, esthetically pleasing way to get your oral health back on track. If you or a loved one has a cavity, don’t hesitate to contact our dentist and team right away for tooth-colored fillings in Millersville, MD.
What are Tooth-Colored Fillings Made Of?
Tooth-colored fillings are typically crafted from composite resin. This putty-like material is made of plastic, ceramics, and glass to give these fillings an incredibly life-like appearance. However, they’re also durable enough to withstand the pressure of talking and chewing, so they can be used to fill small to medium cavities in both the front and back of the mouth. Unlike amalgam (silver) fillings, they can be shaded to match the exact color of your natural teeth, allowing them to blend into your smile seamlessly.
How Are Tooth-Colored Fillings Placed?
In almost every case, tooth-colored fillings can be placed in a single, easy visit. To ensure you’re as comfortable as possible throughout the entire treatment, your Millersville dentist will completely numb the area. Next, the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and the decayed portions are removed. Then, a special solution is applied to the area where your filling will go to help the bonding process.
Once the perfect shade of your tooth-colored filling has been created, the composite resin is applied and shaped onto the prepared tooth. Once it has been carefully sculpted into place, its hardened by a special curing light. After your tooth-colored filling has been smoothed and polished, you’re ready to enjoy your beautiful, healthy smile!
What Are the Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings?
Metal-free tooth-colored fillings are popular among both patients and dentists alike when it comes to treating cavities. These composite resin fillings offer a variety of advantages over amalgam fillings, like:
- Life-like appearance: Many patients choose tooth-colored fillings for their cosmetic appeal. Once placed, your new filling will be practically indistinguishable from the rest of your teeth.
- Preserves more natural tooth structure: Composite resin is more malleable and easier to bond to teeth than amalgam fillings are, which means less tooth structure needs to be removed.
- Won’t react to hot or cold temperatures: Unlike composite resin fillings, metal fillings can sometimes change shape and damage the tooth when exposed to very hot or cold temperatures.
- Safe, mercury-free materials: Tooth-colored fillings are 100% mercury-free and an ideal choice for those with allergies or sensitivities to metal materials.
- Lasting lifespan: With adequate at-home oral hygiene and routine dental checkups, you can easily expect your tooth-colored filling to last 10-15 years or longer!
Do you have a cavity that needs to be treated? Are you interested in replacing your amalgam fillings with metal-free ones? Give us a call today to repair your smile with tooth-colored fillings in Millersville!