Why We Use Tooth-Colored Fillings
If you are wondering why we use tooth-colored fillings there are many reasons. The most apparent reason is that tooth-colored fillings are a naturally white material that will not stand out when used on your dentition. The material can also be tinted to match the unique color of your teeth, because not all teeth are the same color and hue. But there are more reasons than that, and today we are happy to answer your questions regarding why we choose to use tooth-colored fillings.
Q and A:
Q: What's wrong with using the standard silver metal fillings?
A: Silver amalgam fillings have been used for decades. Other than the most apparent reason, their conspicuousness, their use has also met with controversy for years due to the fact that they consist of mercury. Silver fillings are an amalgam, or mixture, of tin, copper, silver, and mercury. Mercury makes up about 50 percent of the silver metal filling and is used to bind the metals together.
Q: Are there other drawbacks to metal fillings?
A: Metal fillings expand and contract in response to heat and cold. This can present serious problems. Contracting can make the filling come loose, but expanding can cause worse damage by cracking or breaking the tooth. Composite resin fillings do not expand or contract.
Metal fillings also do not conform to the walls of your cavity as effectively as resin fillings. Because of this, there is more chance of further invasion by cavity-causing bacteria.
Q: Are tooth-colored fillings as strong as metal fillings?
A: Tooth-colored fillings are a composite resin material that is a mixture of plastic and glass. When this material was first introduced it was only strong enough for use on front teeth. Today, however, due to several advancements, the material is strong enough to be used on back molars as well.
Q: Is there anything else I should know regarding tooth-colored fillings?
A: Because tooth-colored fillings conform to the shape of your cavity and are bonded to your cavity walls, they actually strengthen the structure of your tooth.