Natural Colored Dental Fillings? Yes, They Do Exist!
If you were born before the 1990’s, chances are that your mouth is “decorated” with silvery gray fillings that you have accumulated over the years. Throughout the 1900’s gold fillings were common and into the present time, dental amalgam became the norm. Dental amalgam is composed of a mixture of metals, including liquid mercury and a powdered alloy composed of silver, tin, and copper. Though durable and cost effective, there are some health concerns related to the use of dental amalgam.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), dental amalgam “releases low levels of mercury in the form of a vapor that can be inhaled and absorbed by the lungs. Exposure to elevated levels of mercury vapor, which may occur in some occupational settings, has been associated with adverse effects in the brain and the kidney.”
Since the 1970s, however, dentists have had at their disposition an alternative technology for fillings. White fillings, or tooth-colored fillings, were first developed in the 1970s, became more technologically advanced in the 1980s, and became widely available in the 1990s and 2000s. Today, tooth-colored fillings are commonly used to naturally conceal cavities. Tooth colored fillings are preferred by dentists and individuals due to their aesthetic appearance, and the technology behind these fillings make for an excellent alternative to fill cavities in both the front and back teeth.
What are Tooth Colored Fillings Made From?
In the end, the best dental filling is no dental filling. Proper dental hygiene, consistent brushing and flossing, and regular visits to your dental care provider can help you avoid cavities, and thus avoid having to decide between the different tooth filling colors available to you.
However, when cavities do occur, most people today tend to prefer tooth-colored fillings due to the cosmetic appearance. Tooth colored fillings are made from composite resins. These fillings will provide adequate durability and can effectively protect the tooth from small to mid-size fillings. Composite resin can be used for both the front and back teeth, and they allow people to “conceal” their fillings, as the composite resin will resemble the natural color of the tooth.
Some Potential Considerations with Tooth Colored Fillings
The main benefits of opting for tooth-colored fillings are:
- The most natural finish possible
- A cosmetic appearance that makes your fillings unnoticeable
- The elimination of mercury-related health concerns.
However, it is important to note that composite fillings may cost slightly more than amalgam fillings. In some cases, tooth-colored fillings may not be covered by some insurance plans.
When you visit your dentist to get a tooth-colored filling, it may also take slightly longer to place the composite resin in the cavity. Composite fillings require that the tooth and cavity area be kept clean and extremely dry while the cavity is being filled.
Concierge Dental Group: The Best Option for Every Tooth Filling Material
Here at Concierge Dental Group, we are proud to be able to provide personalized treatment for each of our patients. From a baby´s first tooth to dental implants for senior citizens, we know that taking care of your teeth is a lifelong responsibility. To that end, we emphasize lasting relationships and proficient treatment options. When you come to us with a cavity that needs to be filled, our dental professionals will let you know the pros and cons regarding the different options available to you. Our professional staff have years of experience in using all diverse types of filling material. We can ensure that whatever type of filling you choose, the filling will be durable and cosmetically attractive.
We know that our clients lead busy, hectic lives. Thus, we offer flexibility in scheduling so that you can make an appointment at a time that fits your schedule. To fulfill your need for excellent results, we perform a comprehensive consultation that will help us develop the most appropriate treatment plan.
We have offices in Williamsville, Clarence, Lancaster, and West Seneca, thus enabling us to offer the best dental care for people in all Western New York. Call us today at (716) 333-3333 to schedule your appointment, or book a free consultation here. You will be glad you did. We look forward to seeing you smile!