
Most people will have at least one filling in their mouth, and the materials used can make a huge difference as to whether or not this filling is easily detectable. In the past fillings in back teeth were constructed out of amalgam due to its relative strength and ability to withstand chewing and biting forces. Amalgam is a silver coloured material with a high mercury content which has led to some concerns as to its safety. In addition its use can create darker areas in the mouth that almost look as if the tooth is stained. Composite white fillings tended to only be used for filling front teeth, as the earlier materials were not particularly strong.
Composite Resin Fillings Are the Healthiest and Most Modern Choice
Thankfully technology has now advanced, and nowadays composite resin fillings are much stronger than even a few years ago, and can be used to replace relatively large areas of decay. Composite resin is a tooth coloured material that bonds well with the natural tooth structure. It is a healthy way to repair teeth as tooth preparation is minimal, ensuring the maximum amount of healthy tooth structure is preserved. Your dentist will be able to closely match the colour of the composite resin to your natural teeth, and may even choose to use several different colours or shades to construct your filling. The final result can be a filling that has the depth and translucency of a natural tooth and which will blend in extremely well with your remaining teeth.
Replacing composite fillings is also a quick and easy way to have a mini smile makeover, as the material does become stained after a few years, and all fillings will need replacing periodically. If you do have any older amalgam fillings in your mouth then it’s worth discussing this issue with your dentist. They may not necessarily advocate replacing them for the sake of it, but most people will choose to eventually replace failing or leaky amalgams with more modern composite fillings.
Composite resin is an excellent material and is extremely versatile as it can also be used to mend small chips and cracks in the front teeth, and can modify a tooth shape and size in a process called dental bonding. This technique is not expensive, and may be a viable alternative to having dental veneers. However it’s always worth bearing in mind that composite does stain, and you may notice any restorations becoming discoloured after a few years.
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