Historically, dentists relied on fillings made from amalgam mixtures of metal designed to be strong enough to withstand the force of daily biting and chewing. Although they are quite durable, these repairs can leave teeth looking dark or dirty, which can make you feel self-conscious about the state of your smile. Sometimes, they can even cause dental sensitivity, especially when eating anything too hot or cold.
Today, most providers utilize resilient, tooth-colored materials to repair damaged enamel instead. If you have outdated amalgam restorations, continue reading to learn 3 convincing reasons to have them replaced with more lifelike fillings!
Reason #1: Boost Your Confidence
Restorations made from metallic materials may be incredibly durable, but they won’t do much to improve your appearance. They can cause the enamel of your treated tooth to appear several shades darker than its neighbors, which can draw unwanted attention. You might even worry about being judged for your flawed appearance.
Meanwhile, replacing outdated fillings with contemporary composite resin allows your dentist to provide a customizable solution for more seamless results. The tooth-colored material can be designed to resemble your natural enamel for beautiful repairs that improve your self-esteem rather than detract from it.
Reason #2: Long-Lasting Repair
Are you concerned that your tooth-colored filling might not last as long as its amalgam counterpart? After all, metal fillings can last about 10 to 15 years if they’re properly maintained. It’s natural to want to enjoy the many benefits it provides for as long as possible, and you might worry that replacing it with a tooth-colored version might result in a less durable outcome.
But thankfully, that’s not always the case! Composite resin fillings can also last about 10 years, as long as they are properly cared for, meaning they often have an equivalent lifespan to metallic restorations.
Reason #3: Preserve More Enamel
Amalgam materials don’t bond with your natural enamel, so for them to remain put, additional notches must be carved into this protective outer layer. Unfortunately, metal expands and contracts with temperature changes, which can erode the structure of teeth treated with metallic fillings.
Fortunately, the FDA-approved composite resin that’s used for tooth-colored repairs helps preserve the structure of your tooth to avoid potential problems. This putty-like material is applied in layers to rebuild damaged sections of enamel. Then, it is hardened in place with an ultraviolet curing light, bonding directly with the surface of your tooth to restore its appearance and functionality.
If you have additional questions about the benefits of tooth-colored fillings, you can learn more by scheduling a consultation with your dentist!
About the Practice
Patients at Dental Designs of Maryland benefit from two dentists eager to help them build and maintain the healthiest, most beautiful versions of their smiles. Dr. Weng and Dr. Santos are both highly accomplished individually, and they collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services to meet your unique needs all under one roof. Their dedicated, compassionate approach is combined with advanced technology to deliver accurate results intended to last. You can request an appointment on the website or call (410) 931-9400.