Why Modern Fillings Are Tooth-Colored

Modern dental treatments are typically designed to do more than just treat your teeth, but also to do so in a highly lifelike and biocompatible manner. The good news for patients who experience cavities is that includes modern tooth fillings, which used to be made most often from metal amalgam. Today, cavities can be treated without leaving a metallic shine in their wake, helping you preserve your smile’s healthy appearance after treating your cavity. However, when it comes to treating progressive tooth decay, the benefits of tooth-colored fillings include much more than just their appearance.

The material looks more natural

While it isn’t the only benefit of tooth-colored fillings, the ability to blend in with your smile is a significant one. Metal amalgam used to be the preferred filling material mainly because of its durability. The strength of the amalgam gave fillings the strength to withstand immense amounts of bite pressure. However, their appearance meant having a cavity would visibly impact your smile long after you’ve treated it, which is considered a drawback to many patients. Modern fillings are made from a more biocompatible composite resin containing finely ground acrylic and quartz-like particles that can be customized to match the color and shade of your tooth.

Composite resin bonds better to teeth

Once composite resin is custom-tinted to your tooth’s color and shade, it can be bonded more securely to your tooth structure than metal amalgam. This is important for several reasons, including the prevention of your filling failing under the pressures of your bite. The stronger, more secure bond can improve the overall quality of restoration, as well, ensuring that it restores your tooth more effectively and offers better protection against harmful oral bacteria in the future.

They offer better protection long-term

The point of a tooth filling isn’t just to fill a cavity, but also to protect the tooth that’s affected by it. The tooth decay that causes a cavity to form is the result of harmful bacteria that are always present in your mouth. To prevent the tooth from becoming further infected, the filling must protect the exposed tooth structure from these bacteria. Composite resin’s ability to bond more securely to your tooth structure helps improve the quality of this protection for your tooth.

Treat your cavity with a tooth-colored filling

The good news about modern tooth fillings is that they aren’t just tinted to match your teeth, but also made from a more biocompatible and protective material. To learn more, schedule an appointment by calling Yelena Popkova D.D.S. in Merrimack, NH, today at 603-595-9400. We also serve the residents of Nashua, Hudson, Manchester, Milford, and all surrounding communities.