Tooth-Colored Fillings – Kittanning, PA

Metal VS Tooth-Colored Fillings

For generations, dentists have used metal amalgam to reverse tooth decay. The main advantage of using metal materials is that they’re both durable and affordable, making them a cost-effective long-term solution. However, the tradeoff is that the tooth has a much darker appearance and will stand out whenever you laugh or smile. Furthermore, metal fillings that contain mercury that, when released in the form of a vapor, could eventually contribute to brain and kidney problems.

For the above reasons, tooth-colored fillings have grown in popularity in recent years as a beautiful, healthier alternative to metal fillings. They’re made out of a mixture of fine glass and plastic particles referred to as composite resin. This material can be shaded and molded to match your enamel so that it looks like a natural part of the tooth. In addition to the aesthetic advantages, it will also protect the tooth for a decade or longer provided you give it proper care.

The Dental Filling Process

First, the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and dried. Then a weak acid is used to open up the pores of the enamel so that the filling can be directly applied to the decayed area. The composite resin will be customized to match the color of your tooth beforehand, and it will be carefully sculpted before being hardened with a special dental light. Since the material bonds directly to the tooth itself, no undercutting is necessary. Once the filling is in place, it will be smoothed and polished before you leave our dental office with a fully refreshed and restored grin.

What are the Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings?

Tooth-colored fillings have several advantages over traditional fillings. Firstly, as the name suggests, they blend into your smile better. In fact, we’ll take the extra time to make sure your filling is perfectly color-matched for you. Plus, it is actually better at restoring your teeth as well. Metal fillings don’t actually bond to your enamel, meaning your dentist would have to remove more of your tooth to create a pocket for it to sit in. This significantly weakens your tooth and makes it more likely to break over time. Tooth-colored fillings, however, bond directly to your enamel, meaning more of your tooth’s natural structure is left intact. This means the tooth will look better, last longer, and you’ll get an overall better result.