What is Composite?
Tooth-colored fillings or composite resins are made of a plastic and ceramic compound. The color of the resin mimics the color of natural teeth which helps it blend in. You may have heard tooth-colored fillings called composite. Most patients don’t even recognize the dental filling in their mouth because it’s so natural looking and effective for restoring fractured or decayed teeth. In some cases, the damage might be too severe for composite. If this is the case, we will recommend inlays or onlays or a dental crown instead.
Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings
When you opt for tooth-colored fillings, you’re opening yourself up to experience a handful of amazing benefits.
- Nearly Invisible – The fillings easily blend in with your natural teeth since they’re the same color.
- Preserves More Tooth Structure – Resin’s flexibility means less drilling is required to place the filling, which means you get to retain a more natural tooth structure.
- Easy Adhesion – Composite resin easily bonds to the surface of your tooth.
- Reduce Sensitivity – When drinking hot or cold beverages, the composite resin shrinks or expands with your tooth which can prevent tooth sensitivity that normally comes with silver fillings.
- Repairable – If your filling becomes damaged, we can repair it instead of replacing it.
- Safe – There are no health concerns associated with composite fillings (like mercury poisoning).
- Hardens Quickly – After we apply the filling to your tooth, we use a special light to quickly harden the material within seconds.
What’s the Difference Between Metal and Tooth Colored?
Although both accomplish the same results, they have many differences. Silver fillings actually contain metal alloy – not silver. Mercury is part of the metal alloy. Although there are no proven studies that suggest metal is unsafe or cause mercury poisoning, opting for tooth-colored can help you avoid mercury exposure.
Metal fillings are also more noticeable and can cause problems for those who have allergies or sensitivities to metal. Metal also require us to remove more natural tooth structure to place them. Since they don’t bond to the teeth, they will also not expand or shrink with the teeth with temperature or pressure changes. This can cause more tooth sensitivity.
Dental Fillings Procedure
During your routine dental exam, we will examine for any signs of tooth decay. Sometimes, we won’t see them with our naked eye but they will show up on your dental x-rays. If we do notice any signs of tooth decay, we will numb your tooth with local anesthetic and remove the decay with a drill. You won’t notice any pain during the procedure. After we remove the decay, we will apply the composite resin to the hole in your tooth and then use a special light to harden the material. Once we harden the material, we will smooth out your tooth to make sure there are no rough spots. In just a short appointment, your tooth will be back to health and looking and feeling great!
Schedule an Appointment for Tooth-Colored Fillings in Miami Beach
Do you have a cavity or have metal fillings you would like to replace? Our cosmetic dentists at SoBe Dentist can provide you with natural-looking tooth-colored fillings at our Miami Beach dental office. Call us today at (305) 535-2225.
