A cavity or decay is the main reason for a dental visit. Every patient wants to feel comfortable, be without pain and have the decay stopped before it damages a valuable tooth.
In addition to the health of their teeth, many patients have a major concern for the appearance of fillings.
Having a mouthful of visible fillings can make patients self-conscious, and they may avoid smiling openly. Having multiple visible fillings could suggest that a person is unhealthy or that they have been irresponsible with their dental health. This, of course, may not be the case.
Ceramic and/or composite fillings solve this problem gracefully.
Tooth-colored fillings — sometimes also known as porcelain or composite restorations — are designed to match the color of the tooth or teeth they are used on, unlike fillings made of silver, gold or amalgamations of silver and other minerals.
Porcelain is the primary material used in ceramic fillings. It can be mixed to match the exact color and hue of any tooth. Ceramic fillings can be used in teeth that are under great chewing pressure such as molars and bicuspids.
Because of improved technologies such as “directed shrinkage” of the ceramic polymer material used to fill cavities, porcelain fillings are reliable and are fast becoming a standard dentistry material.
Composite fillings, which are a type of reinforced plastic, also do a wonderful job in restoring teeth in an esthetic manner. Conservative tooth preparation, following removal of decay, is a major advantage of these restorations, and it costs less than porcelain fillings. The porcelain fillings, however, are extremely durable and may last longer than composites.
A GOOD CHOICE
The biggest benefit of using either porcelain or composite fillings is the completely natural appearance of the repaired tooth or teeth once the procedure has been completed. Many patients are so happy with the appearance of their treated teeth that they may eventually have all their old fillings replaced with ceramic fillings.
Occasionally patients have an allergic reaction to the mixture of silver and other minerals in amalgam fillings.
In the past, mercury was an accepted material within amalgam fillings. Mercury is toxic as well as allergenic to some patients. Disposal of amalgam/silver mixing capsules used in making these fillings may also be harmful to the environment. Ceramic and composite fillings offer none of these potential dangers.
Ceramic fillings can be more resistant to stains and abrasions than conventional fillings and do not develop micro cracks and fissures. These cracks and fissures in amalgam fillings can lead to further decay within the sealed tooth where the cavity has existed. Additionally, their durability and strength means a reduced need for touch-up treatments over time, ultimately requiring fewer dental visits.
With all of these considerations, ceramic and composite fillings are stable, strong and aesthetic and may be the best choice in restoring decayed teeth to a healthy state.
