Tooth-Colored Fillings – Middletown, Delaware
A Lifelike Repair for Dental Decay
Although brushing and flossing twice daily can help prevent common dental issues, there’s no guarantee that you’ll never develop a problem. For instance, you might develop cavities in hidden places, like between teeth or behind your molars.
Dentists historically relied on amalgam, or silver, fillings to help protect and preserve damaged enamel, but today, our team offers a lifelike repair for dental decay with tooth-colored fillings. Continue reading to learn more about this standard service and how it works so you know what to expect, and please contact us if you’d like to schedule an appointment.
Why Choose Dental Associates of Delaware for Tooth-Colored Fillings?
- Customizable, Tooth-Colored Materials
- Restore Your Tooth’s Function & Appearance
- Advanced Technology to Improve Comfort & Accuracy
What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings?
In the past, dentists used mixtures of powdered metals combined with liquid mercury as a binding agent to fill sections of lost enamel so patients could continue eating, speaking, and smiling normally. However, these materials can cause sensitivity, allergies, expand and contract with temperature changes to cause additional damage, or leave teeth looking dark or dirty.
Today, our team uses more biocompatible, tooth-colored composite resin instead. This option can be customized to match the shade of your natural enamel for beautiful results that are less likely to result in sensitivity or other issues.
The Process of Getting a Tooth-Colored Filling
You must consult one of our providers first to determine the extent of the harm done and whether a tooth-colored filling is right for you. If so, our team will prepare the tooth by clearing away any damaged or decayed sections of enamel and gently disinfecting it to remove hidden bacteria.
Then, we’ll carefully apply the color-matched composite resin directly to your enamel in layers to rebuild your tooth, then harden it by exposing it to ultraviolet light. This causes it to harden and bond with the protective outer layer of your tooth. Finally, we’ll remove any excess material and polish the results, so you leave with a beautifully restored smile.
The Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings
There are several advantages of repairing cavities with tooth-colored fillings, such as:
- Customizable materials. The composite resin can be crafted to resemble your enamel for seamless results.
- Biocompatible solution. These are less likely than amalgam restorations to trigger sensitivity, allergies, or other concerns.
- Preserve your tooth. They bond directly to your enamel, helping preserve more of its natural structure and strength.
- Boosted confidence. Knowing that no one is likely to notice your filling can help maintain healthy self-esteem.
- Resilient results. They can last 5 to 10+ years, often as long as traditional amalgam fillings.