Tooth decay is a common problem and fillings are a way to restore the normal function and shape of a tooth after removing damaged portions of the tooth. A cavity is just a hole left by tooth decay, and treating it on time will prevent future damage to the healthy parts of the tooth. Newer kinds of dental filling materials also give dentists the opportunity to preserve a patient’s teeth and bite while making the restoration appear more natural in their smile.
What is cosmetic tooth Coloured fillings?
Tooth-colored fillings (also called composite resin) are made of non-toxic, plastic material that matches the color of a patient’s teeth. They are used to fill small- to mid-size cavities that need to withstand moderate pressure from chewing. They are also sometimes used to repair chipped teeth. They are particularly useful on front teeth that are visible to others.
Traditional metal amalgam fillings sit inside a cavity, meaning that in order to make a strong structural bond, the dentist has to remove some of the healthy tooth structure. This leaves the remaining part of the tooth weak and prone to cracking. Tooth coloured fillings, however, bond chemically to the remaining tooth structure and do not require any slots or grooves in healthy tooth structure to mechanically retain them.
While composite fillings are a great choice for restoring teeth that have been broken or damaged by decay, they are not the best solution for molars which experience a lot of wear and tear. For this reason, the dentist may suggest a more durable alternative to tooth coloured fillings such as porcelain inlays or onlays which are laboratory fabricated and require two visits to place.