Tooth Coloured Fillings: What You Need to Know

Tooth-coloured fillings are quickly becoming a popular choice for people seeking both health and aesthetic benefits in dental restorations. 

Unlike traditional metal fillings, these modern fillings match the natural colour of teeth, making them a favourite among those who want their dental work to be as unobtrusive as possible. This aesthetic appeal is supported by strong, durable materials that provide effective protection against further decay.

Made from composite resins, tooth coloured fillings offer a blend of practical benefits while enhancing the appearance of your smile. They bond well to the teeth, adding strength and support to the remaining structure. This feature not only helps in maintaining the tooth’s integrity but also ensures a longer-lasting solution compared to some old-fashioned options.

Choosing tooth coloured fillings can make a big difference in oral health and self-confidence. Understanding what they are and how they work can help you decide if they’re the best choice for you. 

With that in mind, read on as we xplore the world of tooth coloured fillings and see how they can improve your dental health and appearance.

What Are Tooth Coloured Fillings? Understanding Their Composition and Function

Tooth coloured fillings, also known as composite fillings, are a popular choice for repairing cavities and restoring teeth to their natural look. Made from a blend of plastic resin and fine glass particles, these fillings mimic the natural colour of your teeth. This makes them an ideal option for those who desire a seamless smile without any noticeable dental work.

The composition of tooth coloured fillings allows them to bond directly to the tooth structure. This bonding process not only supports and strengthens the tooth but also provides a tight seal that helps prevent further decay. The versatility of the composite material means it can be used in both front and back teeth, offering flexibility in dental treatments.

Functionally, tooth-coloured fillings are effective for repairing decayed, cracked, or broken teeth. Because they can match any tooth shade, they offer an aesthetic advantage while maintaining the functionality of your teeth. This ensures that your restored teeth perform well in everyday tasks such as chewing and speaking.

Tooth coloured fillings are a strong and durable choice, capable of withstanding the normal wear and tear of daily life. By choosing these fillings, you maintain the integrity and appearance of your smile, enhancing both confidence and oral health.

Advantages of Choosing Tooth Coloured Fillings for Oral Health and Aesthetics

Tooth coloured fillings provide several advantages that make them a preferred choice for many individuals concerned with both aesthetics and functionality. One of the primary benefits is their natural appearance. These fillings blend seamlessly with the existing teeth, making them much less noticeable than traditional metal fillings.

In addition to their pleasing look, tooth coloured fillings offer significant protection for your teeth. The bonding process used to secure the composite material aids in reducing the chance of tooth fracture. Because these fillings are able to conform precisely to the cavity, they offer excellent support and resilience.

Another advantage is the minimal removal of tooth structure required for placement. This allows more of the natural tooth to remain intact during the procedure, which contributes to long-term oral health. The less invasive nature of the procedure also results in reduced sensitivity following treatment.

When it comes to durability, tooth coloured fillings are strong and last for many years with proper maintenance. They resist temperature-related changes, such as expansion and contraction, which is beneficial in preventing cracks and leaks.

Selecting tooth coloured fillings is not just a cosmetic decision; it’s also a choice grounded in practicality and dental health. They stand out as an excellent option for anyone looking to maintain a fully functional and visually appealing smile.

Comparing Tooth Coloured Fillings with Traditional Metal Fillings: Pros and Cons

Tooth coloured fillings and traditional metal fillings serve the same purpose—restoring decayed teeth. Understanding their differences can help you make informed choices about your dental treatments.

Tooth Coloured Fillings:

  • Aesthetics: These blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, providing a more attractive and subtle appearance.
  • Bonding Ability: They bond directly to the tooth structure, enhancing strength and preserving more of the natural tooth.
  • Versatility: Useful in both front and back teeth repairs due to their durability and aesthetic appeal.

Traditional Metal Fillings:

  • Durability: Often lasting longer due to their strong material, making them suitable for high-pressure chewing surfaces.
  • Cost-effective: Generally less expensive initially, which could be a consideration for some budgets.

Cons of Tooth Coloured Fillings:

  • Cost: They can be more expensive than metal fillings.
  • Longevity: May not last as long in some cases, depending upon the location and function.

Cons of Traditional Metal Fillings:

  • Visual Impact: These fillings are visible when you talk or smile, which some people might find unattractive.
  • Tooth Discolouration: Can cause tooth discolouration over time due to metal exposure.

Knowing these differences helps in choosing the right type to suit your dental needs and aesthetic preferences.

Caring for Tooth Coloured Fillings: Tips for Maintenance and Longevity

Taking care of your tooth coloured fillings ensures their longevity and performance, maintaining both their function and aesthetic appeal. Proper care can extend the life of these fillings and keep your smile looking natural.

1. Daily Oral Hygiene:

  • Brush Regularly: Use a fluoride toothpaste twice a day to prevent decay around your fillings.
  • Floss Daily: Flossing helps remove plaque and debris from between your teeth, reducing the risk of decay near the fillings.

2. Professional Dental Care:

  • Regular Check-Ups: Visit your dentist for regular cleanings and check-ups to monitor the condition of your fillings.
  • Prompt Attention: Report any signs of wear or damage promptly to your dentist for early intervention.

3. Dietary Considerations:

  • Avoid Hard Foods: Chewing on ice or hard foods can crack the fillings, reducing their lifespan.
  • Limit Sugary Foods: Excessive sugar promotes decay, impacting the edges of your fillings.

4. Lifestyle Habits:

  • Avoid Staining Beverages: Such as coffee, tea, and red wine, which can discolour the fillings over time.
  • Quitting Smoking: Smoking can stain teeth and fillings, degrading their appearance.

By following these care tips, your tooth coloured fillings can last a long time, providing dependable and aesthetic results. Regular dental visits and good hygiene are key to their maintenance.

Conclusion

Tooth coloured fillings offer a modern alternative to traditional metal fillings, providing both aesthetic and functional benefits. As dental technologies advance, these fillings become an appealing choice for those seeking restorative treatments that match natural teeth while ensuring strength and durability.

At Pickering Dental Services, we are committed to helping you achieve and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. If you’re considering tooth coloured fillings or other dental services, contact us today. 

Our experienced team of the best dentists in Pickering is ready to guide you through your options and provide quality care tailored to your needs. Let us help you enhance your oral health and boost your confidence with a smile that shines!

Top 5 Signs You May Have a Cavity

Did you know that almost 100 percent of the adults in the world suffer from some form of tooth decay every year? Additionally, somewhere between 60 and 90 percent of kids suffer from tooth decay as well.

Tooth decay can, unfortunately, lead to cavities. And if cavities are left untreated for a long period of time, they can lead to even more serious oral health issues.

No matter how old you are, it’s important for you to keep a close eye out for cavity symptoms. It’ll allow you to avoid the potentially dangerous consequences that can come along with cavities.

Here are 5 signs that’ll let you know you may have a cavity.

1. Unexplained Toothaches

Do you have a toothache that just popped up out of nowhere? This is one of the most common cavity symptoms.

In some cases, you might have a dull, throbbing toothache that just won’t seem to go away. In others, you might have a toothache that comes and goes and seems to affect you most when you’re eating and drinking.

Either way, a toothache is an obvious sign of a cavity and should be investigated further.

2. Tooth Sensitivity

There are some people who have more sensitive teeth than others. Food and drinks that are hot, cold, sweet, acidic, and sticky may bother them almost all the time.

But if you notice that your teeth are suddenly sensitive to any of these things without warning, it could be because of a cavity. A dentist can check out your teeth to see what is causing your tooth sensitivity.

3. Noticeable Holes in Teeth

If you think you might have a cavity, use a flashlight to shine some light into your mouth and look at the area that’s giving you trouble.

Can you see any small holes in any of your teeth? If so, those holes are cavities that need to be filled.

You can’t always spot a cavity in your mouth, even if it’s a bad one. But many times, it’ll be possible to see cavities as they develop.

4. Tooth Discoloration

It’s not uncommon to see someone who drinks a lot of coffee or wine to experience discoloration in their teeth. But in these instances, all of their teeth will be a shade darker than they used to be.

Tooth discoloration tied to a cavity will usually only affect a small portion of a single tooth. You may see a spot that is slightly whiter than the rest of your teeth or a spot that has turned brown or black.

5. Pain When Biting Down

Do you feel pain when you bite down, even when you don’t have anything in your mouth?

You could very well have a cavity that is affecting the root of one of your teeth. It’s essential for you to get to a dentist as soon as possible for this type of cavity as it could start to take a toll on the bone underneath your teeth.

Seek Treatment If You Experience Any of These Cavity Symptoms

By learning how to tell if you have a cavity and picking up on cavity symptoms, you can prevent cavities from wreaking havoc on your oral health.

The key is catching decay and cavities at the early and preventative stages. This may save you from having to go through extensive dental procedures to fix your teeth and keep your teeth and health in better shape overall.

Contact us to schedule an appointment with a dentist if you suspect you might have a cavity.

 

How to Strengthen Tooth Enamel

Enamel is the protective coating that surrounds your teeth, the natural armor that protects a tooth from damage, infection, and other harmful effects.  The bad news is that if you’re enamel is weakened or otherwise burned away, it can cause increased sensitivity, discoloration, and cracks, and can end up leading to severe pain and cupping.  The good news is that even with significant damage your enamel can be repaired, and you can take proper care to ensure that it becomes stronger than ever.  Here are some tips to keep your enamel strong.

Diet

Stay away from too many sugary foods, especially ones with extra sugar added, and be particularly wary of sticky snacks like caramel that can cause damage even after you think you’ve finished eating it.  Acidic food and drinks, which can include diet soft drinks, are best consumed in moderation as well, but if you want to drink acidic beverages consider a straw so that less contact is made with your enamel.   Of importance, keep in mind whenever it’s possible rinse with water if you’re not able to brush and floss after sugary treats, acidic foods or beverages.

After Meals

Make sure to rinse with or drink some plain-old refreshing water after you eat, to better wash off any particulates that may be left – plus a little more hydration won’t hurt either.  It’s also important to give your enamel time to repair itself after each meal which means all-day ‘grazing’ is not good, and with sugary food, extremely detrimental. 

Keys to Rebuilding

Tooth decay can eat away at the minerals in your teeth causing damage and cavities.  This damage can be repaired through a process called remineralization.  Fluoride is a major asset in remineralization, so just brushing with fluoridated toothpaste 2-3 times a day can already be a big help.  In terms of diet, you can assist your mouth’s natural willingness to heal itself with leafy vegetables, protein, and dairy.  Saliva is also a major component to strong dental health – which is why when chewing gum, make it sugar-free gum as it is recommended by dental professionals.

Keeping your enamel strong can be an easy mix of good dental hygiene and some smarter diet choices.  Strong enamel means strong teeth, and that means big smiles all around.  If, for whatever reason, you’re not happy with your smile or your dental health contact our team at Pickering Square Dental and we’ll be happy to help with any questions or concerns you may have.