If it's been years since you had a cavity, you may not know about the latest advancements in filling technology. Tooth-colored fillings offered by your Homer, AK, dentist, Dr. James Bourne, provide a subtler way to restore teeth damaged by decay.
What are tooth-colored fillings?
The name says it all when it comes to tooth-colored fillings. Although you may picture silver amalgam fillings when you think about fillings, silver is no longer the only option when you have a cavity.
Tooth-colored fillings are made of composite resin, a substance comprised of powdered plastic and glass. Composite resin is extremely durable and can be tinted to match common tooth shades, making it an excellent filling material.
Tooth-colored fillings offer many benefits
Thanks to tooth-colored fillings, the rest of the world no longer needs to know that you've had dental work. In fact, no one will be able to see your fillings when you talk or laugh.
An improved appearance isn't the only advantage of tooth-colored fillings. Teeth filled with composite resin tend to be stronger because the material actually bonds to your tooth enamel.
Cracking, a problem that can occur when silver amalgam expands and contracts due to temperature fluctuations, isn't an issue with tooth-colored fillings. Composite resin doesn't change, even if you enjoy a frosty bowl or ice cream or drink a cup of hot coffee from your favorite Homer coffee shop. Since cracks can lead to new cavities and tooth fractures, this is a particularly important benefit of tooth-colored fillings.
Removing the decayed part of your tooth is an essential step if you have tooth decay, but the process can weaken your tooth. Fortunately, your dentist only needs to remove a small margin of healthy tooth structure when using tooth-colored fillings. This helps your tooth retain its strength and reduces the risk of a crack or fracture.
Your composite fillings won't become discolored with age or make your tooth look darker if your filling is large.
Protect your smile with tooth-colored fillings. Call your dentist in Homer, AK, Dr. Bourne, at (907) 235-8574 to schedule an appointment.