The thing about cavities is that nearly everyone will experience at least one of them in their permanent teeth. But today, treating a cavity is typically simple, involving little more than cleaning and filling the cavity to restore and protect the tooth. With tooth-colored fillings, the result is not only a stronger and healthier tooth, but also one that retains its natural, healthy appearance. The thing about tooth-colored fillings is that they not only blend in discreetly with your natural teeth, but can also do a better job of treating and preserving a tooth that’s been stricken with a cavity.
How does a tooth filling treat a cavity?
Cavities and tooth decay are byproducts of excessive plaque and tartar buildup. When the oral bacteria in plaque and tartar accumulate, they attack and weaken tooth enamel, allowing the bacteria to infect the tooth’s main structure. As the decay develops and spreads, it leaves a growing cavity in its wake. A filling literally fills the cavity after your dentist has cleaned away the bacteria and decay, restoring the tooth’s structural integrity and protecting its now-exposed main structure from further infection.
Are resin fillings really invisible?
Tooth-colored composite resin, which is the material used for tooth-colored fillings, can be tinted to match the individual color and shade of your tooth. The resin conforms precisely to the shape of the cavity, and once it’s hardened with a curing light, the filling will remain in place, virtually indistinguishable from your natural tooth structure.
Will a tooth-colored filling really work?
Despite the fact that metal amalgam is tougher, composite resin fillings can still provide equal or greater long-term protection for your tooth. Unlike metal, tooth-colored fillings can be securely bonded to the surrounding tooth structure, and they don’t change their shape over time the way metal can. In most cases, tooth-colored fillings aren’t just better looking, but also a better investment in the life of your smile.