
Remember back to the days when you received the news that you needed a dental filling and you had a metal amalgam filling placed? Whenever you smiled or laughed that tooth stood out from the rest. Well, gone are the days of unsightly metal fillings marring your smile! Your dentist in Gaithersburg shares a few ways that tooth-colored fillings benefit you.
Aesthetics
First and foremost are the aesthetics we just talked about. Tooth-colored fillings are made of composite resin which can be custom shaded to match your tooth, which means that it blends flawlessly with your smile. No one will ever notice your dental fillings again!
Durability
Composite resin is a durable material that is bonded directly to your tooth, so it adds strength to your tooth, unlike metal fillings that would eventually pull away from it due to the constant temperature changes in your mouth. When a metal filling breaks away from your tooth, bacteria is allowed back inside causing additional decay, breakdown, and the need for replacement.
Because of their excellent longevity, tooth-colored fillings have the potential to last for 10 to 15 years with excellent home care and regular dental checkups.
Versatility
Composite resin is very versatile because it can be used for repairing other small dental issues such as:
- Spaces or gaps between teeth
- Chipping or small fractures
- Size or shape discrepancies
- Slight misalignment issues
- Discoloration or staining
Through a process called cosmetic dental bonding, the composite can be bonded to your teeth to help you achieve a more beautiful smile. Bonding is a quick procedure that is non-invasive and can typically be completed during one visit to your dentist.
If you need a tooth repaired, or you're interested in enhancing your smile, your team at Lakeforest Dental Associates can help! Give us a call today to learn more.