Tooth Fillings Libertyville, IL
Do you have one or more teeth that require fillings? If so, you may be concerned about how those fillings will look in your mouth. However, modern dentistry methods now include tooth-colored fillings that are much more attractive. Find out about tooth-colored fillings that are made from a composition of materials that closely match the natural color of teeth.
Composite Fillings
Most people have had fillings at some point in their lives. Fillings are widely used to restore damaged teeth or to treat cavities and other forms of tooth decay. While silver fillings have been the most popular type of fillings in the past, composite fillings are quickly becoming the norm. Composite fillings refer to fillings that are made up of several different materials. Composite fillings are able to be color-manipulated to match the natural color of teeth. This enables the fillings to blend in easily with the rest of your teeth, so that the fillings are less obvious. Tooth-colored fillings made of a composite of materials are also sometimes used by our dentist to alter the shape, size and color of the teeth, for restoration purposes.
Why Do Teeth Need to be Filled?
There are lots of different reasons why a tooth may need a filling. One of the most common reasons is tooth decay. When decay sets in, a small fissure or cavity may occur on the surface of the tooth. If this is left untreated, it leaves the tooth exposed to bacteria, which can further deteriorate the tooth. Sealing the fissure or cavity protects the tooth from more decay. In the case of tooth-colored composite fillings, the filling actually also helps to restore strength to the tooth so it is more resistant to fractures, breaks and decay in the future.
Advantages of Tooth-Colored Fillings
There are numerous advantages of tooth-colored fillings over older filling types:
- they harden in a matter of seconds instead of several minutes
- composite fillings also help restore up to 95% of the strength of your tooth
- very little or no pain and/or sensitivity related to composite fillings
- visually fit in with the surrounding teeth
- chemically bonded to teeth, so no pins, grooves or slots need to be placed in healthy teeth
Don’t Be Afraid to Smile
The silver fillings that were used in the past were unsightly and sometimes embarrassing. Now, with tooth-colored fillings, there’s no reason to be afraid to smile. You don’t have to be self-conscious about fillings because tooth-colored fillings are practically undetectable to others. Tooth-colored fillings represent an attractive alternative to other types of fillings. They not only treat damaged teeth, but they actually improve the strength of your tooth.
Composite fillings take less time than traditional filling methods, and they don’t detract from the appearance of your teeth. To learn more about tooth-colored fillings and their many benefits, please contact our office today to schedule your appointment.
