Traditional dental fillings are composed of dental amalgam, which is a mixture of metals including mercury and silver. This material is notable for its durability, but it also comes with a number of downsides. As such, many dental practices nowadays offer tooth-colored fillings as an alternative to metal restorations. Do you have any metal fillings? Here’s why you may want to have them replaced with tooth-colored fillings at some point in the near future.
What are Some of the Drawbacks of Metal Fillings?
Some of the notable disadvantages of metal fillings include:
- High Visibility: Dark-colored metal fillings are very noticeable and tend to draw unwanted attention. This can leave you feeling more than a bit self-conscious about showing off your smile.
- Dental Damage: Hot temperatures can cause metal fillings to expand, while cold temperatures make them contract. Repeated expansion and contraction of your restoration can weaken your teeth over time and increase the chances of the enamel becoming cracked.
- Mercury Content: Research shows that people with metal fillings tend to have higher mercury levels in their blood. This can be attributed to the fact that the mercury in dental amalgam is slowly released as a vapor that can be inhaled and absorbed by the lungs. Mercury exposure is known to contribute to brain damage, kidney damage, and other health issues.
What are the Advantages of Tooth-Colored Fillings?
Unlike traditional metal fillings, tooth-colored fillings are made out of a biocompatible material known as composite resin. When properly shaded, composite resin can match the color of your enamel, making it look as though it is a natural part of your tooth.
If you switch from metal fillings to tooth-colored fillings, you’ll be able to enjoy the following advantages:
- Improved Aesthetics: Tooth-colored fillings are more image-friendly than metal fillings because they blend in with the rest of the smile; most people won’t even realize that they’re there.
- No Size Changes: Unlike metal fillings, tooth-colored fillings do not change size in response to temperature changes, making them less likely to damage your teeth.
- No Mercury: There is no mercury in composite resin. As such, tooth-colored fillings tend to be a safer option for your overall health compared to metal fillings.
Could replacing your metal fillings with a tooth-colored one be the best option for your oral health? The only way to find out for sure is to visit your dentist; they can help you make the choice that’s right for your smile.
About the Practice
At Marvel Dental, our experienced dentists pride themselves on being able to meet a wide range of dental needs under a single roof thanks to their advanced training and our varied menu of services. For patients with decayed teeth, we offer tooth-colored fillings that are expertly shaded for each unique smile. If you think you have a cavity, you can schedule an appointment at our practice in Midlothian by visiting our website or calling (682) 772-3072.