For many years, dentists have been using silver (or amalgam) fillings to fix up teeth that have suffered from decay. They are a safe and affordable option, but they are becoming less popular as more and more people turn to tooth-colored fillings (also known as white fillings). They want the fillings to match the rest of their natural looking smile. These fillings are created from a composite resin. Before you decide to get a tooth-colored filling, you should check out all the available options.
Gold Fillings
Gold is known for being long-lasting because it does not corrode. That’s why it’s used so much when making inlays and onlays. They can last for over fifteen years. It takes two visits to put on a gold filling. First the dentist at Harmony Dental Care in Oshawa, ON will clean out your tooth, removing any decay that’s filled it. He’ll then prep your teeth and then create the right molds. They’ll be sent to a lab where the filling will be crafted. Then the gold filling will be cemented in place. This can be quite an expensive option.
Amalgam Fillings
Amalgam fillings are made up of several different metals. This includes everything from mercury and zinc to tin and copper and silver. They are considered to be a very affordable option. They can deteriorate over time though and start staining the enamel of the tooth in question. Since they are silver in color, they’re typically kept to the teeth that aren’t readily visible when you smile.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
Finally, the tooth-colored fillings (made of composite resin) are created from a combination of plastics and tiny glass particles. They are great for filling cavities at Harmony Dental Care, but they can be used for far more than that. They can repair the shape of a tooth that is misshapen or change the color of a discolored tooth. The process for getting a tooth-colored filling is very simple and takes just one visit to Harmony Dental Care. First, a color is chosen that matches the rest of your smile. Decay is removed. A special light is then used to harden the filling material in place. It’s then shaped and polished for a smooth and stain-resistant finish.
