When we hear the word filling, the first thing that springs to mind is a silver-coloured metal-like filling. However, the notion of filling has been greatly modernised in the current period. You no longer have to face the shame of ugly and harmful silver/mercury fillings or metallic edges. Remove the dark, black look from your teeth with tooth-coloured filling materials.
This article is focused on the benefits of tooth coloured restorations for a natural and beautiful smile.
What are Tooth Coloured Restorations?
Nowadays innovations in dentistry enable us to use composite resin, often known as tooth coloured restorations, to assist in repairing defects, filling cavities and making teeth look straighter or more even. They are extremely powerful and long-lasting, providing you with long-term effects. There are different types of tooth coloured restorations used depending on the type of defect we are repairing;
1. Indirect fillings: Inlays and onlays are examples of this kind. They are made of porcelain, which is tough and durable and closely mimics teeth. They are made in the laboratory and require multiple appointments.
2. Direct fillings: This type consists of a composite resin filling material that may be inserted on the same appointment and is cured directly on the tooth. Although it is less strong than porcelain, it is still durable and a cheaper alternative.
Advantages of Tooth Coloured Restorations
A. Aesthetics:
Even under careful inspection, you will be unable to distinguish the restoration from your original tooth enamel. They precisely match the colour as well as the appearance of your teeth, resulting in breath-taking results. The filling materials may be designed to conform to any shape and form, resulting in a tooth-like sensation.
B. Durability:
With a curing light, the filling material solidifies to full strength in less than a minute. They are applied and attached directly to the tooth surfaces, strengthening the tooth structure, increasing strength and resistance, and avoiding future cavities. They wear less as compared to amalgam and can survive many years. Inlays and onlays can stay up to 30 years!
C. Versatility:
The tooth-coloured filling can be used for a variety of reasons such as; to repair gaps between teeth, fill cavities, correct dental structural anomalies, correct minor tooth misalignment, manage chipped or broken teeth, and restore rotting teeth.
D. Safety:
These materials are biocompatible and do not contain any harmful components. Unlike amalgam, which contains mercury, which is hazardous for a variety of reasons. Furthermore, some of these materials release fluoride, which helps to prevent future cavities.
Procedures for Getting Tooth Coloured Restorations
First, your dentist will evaluate you and determine whether you require a restoration. If you require a restoration, they will give you many treatment alternatives.
Starting the procedure, your dentist will numb the region, remove the decaying tooth sections, and clean the area.
· For Filling: They will insert a tooth-coloured filling material in the damaged area and mould it to mimic the natural architecture of your tooth. A specific curing light will aid in the hardening of the material. Smoothing and polishing follow.
· For Inlay and Onlays: Your dentist will prepare the tooth surface, take an impression of your tooth, and send it to the laboratory for inlays and onlays. You must return for another appointment to have it inserted in your mouth.
For follow-up, you are expected to return to the dental clinic after three, six, or eight months. You must consult with your dentist to determine the exact timing.
Comparing Tooth Coloured Restorations to Other Dental Procedures
A. Comparison to traditional silver fillings
White fillings are safer than amalgam since they do not contain silver or mercury. They also have an improved realistic appearance and aren’t as apparent as silver-coloured fillings. Furthermore, the silver fillings might become sensitive to hot and cold foods and drinks.
B. Comparison to metal crowns
Inlays and onlays are made of porcelain, whereas metal crowns are composed of metals, which are occasionally infused with porcelain to give a crown a more tooth-like look. Other distinctions include the scope of coverage provided. Crowns cover the whole tooth, onlays only cover the biting surface, and inlays only repair a slight imperfection in the biting surface, not the entire surface.
Maintenance and Care of Tooth Coloured Restorations
Maintaining teeth that have tooth-like restorations is the same as taking care of your own teeth. To keep dental illness at a minimum, it is critical to maintain appropriate dental hygiene practices, such as frequent flossing and brushing your teeth.
Remember to schedule periodic dental checkups and cleanings so that your oral well-being and your restorations can be maintained in great condition.
If your restoration is in your front teeth, avoid biting your front teeth and instead utilise your rear teeth. Similarly, avoid sticky foods and hard items for your back teeth.
You may always return for damaged or worn restoration, which can be fixed or replaced with the same or alternative treatment choices.
Conclusion
Do not let decayed teeth deteriorate. Our staff will assist you in determining the best course of action to address this issue.
Consult your dentist about tooth-coloured fillings, onlays, or inlays. These long-lasting dental choices are viable alternatives to traditional dental procedures.
We can assist you if any of your teeth have significant decay. Tooth coloured restorations are long-lasting and reasonably priced.