How Composite Dental Fillings Can Transform Your Smile

If you’re old enough, you may still have some silver fillings in your teeth. Or perhaps you remember the time in the past when dentists filled cavities with metal. Dentists have been filling cavities with amalgam metal since the 1800s. Back in the day, fillings were made using a variety of metals, such as silver, mercury, and even gold. Today, you don’t need to resign yourself to living with a mouth full of metal when cavities happen. Instead, dentists can fill cavities using attractive, tooth-colored composite dental fillings. Here are 6 things you should know about composite fillings:

1. Composite Fillings Explained

Composite fillings are made from a mixture of fine glass particles and resin. These white fillings are used for repairing chipped, decayed, or fractured teeth. In addition to being safe and durable, these fillings blend beautifully with your natural teeth because the material is custom-made to match the color of your teeth.

2. Composite Fillings vs. Amalgam Fillings

Amalgam fillings are usually visible because of the color of the metal used to make them. However, composite fillings are tooth-colored and are customized to match a person’s natural teeth color. Also, composite fillings don’t have mercury, so they’re a safer option in addition to being more attractive.

3. Advantages of Composite Dental Fillings

Composite dental fillings have many benefits, including all of these:

• Affordability: Composite dental fillings are often more cost-effective than porcelain inlays, onlays, or crowns. 
• Single-visit placement: Your dentist can place your fillings in one visit.
• Durability: Composite fillings are long-lasting.
• Strength: Tooth-colored fillings made with composite resin are strong enough to support your tooth’s natural structure because they bond directly to the structure. This helps prevent further damage to the tooth

4. Composite Fillings Last a Long Time

Most composite fillings last between five and 10 years. How long your fillings last depends on your oral hygiene habits, the location and size of the filling, and how much wear and tear the filling sustains. 

5. Caring for Your Composite Fillings

The key to maintaining your composite dental fillings is practicing good oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing before bed. Also, be sure to regularly visit your dentist for cleanings and checkups. 

6. Foods to Avoid to Protect Composite Fillings

If you avoid eating hard foods, you have a better chance of preventing damage to your composite fillings. 

Solutions for Composite Dental Fillings in Claremont CA

Are you concerned about cavities? When you are ready to learn more about composite dental fillings, call Dr. David Seccombe and the skilled staff at Courtyard Dentistry in Claremont, California. We are here to provide the best oral care for you and your family. Contact us at (909) 347-5362 today to schedule an appointment.

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