Tooth Colored Fillings

When you have a cavity, you want a protective filling that doesn't change the outer appearance of your tooth. You also want a filling that will stand the test of time. Traditional metal fillings have been in use in dentistry for more that 100 years mostly because they are cheap and easy to place, but they have more issues than just an unnatural color. Metal fillings expand and contract during temperature changes in the mouth, which in turn can cause the tooth to crack. Metal fillings can also leak the copper, mercury and silver from which they are made, and pose questionable health hazards when ingested.

The better alternative in regard to health safety, appearance and long-term function are tooth-colored composite resin fillings. These filling are actually made from a high-tech resin paste, which contains tiny glass beads. Once in place, they function and wear virtually the same as tooth enamel. The composite fillings are a great alternative to metal fillings because they are the same color as your tooth and create a very natural appearance. They also provide superior strength, stability and longevity for the tooth when compared to metal fillings.