Although good dental hygiene is the best method of prevention, many of us will still experience a cavity or two in our lifetimes. At one point, our only option for filling these cavities was with a gold or silver dental amalgam, which was highly visible when yawning or laughing. Nowadays, however, there are several different types of fillings that we can choose from.

Gold and porcelain fillings are undoubtedly the priciest, and for some, the visibility of gold is desirable, but the main benefit of both materials is their long lifespan of up to 20 years. In comparison, silver amalgam fillings are much cheaper. They can last up to 15 years, but are often viewed as less appealing. Glass ionomer fillings are the least durable, and typically used for temporary solutions or baby teeth. 

By far, the most cost-effective filling materials with the most patient satisfaction are tooth coloured fillings. This tooth coloured composite option has become popular in modern times, thanks to its surprising list of benefits. So, is a composite resin filling right for you?

The advantages of tooth-coloured fillings

If you or a loved one has a cavity, it’s a good idea to read up on the benefits of different filling materials. When it comes to the tooth-coloured dental filling, these include:

• A natural appearance

Gone are the days where dental treatments were obvious and embarrassing! Along with cavity filling, composite resin can be used to repair chipped teeth. If you have issues with your front teeth, or if you like to laugh without worrying about how you look, this option can do wonders for your self-esteem.

• Strength and durability

Your natural teeth are strong enough to last a lifetime, but when accidents or decay cause problems, you need something just as durable to fill in the gaps. Composite resin fillings will not damage your teeth over time like an amalgam filling can. With proper oral care, they can help to prevent breakage for up to a decade or more.

• No mercury

As worrying as it sounds, traditional silver fillings often contain mercury. This is in small amounts and supposedly insignificant for our health, but many people feel more comfortable with non-toxic materials, like the harmless acrylic and resin ingredients in tooth-coloured fillings.

• Better bond with teeth

While some types of fillings can expand and contract with temperature changes or erode the tooth over time, composite resin achieves a much more secure bond. Adhering to the enamel directly, composite resin helps to support your tooth structure and protect it from any further damage.

The process of getting tooth-coloured fillings

At Crestmead Dental, a fillings procedure is as simple and stress-free as possible. Your treatment will start with visiting your dentist to discuss the cavity, or any other oral health concerns you may have. At this consultation, your dentist may require X-rays or impressions to determine the extent of the issue. They will then clean and prepare your teeth for the filling, removing the decay that has eaten into your tooth. Fortunately, the use of composite resin means that only tooth decay is removed, without disrupting your healthy tooth.

The friendly professionals at Crestmead Dental will then inform you about maintenance and care, explaining how to get the most out of this affordable and confidence-boosting procedure. With a wide range of dental treatment options from root canal to teeth whitening, and a reduced price for your first visit, you can rely on Crestmead Dental for quality cavity treatment and oral care. Just call (07) 3805 7765 or email info@crestmeaddental.com.au for more information.