Tooth-Colored Dental Fillings Woodinville

There have been many great advances in dental care treatment, with many dental health professionals seeking to improve the aesthetics of a patient's smile as well as that patient's overall health. A skilled cosmetic dentist will work closely with you to make your smile look and feel its best.

One of the great advances in relatively recent years has been the use of ceramics and composites with regard to dental restorations. Let's take a moment right now to look at modern tooth-colored fillings and how they can be of benefit to you.

About Tooth-Colored Dental Fillings

Also known as composite fillings and white fillings, tooth-colored dental fillings are made of special composite materials rather than metal like the fillings of the past. They are used to treat tooth decay and tooth damage just like metal fillings, and are strong and sturdy when in place. Many dentists today use these tooth-colored fillings exclusively given their many advantages.

Better Aesthetic Results Than Metal Fillings

Obviously tooth-colored fillings look much better when in place than metal dental fillings. These white fillings blend in seamlessly with the rest of a patient's smile, which makes for fine dental restoration results. Even up close, people will not realize that you have had fillings placed.

Tooth-Colored Fillings Are Safer Than Metal Fillings

Metal fillings of the past contained mercury, which is highly toxic. Composite fillings do not contain toxic materials, which means no risk of health problems later in life. There are many patients who actually come in to have their metal fillings replaced by tooth-colored ones because of this issue.

Tooth-Colored Fillings Mean a Better Dental Prep Process

The main focus of restorative dentistry is to improve your overall dental health, and tooth-colored fillings are better for your dental wellness in the long run. When prepping a tooth for a composite filling, less healthy tooth structure is removed than when a tooth is prepped for a metal filling. The more natural tooth structure that can be retained, the better.

Tooth-Colored Fillings Won't Warp Like Metal Fillings Can

Metal fillings can change in size slightly with temperature extremes, expanding slightly in the heat and contracting slightly in the cold. This could result in small fractures in tooth structure over a long period of time. Since composite materials do not react to temperature changes as metals do, this is not a concern with tooth-colored dental fillings.

Other Considerations for Restorative Dental Care

While tooth-colored dental fillings are a great option for cavities and minor tooth damage, they are not ideal for more severe forms of tooth decay and serious problems with compromised tooth structure. In those cases, a better option for care is the use of an inlay, an onlay, or a dental crown. These kinds of advanced restorations can be made of metal or ceramic materials.

During your consultation at Signature Smiles, you'll be able to learn more about all of these options for restorative care and how your needs can best be met.

Learn More About Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry

If you would like more information about tooth-colored dental fillings and your many options out there for advanced dental care, contact our Woodinville cosmetic and restorative dentistry practice today. The entire team at Signature Smiles looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you achieve all of your dental health goals.