TOOTH-COLORED FILLINGS IN FORT LAUDERDALE
If you’ve ever had a filling or have been told you have a cavity that needs treatment, you may be afraid that you’ll end up with a shiny metal filling that both looks and feels unnatural. Fortunately, the days of unsightly silver and amalgam fillings are gone. At Pearl White Dentistry, experienced Fort Lauderdale dentist Dr. Natalia Benda-Celenski offers a better, safer option: tooth-colored fillings.
Sometimes referred to as “white fillings,” tooth-colored fillings are made from composite resin, match the natural shade of your teeth for seamless coverage. They can be used to treat cavities, change the size, shape, and color of any existing teeth, repair chipped or broken teeth, as well as close small gaps between teeth.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TOOTH-COLORED FILLINGS?
Tooth-colored fillings provide numerous benefits for both patients in need of restorative dentistryand those looking to improve their smile cosmetically. Tooth-colored fillings can repair new spots of decay or replace old, unsightly, and/or failing gray fillings. Additionally, the same material can be used to make cosmetic improvements to the smile with direct bonding.
- Compared to silver fillings, the tooth-colored option offers a number of benefits, including:
- Precise color matching that blends perfectly with surrounding teeth
- Dries within minutes under a special curing light
- Can be used on front and back teeth
- Teeth are less sensitive to heat and cold
- Requires less removal of healthy tooth structure
- Improves the shape of existing teeth to give the appearance of a straighter smile
- Changes the color of existing teeth for a whiter smile
- Biocompatibility; metal- and mercury-free
WHO IS THE IDEAL CANDIDATE?
Tooth-colored fillings can be applied to your natural teeth or to implants. They are also safe to use on both children and adults. You may be an ideal candidate for a tooth-colored filling if you:
- Have a cavity that needs to be treated
- Have dark spots or yellowing teeth you would like to whiten
- Suffer from uneven teeth or teeth with chips or cracks
- Would like to fill small spaces between natural teeth or implants
- Are looking to replace old silver or amalgam fillings
HOW LONG DO TOOTH-COLORED FILLINGS LAST?
Like all types of fillings, the tooth-colored option is not permanent and may require replacement anywhere from five to eight years after initial placement. However, with good oral hygiene practices, such as daily flossing and brushing after every meal, along with routine checkups and cleanings, you can preserve the integrity of these fillings and extend their lifespan. Those who tend to clench or grind their teeth are more likely to need filling replacement sooner.
SPEAK TO OUR FORT LAUDERDALE DENTAL TEAM TO LEARN MORE
Whether you need to fill a cavity or would like to improve the overall appearance of your teeth, tooth-colored fillings are the ideal option for restoring the health and beauty of your smile. Consult with Dr. Natalia today to determine if the tooth-colored option is right for you by calling our Fort Lauderdale office at (954) 491-8812 or scheduling an appointment online.