What Are Tooth-Colored Restorations?
Tracey Dental is committed to utilizing the latest technology, techniques, and materials for the best treatment outcomes. We are proud to offer tooth-colored restorations for decay and cavity repair, with incredibly natural-looking results. Talk to one of our team members to learn more about tooth-colored restorations and determine if they are right for you.
Tooth-Colored Restorations Overview
In the past, amalgam restorations, made of a mixture of metals including mercury, were the only types of filling material available to repair tooth decay and cavities. While amalgam is known for its strength and durability, it’s not quite the most discreet or cosmetic alternative out there with its silver color.
Today’s advances in dentistry allow us to treat cavities and correct a wide range of imperfections using composite resin, also known as tooth-colored fillings. These cosmetic restorations can restore the shape, size, or color of teeth, close gaps, repair chips, and help make teeth appear more straight or even. They are incredibly strong and durable, leaving you with long-lasting results.
Why Choose Tooth-Colored Restorations?
Tooth-colored fillings offer numerous advantages, including the following:
- They closely match your tooth color and appearance, leaving you with stunning results. Even with close examination, you won’t be able to tell the restoration apart from your natural tooth enamel.
- Composite fillings protect your teeth, unlike amalgam fillings that expand and contract with temperature changes, potentially causing teeth cracks and fractures over time.
- White fillings do not contain metals that often cause tooth sensitivity or allergies.
- Your restorations bond directly to the tooth surfaces, fortifying the tooth structure, providing strength and resilience, and preventing future decay and cavities.
- Tooth-colored fillings require removing less tooth structure than metal fillings, making them a more conservative tooth repair choice.
- Modern white fillings last as long as amalgam ones and can restore front teeth or molars exposed to high chewing forces.
- Tooth-colored restorations are more resistant to wear and tear than their silver counterparts.
- The composite resin material hardens in seconds with the help of a special curing light, rather than days as with some other filling materials.
- Tooth-colored fillings are very resilient. However, in the event they are damaged or chipped, they are easy to repair.
- Since the resin used in tooth-colored restorations contains fluoride, composites can help prevent future tooth decay from developing.
- White restorations do not require placement at the gum line, which is healthier for your gums.
What Is the Tooth-Colored Restorations Placement Procedure?
After applying a local anesthetic to numb the area, Dr. Long will remove the decayed parts of the tooth and will clean and sterilize the area. Next, he will place a tooth-colored filling material in the cavity and shape it to resemble your tooth’s natural anatomy. A special curing light will help harden the material. Dr. Long will adjust your restoration as necessary and will polish it and smooth it out. The result? a bright, healthy, and natural-looking smile.
Caring For Tooth-Colored Restorations
Caring for teeth with tooth-colored restorations is no different than caring for your natural teeth. It’s important to maintain proper dental hygiene practices, including regular brushing and flossing to keep dental disease at bay. Don’t forget to visit Tracey Dental for your routine dental exams and cleanings to allow us to monitor your oral health and ensure your restorations stay in tip-top shape.
Tooth-Colored Restorations Near Me
Contact Tracey Dental in McKinney, TX, to learn more about tooth-colored restorations for enhanced oral health and beautiful smiles. We are committed to providing our valued patients with outstanding service each and every day. We look forward to caring for all your dental needs. Call us and schedule your appointment today!