When you smile or speak animatedly, you show more than just
your teeth; you also show all of the dental work present in your mouth. For
many people, this means the metal of one or more fillings flashing against the
pearly white color of the teeth around them. For many others, however, their dental
fillings aren’t noticeable, since they’re made from tooth-colored composite
resin instead of conventional metal amalgam. Often referred to as white fillings, the resin restorations
can offer a more discreet and secure solution to treating infectious tooth
decay.
Composite Resin vs. Metal Amalgam
How do white fillings compare to their older, metal
counterparts?
Durability
Naturally, metal fillings can withstand a greater amount of
pressure than composite resin, which is a mixture of acrylic and glass-like
particles. Because of this, Dr. Smith may sometimes recommend amalgam fillings
to restore back teeth, or molars. Nevertheless, white fillings can be bonded to
your tooth’s structure, improving the tooth’s structural integrity by holding
the tooth together.
Aesthetics
As their name suggests, white dental fillings can be custom
tinted to match the specific color and shade of your teeth, making them
invisible once they’ve been placed and polished. The cosmetic appeal of dental
resin is so effective that it can be used as a purely cosmetic dental
treatment, known as dental bonding, to improve a tooth’s appearance. Severe
tooth stains, chipped or uneven tooth edges, or teeth that appear too short can
usually be corrected with a cosmetic dental bonding.
Longevity
While all dental fillings are built to last, metal fillings
are better suited for handling larger amounts of pressure for longer periods of
time. Unfortunately, metal fillings may fail due to shrinkage or expansion in
cold or hot temperatures (respectively). The longevity of metal and white
fillings is different for each patient and depends on a number of factors,
including how well you care for them, but most of them can last up to 15-20
years before needing replacement.
About Your Grand Prairie Dentist:
Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced
general, cosmetic, restorative, and implant dentist in Grand Prairie, TX. He
takes a patient-first approach that starts from the moment patients enter
our Pecan Tree Dental office, and he
offers a three-year guarantee on all dental work that he performs. Whether
you’re a new or returning patient, you can schedule a consultation or your next
appointment with Dr. Smith by contacting
us at (972) 262-5111.
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