When it comes to dental fillings, the days of silver amalgam being the only choice are long gone. Nowadays, fillings that match the color of the teeth are the favored choice for many patients looking to maintain a natural, healthy appearance while taking care of their dental health. Today, we will look at the benefits of choosing tooth-colored fillings, their composition, and why they have become a staple in cosmetic dentistry.
The Aesthetic Advantage of Tooth-Colored Fillings
Composite fillings (tooth-colored fillings) are made to blend in with the natural shade and texture of your teeth, ensuring that your dental work is virtually undetectable. This is particularly advantageous for fillings in the front teeth or other visible areas of the mouth, where a metallic filling would stand out.
Natural Appearance
One of the main reasons why most people opt for tooth-colored fillings is the seamless aesthetic integration they offer. Unlike silver amalgam fillings, which can darken over time, composite fillings maintain their color and blend in with the surrounding tooth enamel.
Confidence in Your Smile
With tooth-colored fillings, you can smile, laugh, and speak without worrying about conspicuous dental work. This boost in confidence is invaluable, as it can affect your personal life and professional interactions.
The Composition of Tooth-Colored Fillings
Plastic resins and silica fillers are used to make tooth-colored fillings. These materials give the fillings strength and resistance to wear while mimicking natural teeth’ translucency.
Durability Meets Aesthetics
Silver amalgam fillings are recognized for their durability; advances in dental treatments have significantly improved the strength and durability of composite materials. Today, tooth-colored fillings can withstand the forces of chewing and, with proper care, last for many years.
Safety Considerations
Due to their mercury content, there has been ongoing debate about the safety of silver amalgam fillings. Tooth-colored fillings are mercury-free, alleviating concerns about potential health risks associated with mercury exposure.
Benefits Beyond Appearance
The aesthetic advantages of tooth-colored fillings are evident, but there are additional advantages to consider when choosing the best filling material for your dental care.
Tooth Structure Preservation
Composite fillings necessitate less tooth structure removal than amalgam fillings. This preservation method retains more of the natural tooth, which is invariably advantageous for enduring dental health.
Bonding to Tooth Structure
The adhesive quality helps to support the remaining tooth structure, thereby enhancing its strength and stability. By providing this additional support, these fillings can also help to prevent future breakage or fractures of the tooth. This characteristic makes them a preferred choice for many dental restorations.
Reduced Sensitivity
Patients with composite fillings may experience less sensitivity to hot and cold compared to those with amalgam fillings, as the materials used in tooth-colored fillings are less conductive.
Versatility in Use
Tooth-colored fillings are not just for cavities; they can also be used for repairing chipped or broken teeth, making them a versatile solution in cosmetic dentistry.
The Process of Getting Tooth-Colored Fillings
Getting a tooth-colored filling is a straightforward dental procedure. For most individuals, the treatment can be completed in a single office visit. Here’s what you can expect during the process.
Preparing the Tooth
The dentist will start by applying numbing to the area surrounding the affected tooth. They will then remove any decay and prepare the tooth for the filling.
Applying the Composite Material
The dental practitioner will layer the composite material, employing a unique light to solidify each layer. After the filling is set, your dentist will mold it to align with your tooth’s contours.
Polishing the Filling
After the filling is shaped, it will be polished to prevent staining and early wear. The result is a smooth, natural-looking restoration.
Maintenance and Care for Tooth-Colored Fillings
Tooth-colored fillings are relatively low maintenance, but proper care is essential to extend their lifespan.
Good Oral Hygiene
As with your natural teeth, you should practice oral hygiene. This involves brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist regularly to maintain your fillings.
Avoiding Staining Foods and Beverages
While composite fillings are resistant to staining, they can become discolored over time, especially with exposure to substances like artificial dyes, coffee, tea, and red wine.
Being Mindful of Chewing Habits
To maintain the integrity of your composite fillings and overall dental health, it is crucial to be mindful of your chewing habits. Avoid chewing on tough and hard objects such as ice, hard candies, or non-food items like pens and fingernails. These actions can put excessive pressure on your fillings and natural teeth, leading to cracks, chips, or even complete breakage of the filling.
Furthermore, habitual chewing on hard substances can cause microfractures in your teeth, which can compromise the structural integrity over time and potentially lead to more extensive dental work. By consciously avoiding these habits, you can protect your fillings and extend their lifespan, ensuring your teeth remain healthy and functional.
The Cost of Tooth-Colored Fillings
The cost of tooth-colored fillings can vary. Several factors can influence cost, including the size and location of the filling and the rates of your dental office. Generally, composite fillings are more expensive than silver amalgam fillings, but many patients find the additional cost to be worth the benefits.
Choosing the Right Dentist for Your Tooth-Colored Fillings
When considering tooth-colored fillings, it’s essential to choose a dentist experienced in cosmetic dentistry.
Expertise and Artistry
A dentist with a focus on aesthetics will take the time to carefully select the right shade and shape the filling to achieve the best possible result.
Technology and Techniques
Ask about the technology and techniques your dentist uses. Modern equipment and advanced techniques can improve the outcome of your fillings.
Tooth-colored fillings offer a natural-looking alternative to traditional silver amalgam fillings, providing a blend of cosmetic appeal and dental health benefits. Advancements in dental materials and techniques, patients can enjoy durable, safe, and aesthetically pleasing solutions for their dental needs.
By choosing the right dentist and maintaining proper dental care, your tooth-colored fillings can help you achieve a confident and healthy smile.
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Simrit has been working at Torbram Dental since 2001. She started her career with Assisting/Treatment co-ordinating and then moved on to becoming the Hygiene Co Ordinator in 2005. In 2012 she took on a new role as the Marketing Director. Though she loved being the Marketing Director, in 2015 she became the Office Manager of Torbram Dental. She completed her Level 1 Dental Assisting program with Career Canada in 1996 and then went on to complete her Level II Dental Assisting Diploma with Southwestern Medix in 1999. That is when she received NDAEB Certification. Simrit has been and still is an active member of the Ontario Dental Assistants Association since 2000. She enjoys hiking and traveling with her husband and two kids and loves to explore new restaurants, especially high-tea venues.
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Jessica, one of our receptionists, is one of the smiling faces you see when you arrive at the office. She graduated with honours from Medix College with a diploma as a Level 2 Dental Assistant. When she is not happily helping our patients, Jessica enjoys spending quality time with her friends and family, going to church on Sunday mornings, gardening and going on hikes.
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Naudia has been working at Torbram Dental for many years and is a valued member of our administrative team: as a dental receptionist and in our marketing team . She graduated from Everest College with honours level 1 and 2, with a diploma in Dental Assisting. Naudia is always there for our patients, making sure that they receive the care and attention they deserve. When not at the office, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking and indulging in civil court TV shows.
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Ramandeep has been a part of Torbram Dental for the past 10 years as certified dental assistant. She obtained her level 1 certification from Everest college in Brampton in 2013, and then her level 2 certification in 2014 from Medix college. Her career path through the clinic has been recognized by staff at all levels who admire her work ethic and dedication to million dollar smiles. In her spare time, Ramandeep enjoys cooking and gardening, and spending time with her husband and 2 kids.
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Sana is a valued member of our dental hygiene team. In 2008 she completed her education at George Brown in Dental Assisting and in 2016 she earned her diploma in Dental Hygiene from the Canadian Academy of Dental Health and Sciences. Sana has been working in dentistry since 2008 and enjoys taking care of our patients and helping them with their oral health. She is married and is busy with her 2 young children. In her spare time, Sana enjoys going out with the family, trying out new places to eat and is looking forward to travelling with them in the future.
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Sanaria has been working at Torbram Dental for many years as a valued member of our Dental Assisting Team. She completed her level 2 dental assisting certification and previously obtained a degree in Education and worked as a quality control officer in the pharmaceutical industry. When not at work Sanaria loves to bake and cook. She also loves story time and enjoying the outdoors with her children. She always sees the positive side of life, believes that nothing is impossible and that if you set a goal and work at it, that you will make your dreams come true.
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Carrie has been working at Torbram Dental since 2001. She graduated from George Brown College in 1998 with a Dental Assistant Diploma and continued to further her education by completing a Dental Hygiene Diploma in 2001 at Durham College. Carrie is a highly trained and experienced Registered Dental Hygienist who continues to learn and grow by updating her knowledge to provide her clients with the best Oral Health Care techniques and information. Carrie is passionate about Dentistry and is known for her gentle and compassionate manner. She feels strongly about building lasting relationships and trust with her clients to help them understand that good Oral Health leads to good Overall Health. Carrie enjoys travelling, dabbling in decorating and a good Netflix series in her time off. Carrie resides in Halton Hills with her husband and two children.
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Daniela's interest in Dentistry began in Gr.6 when she wrote a speech entitled "My Life as a Toothbrush".
A Registered Dental Hygienist with 22 years of clinical experience, Daniela still has a great passion for her career. The most rewarding aspect for her is building lasting relationships with her patients, and seeing them through to a healthier smile.
Her thorough yet gentle touch will ensure a comfortable visit every time.
Daniela is a total Foodie and loves to cook and enjoys all types of cuisines. She loves Florida, Cruises, organizing things, and most of all spending time with family and friends.
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Stephanie Enjoys getting to know all new patients at Torbram Dental and catching up with long standing Patients. Stephanie enjoys spending quality time with her family. One of her favorite things to do with her daughter is teach and play the piano. Stephanie likes going on walks with her husband and enjoys spending as much time with him as he is an Active Member of the Canadian Army. On Sundays, Stephanie enjoys going to Church and looks forward to Sunday Dinner with her entire family. Stephanie's Favorite thing to do to start her day right is head to her local Starbucks and Grab her favorite drink, an iced black tea with light lemonade on warm days and a blonde vanilla latte on those cold winter days.
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As a dedicated Dental Hygienist at Torbram Dental, Aalisha brings recent knowledge and experience to ensure the best oral health for our patients. She holds a Diploma in Dental Hygiene from the Toronto College of Dental Hygiene and Auxiliaries and has further enriched her education with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Waterloo. Beyond her professional qualifications, Aalisha has a zest for life that extends beyond the dental chair. She cherishes quality time with family and friends, thrives on outdoor adventures, and has a passion for hiking and water-based activities, especially during the sunny summer days. She is an avid traveler, exploring tropical paradises and historic destinations while immersing herself in diverse cultures and indulging in delicious culinary experiences."
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Supreet was born and raised in Punjab, India and came to Canada in 2016. She graduated from Sheridan College as an Environmental Lab Technician but later decided to change her career to dentistry. She completed her Level I and II Intra-Oral Dental Assisting course from George Brown College and graduated in 2023. In July 2023, Supreet joined the team at Torbram Dental where she enjoys working. In her free time, she loves to read books.
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