subject: Tooth-colored Fillings: Disguise Your Cavities [print this page] If diagnosed with cavities and you'd rather avoid any noticeable metallic in your mouth, you're in luck. Tooth-colored fillings, or composite restorations, are a more attractive and safer alternative to traditional metal amalgam fillings. By exactly matching composite fillings with the natural color of your teeth, your local dentist is able to provide you with white fillings that are virtually invisible. You can also use these white fillings to replace older amalgam fillings, giving you whiter teeth which show a brighter, silver-free smile.
These fillings are made of composite resin and serve to fill cavities just like silver amalgam fillings. However, tooth-colored fillings represent the true color of your teeth. As the availability of white fillings increase and the possible dangers associated with amalgam fillings grow, more and more patients want their cavities filled with this aesthetically-pleasing option. In addition, these more effective fillings are compatible with dental sealants. A tooth can be filled and sealed at the same time to prevent further decay, thus improving your overall oral health.
When a new cavity or decay needs filling, the vast majority of patients now choose tooth-colored composite fillings. Moreover, while having this simple procedure done, patients commonly request their dentist to remove and replace their already-in-place amalgam fillings. Ridding your mouth of the unsightly silver enables you to embrace your new, confident smile.
Aside from creating a more beautiful smile, tooth-colored fillings are also healthier than the previous option. Silver amalgam fillings contain about 50 percent mercury, a chemical that has been scientifically shown to be more toxic than lead, cadmium or arsenic. The likelihood of mercury leaking from these fillings over time has prompted a movement toward mercury-free dentistry. The mercury in silver amalgam fillings is thought to leave the filling and enter the organs of the body in small amounts throughout the patient's lifetime. Some medical practitioners believe this mercury is causing physical and psychological problems in patients, including neurodegenerative diseases, birth defects and mental disorders.
To determine if tooth-colored fillings are right for your smile, contact Dr. McCarty's Austin dentist office today. His qualified staff will gladly answer any questions or concerns you may have about this cosmetic dentistry option. New clients are offered a free initial consultation, so what are you waiting for?
