Tooth-Colored vs. Amalgam Fillings: Top Reasons to Choose a Natural Look

If it’s time for you to get new dental fillings, you’ll certainly want to go for the option that will last as long as possible while protecting your smile. While metal fillings can repair teeth that have been decayed or mildly damaged, they can also come with disadvantages that overshadow the benefits. Keep reading to learn why you might consider choosing tooth-colored fillings instead!

The Downsides of Having Metal Fillings

In the past, amalgam fillings were one of the go-to methods for making minor dental repairs. Even so, they might not be as safe an option for your smile. Here are several disadvantages you might expect from this kind of filling:

• Unnatural Appearance: Metal fillings are quite visible and can take attention away from the rest of your grin. This can make some people feel self-conscious about their appearance since the results don’t look like natural tooth enamel.
• Metal Fillings Have Mercury: This restoration option consists of several metals, including copper, tin, silver, and mercury—the last of which is toxic to the human body. If you ingest high levels of mercury, or it gets into your bloodstream, it can lead to serious issues. While metal fillings alone might not cause major problems, it’s safer to go with an option that doesn’t consist of this material.
• Temperature Reactions: Eating hot foods or drinking cold beverages can cause a metal filling to either expand or shrink, which can weaken the structure and position of your tooth.

The Advantages of Tooth-Colored Fillings

Instead of using amalgam materials, dentists today recommend repairing pearly whites with tooth-colored fillings due to the following benefits:

• Mercury-Free: Since your fillings will be made of composite material, you won’t have to worry about them containing any potentially harmful mercury.
• Natural-Looking Results: Since these fillings will mimic natural tooth enamel, your results will easily blend in with the rest of your smile.
• Maintains Tooth Structure: With composite dental fillings, your dentist won’t have to remove as much of your tooth enamel to make room for the material, since they can bond much more effectively with teeth.

If you’re looking for a new dental filling, it’s always better to consider tooth-colored ones. Not only will they be safer for your teeth, but you’ll be able to feel completely comfortable showing off your new and improved smile!

About the Author

Dr. William Twohig has over four decades of experience in dentistry, and he’s always been passionate about delivering incredible results so that patients can enjoy a comfortable smile. He offers various dental services for restoring pearly whites, including tooth-colored fillings. If you’d like to know more about the benefits of this treatment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or give us a call at 920-867-3101.