What if you had a filling — and nobody knew it was there? That's
one of the best things about tooth-colored fillings: They match the
color of natural teeth so well that it's almost impossible to tell you
have one. But the true beauty of a tooth-colored filling isn't just on
the surface. Let's look a little closer at the process of filling a
tooth, and see what other advantages this type of filling offers. After decay has been identified, and the area being treated has been
anesthetized, the tooth is prepared to receive a filling.
With a
standard silver (dental amalgam) filling,
it's usually necessary to “shape” the tooth by removing small amounts
of otherwise healthy tooth material around the drilled area. These
“undercuts” help hold the metal filling securely in place.
Dental amalgam is a safe, time-tested and durable material. But it's quite visible, and it requires “undercutting” — the removal of some additional tooth material — to lock it securely into the tooth structure. Tooth-colored fillings are made of a blend (composite) of glass-like silica fillers and plastic resins, substances that mimic the translucency and wear-resistance of the natural teeth. Plus, they're capable of forming a durable attachment directly to the tooth's structure, without undercutting.
But tooth-colored fillings made of composite resin don't require
undercuts to make a secure bond with the tooth. Instead, they form a
physical and mechanical bond directly to the prepared tooth. Removing
less material leaves the tooth stronger — meaning that over time, it may
be less prone to chipping
or cracking. It's a more conservative treatment for small to
moderate-sized restorations that may lead to a better and longer-lasting
result.
Since they bond right to the tooth, tooth-colored fillings preserve
more of the tooth's structure that would be lost to undercuts. This
results in a stronger tooth, and potentially a more durable restoration.
It's no wonder that many dentists say we're moving toward a
“post-amalgam” era.
Once upon a time, when your dentist gave you a filling, you ended
up with a silvery-gray spot of metal in the center of your tooth.
But
times have changed. Today, in many instances, you may have a choice:
standard “silver” (dental amalgam) fillings, or nearly invisible
tooth-colored fillings made of composite resin. Which should you choose?
Dr. Claudio A. Sorrentino
