Why You Should Get a Tooth-Colored Filling Instead of an Amalgam One

Do you still have a few metal fillings in your mouth? Long ago, these restorations were the only solution for improving damaged or decayed teeth. While they offer many different benefits, there are some downsides that may overpower their advantages. In this blog post, you’ll learn a few reasons why you should consider replacing your amalgam fillings with the latest solution to cavity repair – tooth-colored fillings!

What Are the Drawbacks of Amalgam Fillings?

For many years, metal fillings were the go-to option for repairing cavities. It’s the reason why plenty of people still have them in their mouths today! However, they’re no longer the best choice for restoring teeth because of the following:

• Amalgam fillings contain mercury. Metal fillings are comprised of several different materials, such as silver, tin, copper, mercury, and more. Sadly, mercury is a well-known toxic to the human body. Ingesting high levels of the substance can cause “mercury toxicity”, which leads to symptoms like impaired senses and lack of coordination. It can even be lethal in higher doses. While the amount of mercury in metal fillings is unlikely to cause severe issues, it’s still a good idea to explore other options when possible.
• Frequent temperature reactions. Did you know that metal expands and contracts when exposed to different temperatures? If you eat hot foods, metal fillings can expand and put additional stress on your tooth. Meanwhile, eating cold foods can cause it to shrink and create gaps. All that said, these changes can eventually weaken the natural tooth structure.
• They do not look natural. As you may know, amalgam fillings are far from invisible because they don’t resemble natural tooth enamel. They’re often noticeable every time you speak, laugh, or smile.

Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings

There are many reasons why people these days are making the change to tooth-colored fillings. Here are a few incredible benefits they offer:

• Natural-looking appearance. Because composite resin closely resembles natural tooth enamel, your tooth-colored fillings will blend seamlessly with your smile. No one will even notice them in your mouth!
• Mercury-free. Tooth-colored fillings are made from composite resin, which doesn’t contain any mercury or other metals.
• Preserves tooth structure. The process of getting tooth-colored fillings does not require as much of your healthy tooth structure to be removed. That’s primarily because they’re able to form a stronger bond with the tooth.

Ready to upgrade to tooth-colored fillings? Ask your dentist about your options. They’ll help you get the happy, healthy smile you deserve!

About the Practice

At Blue Coast Dental Group, we combine modern dentistry with old-fashioned hospitality. Our team uses the latest technologies, techniques, and materials to ensure everyone gets the care they deserve. If you’d like to learn more about tooth-colored fillings, don’t hesitate to ask. You can schedule a consultation via our website or call (310) 424-3100.