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Fillings are a common and widely used treatment in everyday dentistry. Amalgam, a mercury-containing alloy that has been used for decades, has been used primarily as filling material. It is a metallic shade and gives the tooth a gray color tone.
The evolution in natural tooth color, composite resin fillings.
One of the most exciting developments in dentistry today is the creation of resins in natural tooth shades, giving unrivaled aesthetics in relation to amalgam. When making white composite fillings, the dentist uses a palette of dental shadows and creates colors that match perfectly with the neighboring teeth, producing aesthetics and beautiful smiles.
Types of Dental Fillings
Composite Resins
Modern technology trends have particularly affected dentistry in terms of dental resin development technology. Originally, about 30 years ago, there was only one color that approached the natural white of the tooth with great abrasiveness. Today, advanced materials are used that mimic exactly the natural appearance, while they have special properties such as increased durability, hardness and longevity.
They are bonded on teeth using state-of-the-art adhesive systems that assist durability of the residual dental structure. Composite resins are now mostly used, and when an old amalgam filling needs to be replaced, the dentist can use them to restore the function and appearance of the tooth. They are indicated both in front and back teeth providing an ideal solution.
Glass Reinforced Composite Fillings
This whitish-white material has the ability to stick to the tooth while releasing a small amount of fluoride. These fillings are especially useful in cases of carries but are not used as permanent occlusive materials due to intense abrasion. It is a useful temporary material with increased strength and durability.
Amalgam
It was the most common filling material. It is a gray metal alloy that contains mercury, it is hard, durable and lasts for many years. Its main disadvantage is the aesthetics it gives while the low mercury content is a concern. Another issue is contraction-expansion due to changes in temperature that are observed and some claim that it causes dental cracks or fractures. Its use is constantly in decline.
Replacement of amalgam fillings
When the filling reaches the end of its life, it can be replaced by a white material. The dentist can advise if composites or an inlay/onlay is the right solution to the problem.
Especially in patients who do not want black fillings or materials that contain mercury during the replacement, the dentist takes an x-ray, examines the depth of the previous filling and then isolates the tooth withrubber dam. Thus the amalgam is removed at high speeds and strong suction, rinsed and completely removed.
Frequently asked questions
Can I whiten front fillings?
Bleaching only affects natural tissues. Fillings, crowns, veneers do not change color rendering, shade or tone during the process and so the only way to whiten fillings on front teeth is to replace them with new whiter ones.
How do I remove black fillings?
The protocol for changing black fillings consists of removal with strong suction, isolation and the use of high speeds and suction.
What can I do about black filling that I am not satisfied with?
Today, a variety of color options are available for teeth and fillings can be replaced with white resin composites with equally good properties and excellent aesthetics.
Do white fillings wear out easily or are they replaced more often?
This is not true. Modern white composites are wear-resistant and highly stable in color in the long run. As with any other filling, success factors are accurate placement and construction. So composite fillings are now considered the best choice for teeth except in very specific cases.