The Many Benefits of Composite Fillings: Almost everybody desires a whiter, brighter smile. One of the quickest and easiest ways to accomplish this is by having your teeth professionally whitened by your dentist. Another way to get your teeth pearly white is to have your silver colored mercury-amalgam fillings replaced with tooth-colored fillings called composite fillings.
Composite fillings have been around for over 30 years but have recently become popular for several reasons. First and most obviously, composite fillings are tooth-colored. This means they match the color of your natural teeth, so they are practically invisible. Esthetics are a big motivator for many patients who choose composite fillings over the other options.
Second, composite fillings are healthier for your body. Silver colored mercury-amalgam fillings contain several metals as well as mercury. Mercury is a neurotoxin that has been linked to a host of health conditions and diseases. Composite filings are metal and mercury free, so the composite fillings are healthier for your body.
This means composite fillings are healthier for your teeth. The composite is directly bonded to your teeth when it is placed. This mean the size of the filling is generally smaller and more conservative than traditional silver colored mercury-amalgam fillings, which do not bond to the teeth. In most cases, mercury-amalgam fillings require a larger amount of tooth removal in order to place the filling.
Lastly, composite fillings strengthen your teeth. The composite fillings expand and contract at a rate that is similar to your teeth, so they are much less likely to contribute to cracking or fracturing of your teeth. Cracking or fracturing teeth are a common side effect of silver colored mercury-amalgam fillings.
There is a big difference and you have a choice! Composite fillings are the preferred filling for most dental patients. Tooth -colored composite fillings are an esthetic, healthy, and stronger choice for your smile.
Post written by Dr. Andrew Thompson a Dentist at TenderCare Dental in Portland, Oregon.