If you’ve ever had a cavity in your tooth, your dentist likely repaired it with the help of a restoration called a filling. Although in years past it was common to use amalgam metal to do this, today it is more common to receive a composite resin tooth-colored filling instead. However, although they’re extremely strong and durable, these restorations aren’t indestructible. Here’s how to keep yours in excellent shape so they continue to repair and protect your tooth for years to come!
What Are Tooth Colored Fillings Made Of?
Over the years, dental fillings have been made of a variety of strong, long-lasting materials such as gold and amalgam metal. Unfortunately, however, while these restorations do provide excellent tooth protection and can even last for decades, they are extremely obvious in your arches, creating embarrassing unwanted attention when you open your mouth to eat, speak, and smile.
Conversely, durable, beautiful tooth-colored fillings are matched to the color of your healthy teeth, so nobody will know they’ve been restored. They’re made of a strong, long-lasting composite resin, which is a mix of plastic, glass particles, and quartz.
How Long Do Tooth Colored Fillings Last?
While they don’t last forever, composite resin tooth-colored fillings can remain in excellent condition and protect your teeth for about five to seven years. However, their exact lifespan depends on how well you take care of them.
How Do I Take Care of Tooth Colored Fillings?
The good news is that maintaining your beautiful, durable tooth-colored restorations is easier than you might think. In fact, you can care for them using the same tools and techniques you use for the rest of your teeth: just brush them twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, floss daily, and visit your dentist every six months for your regular exams and cleanings. Additionally, it’s important to be very careful with your teeth (both restored and complete). Never use them to tear open packaging, bite your fingernails, or chew on inedible objects like pen caps, as this can cause them to break or wear down prematurely.
Remember, whether you’re getting your first filling, or you’d like to upgrade your existing metal restorations to a more discreet, natural looking repair, durable, lifelike tooth-colored fillings will help rebuild a healthy, beautiful smile that can last for years with proper care, so speak to your dentist about your options today!
About Our Practice
At Blue Coast Dental Group, our team of caring and talented dentists want to help restore your healthy, beautiful smile with the help of tooth-colored fillings. If your tooth has sustained damage from a cavity or decay, it won’t get better on its own- but a durable, natural-looking composite resin filling can bring back both its appearance and function. To learn more about how we can get your smile back in shape, contact us today to schedule a consultation for tooth-colored fillings by visiting our website or calling 310-424-3100.