Tooth-Colored Filling: Types, Benefits, Lifespan and Safety

Are you needing tooth filling but worried about the distinctive color of the filling material? Because of prominent tooth fillings, you may feel awkward to smile in public. But don’t worry about it anymore.

A tooth-colored filling is an aesthetic and effective alternative to give your speaking confidence back.

Furthermore, you can undergo it even for your front teeth without any prominent change in your natural dental appearance. 

Read: 4 Easy Solutions To Fix A Grey Tooth In Your Toddler

Read: Importance of Timely Fillings and Extractions in Children’s Dental Health

To know all about this procedure, keep reading.

What Is Tooth-Colored Filling?

It is the widely used alternative to typical silver amalgam fillings. People usually prefer this filling because its color resembles the color of your teeth, making it less prominent than silver teeth.

Yet, It is also known as:

• White fillings,
• Composite resins, 
• Or composite fillings. 

The materials used to synthesize white fillings include plastic, silica, some glass particles, resins, and some other particles.

However, you can use a white filling if you have a problem with the teeth’ shape, size, and color.

It is the effective treatment of broken, chipped, or decayed teeth. Regardless of the location of the teeth, either back or front, patients can undergo this filling. 

What’s more? You can continue your healthy diet routine as it is resistant enough to bear moderate chewing pressure.

What Is The Procedure Of Tooth-Colored Filling?

Here is the 6-step procedure for this treatment: 

1. Firstly, your dentist will select the composite shade in the first step. 
2. After selection, he will give you some numbing agents to numb the targeted area, including the tooth and nearby tissues. The agents will act as local anesthetics. 
3. Then, a dentist will remove your tooth’s broken or decaying part by drilling. 
4. He will clean the area and get a prepared tooth. 
5. Next, the dentist will etch the tooth and put the filling material in the tooth hole. He can use a light to set the layers of the filling material. The dentist will first set the one layer using light before going to the other. 
6. Ultimately, he will shape, contour, and polish the tooth.

Is It Safe To Undergo Tooth-Colored Filling?

Yes, it is a safe procedure but has some associated considerations. The filling material carries some risks as it can be cytotoxic for the surrounding tissues. 

Some researchers have shown that safety threats are due to the light curing unit, which hardens the fillings.

To reduce the risk of these potential side effects, the dentist must ensure that the filling material does not touch nearby tissues.

Also, following the manufacturer’s instructions helps the dentist perform risk-free teeth filling.

Is Tooth Colored Filling Permanent?

No, it does not offer permanent treatment. The duration can vary from person to person, depending on how well they care for their dental health.

Some studies have shown that this filling can last for seven years. The duration can be increased to 10 years if you are fully conscious of your oral conditions.

Patients who have more cavities may need to go for refilling before the mentioned period.

Benefits

This specific type of tooth filling has unique benefits, making it preferable for patients. All of these benefits are as follows.

• Reduces the risk of fracture.
• It is durable & allows you to be comfortable while chewing.
• It gives a natural color to the tooth, making it less prominent.
• It follows a simple procedure and needs a single visit for completion.
• It has a temperature sensitivity of just a short period after the treatment. 
• You can undergo this filling to recover minor flaws and significant damage.

Drawbacks

There are always some drawbacks to artificial or surgical procedures. Analyzing the benefits-to-drawback ratio allows dentists to select the better and more effective treatment option for you. 

Below are the risks and side effects of composite filling.

• Has a relatively shorter lifespan than amalgam fillings.
• It is more expensive than other types of fillings.
• Its procedure can take a longer duration to complete.
• It needs precise care to end up as a successful tooth filling.

Other Types Of Tooth Filling

There are four common types of tooth filling, including tooth-colored filling. These different tooth fillings vary based on their cost, strength, durability, appearance, and convenience associated with their application. 

Below are the details about other types of tooth filling: 

1- Amalgam Filling:

It is made up of a mixture of metals, mainly mercury. Also, it is the cheapest filling material and relatively easy to apply. It is resistive and good for larger fillings. 

However, due to its silver color, it may not seem lovely in front teeth.

2- Glass Ionomer Fillings:

This is another type of white tooth filling. It is less strong than composite filling. But, you can prefer it as a temporary filling. Dentists usually use it to fill the decaying teeth roots below the gum lines.

3- Gold Fillings:

It is a strong and durable type of filling. But it is costly and not preferable because of its distinctive appearance. Also, it follows a complex procedure to apply and shape this filling into the tooth cavity.

Conclusion

Patients prefer tooth-colored fillings because of their natural tooth color. It has a relatively shorter lifespan and persists for a maximum of 10 years. 

Besides, it offers considerable durability and strength to allow efficient chewing. You need a single visit to a trusted dentist for its accomplishment.

FAQs

Are tooth-colored fillings more expensive?

It’s not very expensive but more costly than silver fillings and less expensive than gold fillings. Because of its aesthetic look as compared to silver fillings, patients prefer it regardless of its cost.

Are tooth-colored fillings better than silver?

A tooth-colored filling is better than a silver filling in its appearance. It matches the natural tooth color and makes patients feel comfortable while talking.

However, silver fillings have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, which is longer than tooth-colored fillings, which have a 7 to 10-year lifespan.

What color filling is best?

Composite fillings are the best option for colored fillings. It is because of its appearance, durability, costs, and relatively less risk of side effects.

Besides, your healthcare professional can give you a better option depending on your tooth damage.