Dental fillings are the most common form of tooth restoration. Fillings are required when the surface of a tooth has a fairly minor cavity or lesion. Fillings serve to restore a tooth’s strength and natural shape and protect against further damage.
Most dental filling procedures are fairly straightforward and completed quickly during the course of a single dental visit. This process consists of the dentist preparing and immediately applying what is, essentially, a quick-drying cement to the cavity or lesion on the tooth. A typical filling can be expected to last for between seven and fifteen years.
What Are Dental Fillings Made Of?
Dental fillings can be made from a variety of materials, with the material used depending on:
- the extent of the damage to the tooth
- the location of the tooth in the mouth
For teeth that are less visible, amalgam fillings, consisting of a combination of metals, including silver, tin, copper, and mercury, are typically used. Amalgam fillings are popular due to their durability and longevity, as well as the fact that they tend to be less expensive than those using other materials.
However, for teeth that are more prominently visible, tooth-coloured fillings are an option for restoring both function and aesthetics.
What Are Tooth-Coloured Fillings?
Tooth-coloured fillings are popular in cosmetic dentistry for their ability to not only restore a tooth’s form and function but also the natural look of a patient’s smile. Tooth-coloured fillings are typically made of a mixture of glass or quartz filler and a composite resin material. Composite resin, though less durable than amalgam, is popular for its ability to be shaded to match the colour of surrounding teeth.
Porcelain can also be used for tooth-coloured fillings. The main advantage of porcelain fillings is extreme durability and longevity. It is worth noting, however, that these fillings reside at the pricier end of the spectrum.
Tooth-Coloured Fillings in Brisbane, Queensland
If you are in the Brisbane, QLD area and would like to learn more about tooth-coloured fillings, dentist Dr Bao Nguyen and the team at Be Well Dental are available to arrange a consultation appointment.