Do you have old metal fillings in your mouth from dental work when you were younger? Metal fillings were the standard in restorative dentistry for many years, and they have all sorts of amazing benefits. In addition to being highly affective, they are also long-lasting and durable. However, they also have some downsides. Today, tooth-colored fillings have become the preferred option for restoring decayed teeth. Read on to learn why you might want to have your metal fillings replaced.
What Are the Cons of Metal Fillings?
Lots of people have old metal fillings. They are very durable and last a long time. On top of that, they were the standard for years. However, there are a few downsides to be aware of.
- Contains Mercury: Metal fillings can be made from a variety of metals. Some of them include silver, tin, copper, and mercury. The problem is that mercury is toxic to the human body. According to a study completed by the University of Georgia, if you have more than 8 metal fillings, in your mouth, they could be increasing the mercury levels in your body. The good news is that there isn’t any evidence to suggest that the amount of mercury present in metal fillings isn’t enough to cause any significant issues, like mercury toxicity. However, many people prefer to avoid them to be safe.
- Reactive to Temperatures: Metal tends to expand and contract when exposed to different temperatures. When you have hot foods, metal fillings can expand, putting extra stress on your tooth. When you have something cold. The metal filling shrinks, resulting in gaps. Eventually this takes a toll on the structure of the tooth.
- Unnatural-Looking: Metal fillings are easy to detect. Most people don’t prefer the appearance of amalgam fillings in their teeth since they don’t look natural.
What Are the Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings?
Today, dentistry uses tooth-colored fillings instead of metal ones. Here are some of the benefits.
- Natural-Looking: Tooth-colored fillings easily blend in with your teeth. No one will be able to tell that you have one.
- Mercury-Free: Tooth-colored fillings are made from composite resin, so there is no mercury.
- Preserves Tooth Structure: A smaller portion of your health tooth structure needs to be removed to replace a tooth-colored filling. This is because they form a stronger bond to the tooth.
If you have concerns about your metal fillings or want a natural-looking alternative, schedule a visit with your dentist to discuss tooth-colored fillings. This way, you can benefit from a reliable restoration with a natural-looking finish!
About the Practice
At Bradford Dental Care, Dr. Thomas Bower and Dr. Yuneisy Vazquez work together to treat patients in the Haverhill community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. To learn more about tooth-colored fillings or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call (978) 372-0600.