Benefits of Treating Cavities with Composite Fillings

If we have fillings that could treat your cavities without compromising your smile, would you try them over metal? We thought so! Clinical experience and scientific findings show that composite fillings are safe, long-lasting, and reliable. They look great, too. Considering the many advantages of white fillings, no wonder dental offices like North Bay Smiles in Petaluma, California, are moving towards a “post-amalgam era.”

Why We Prefer Composite (White) Fillings

A while back, amalgam fillings were the gold standard for treating cavities. These fillings are silver-colored and made from a combination of metals, including silver, mercury, tin, copper, and other metals. On the other hand, composite fillings are made from a mixture of powdered glass quartz and ceramic particles. These non-metal and biocompatible materials offer numerous benefits over their silver-colored counterparts.

Here are the benefits of composite fillings:

• Natural-looking: Long are the days when your teeth would show metal whenever you open your mouth. Composite fillings can be designed to match your natural teeth. This gives you a seamless look, and you don’t have to hold back your smile because of confidence issues.
• Safe: White fillings are made from non-toxic plastic and ceramic to maximize your safety. Amalgam fillings are made from a mixture of metal, which is bad news for patients allergic to metal. White fillings have no safety concerns.
• Conservative: Getting metal fillings involves removing a significant amount of the tooth, which destabilizes it. White fillings only require removing a small portion of your tooth, which maintains your tooth’s structural integrity.
• Durable: Yes, composite fillings aren’t made of metal, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t durable. Tooth-colored fillings can last for over ten years with proper care. Plus, these fillings can be installed anywhere in your mouth, including in your back teeth, where the stress of grinding and chewing is immense.
• Resistant to thermal changes: Metal fillings will likely expand and contract as the temperatures change. This can lead to the weakening or cracking of the tooth. The insulating properties of composite fillings protect them from temperature changes, keeping them intact throughout.

Want to get rid of your cavities with composite fillings in Petaluma, California? Please dial (707) 306-8001 to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Yvonne Szyperski.