Do you hesitate to smile because you are embarrassed about the silver-colored fillings in your teeth? While you may have had no choice earlier as silver fillings were the only option available, with today's tooth color restoration, you do not have to be embarrassed to smile anymore!
What are Tooth Color Restorations?
Tooth color restoration are usually naturally colored materials that are used to replace lost tooth structure or as fillings in dental cavities. These materials are available in a wide range of colors to match the variations in different individuals teeth.
Different Types of Tooth Color Restorations
There are 3 types of commonly used restorations:
• Composite
• Glass Ionomer
• Resin Ionomer
While all three are made up of a mix of powdered glass-like particles and acrylic resin, each of them has different applications.
Composite : Composite can be used for either the front or back teeth for veneers, fillings and inlays and can also be used to replace a chipped tooth or potion of a broken tooth. It is a reliably strong material and provides considerable durability in small to medium-sized fills that need to end moderate pressure. It is moderately resistant to breakage or any further decay.
Glass Ionomer : Glass Ionomer is primarily used for small-sized fills in areas that do not need to end heavy chewing pressure such as the root surfaces of teeth. It is also used to cement dental crowns and requires minimal removal of tooth structure.
Resin Ionomer : Resin Ionomer is usually used in non-chewing surfaces and for short-term fillings in baby's primary or milk teeth. It is not usually used for biting or chewing surfaces in adult teeth. This material has a higher translucency as compared to glass ionomer. It is not as durable as composite but will last longer than glass ionomer.
How long do They Last?
Introduced in the 1960s, these composites or resins have continuously improved over the years and today's restorations are stronger, more stable and more capable of withstanding moderate to heavy chewing pressure. They could last a lifetime depending upon their size and location. Smaller sized fills are more durable and can last longer than a larger filling. Restorations to non-chewing surfaces are more durable than restorations to chewing surfaces. How teeth are cleaned and maintained plays a huge role in how long the fillings will last. Daily brushing and flossing will help prolong the life of your tooth color restoration.