Tooth-Colored Fillings
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What Are They?
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Tooth colored fillings are also referred to as composites, because they are
composed of a complex composite of plastic and zirconia/silica. Composites were introduced in the 1960's, and have undergone continual
improvements in durability, color stability, material handling qualities, and
esthetics. Fillings are considered one type of tooth restoration. Other restorations
include inlays, onlay, veneers and crowns.
Tooth colored fillings are actually bonded to teeth compared to silver /
amalgam fillings, which are not.
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How Do They Look?
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Tooth colored filling material comes in a great number of colors (shades),
and are matched to your individual tooth color. Typically, a different type of
material is used for front and back teeth. The materials used for front teeth
have a high shine; whereas, the materials for back teeth are designed for
strength - both look great! It's nice that if you have a filling it can be
virtually undetectable.
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How Long Do They Last?
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The factors that determine the lifespan of a particular filling include: the
tooth (molars take more force than bicuspids), the size of the filling relative
to the tooth (smaller fillings will usually be more durable than larger
fillings), and how teeth are cleaned and maintained daily.
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How Should They Feel?
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A new filling should feel natural, like your other teeth. After the
anesthesia has worn away and you can feel your teeth and bite again, you should
not notice anything particularly different. It should be smooth and comfortable.
You can eat on tooth colored fillings right away (as soon as anesthesia is
gone) compared to silver / amalgam fillings, which you cannot.
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NOTE: If you detect a noticeable sensation when biting or chewing, this means
the bite is too tall. Unlike silver / amalgam filling material that is softer,
and will wear away or chip, the bite on tooth colored filling material will not
improve with time. If the bite remains too tall a tooth can also become
temperature sensitive. Please don't hesitate to let call if your filling
requires an adjustment.
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