Sep
When most people think of fillings, they may remember those unattractive silver globs that most dentists used to fill in cavities. Thankfully, dentistry has come a long way since the introduction of composite dental fillings designed to blend perfectly with your natural teeth while preserving your smile.
Traditional metal fillings are made using either silver or amalgam. While usually the cheapest option, they also require the removal of much more natural tooth tissue before placement. And, of course, these fillings are far less attractive.
Composite fillings, on the other hand, are designed to match the colour of your natural teeth and need far less natural tooth tissue removal.
Aside from the obvious aesthetic benefit, composite fillings are more affordable than other restorative options, such as crowns, onlays, or inlays. Plus, you can usually get your fillings placed in just a single visit.
Composite fillings are incredibly versatile and can repair all types of damage, such as chipped, worn-down, and broken teeth. Plus, they are stronger than metal-based fillings and will not degrade the integrity of your tooth.
Safety is another key advantage of composite fillings over metal ones. Some people are allergic to the mercury in amalgam, making composite fillings a better option.
You can expect your composite fillings to last several years. However, by using a few simple dental hygiene best practices, you can prolong the life of your fillings to 10 or more years!
Prolonging the life of your composite fillings requires adopting just a few simple and easy daily dental hygiene habits.
Brushing at least twice a day is a good start. Also, flossing at night before bed and routine dental check-ups can go a long way.
It’s best to visit your dentist at least twice a year or every six months for a deep cleaning and to detect any oral health issues.
It’s best to avoid hard foods such as certain candies and seeds for at least a day or two after getting your composite fillings. You may also want to avoid drinking very hot or cold drinks during this time as your teeth may be more sensitive.
There are also foods you may want to limit or avoid for the long-term health of your fillings, such as:
You can restore and preserve your smile using composite dental fillings by visiting The Hope Dental Care Centre. Call (343) 803-6333 today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Alireza Farkhondeh and the team. Together, we can help you begin your journey to a healthier, stronger, more beautiful smile.