Cosmetic Dental Fillings, Forest Hills, Queens
The majority of patients will have a filling at some point in their lives. Nowadays cosmetic dental fillings are used to treat tooth decay and restore damaged teeth using a composite resin that can restore the tooth structure to 90% of its original strength. Unlike traditional amalgam fillings, these aren’t noticeable and blend in with your normal tooth color. In the past the most popular type of filling was the silver amalgam that has be used for decades.Today many dentists have changed their process and now use cosmetic dental fillings also known as tooth colored fillings or white fillings.
Cosmetic dental fillings will match the natural color of the patients teeth unlike traditional amalgam fillings that can provide a metal Like appearance. Fillings can also change the size, color and shape of your teeth. Patients that have amalgam fillings can have them replaced with cosmetic fillings for a more aesthetic appearance. Cosmetic fillings are made from a durable composite resin material. They are stronger and set much quicker.
What are the benefits of composite fillings?
- They feel natural and resemble your natural tooth color.
- Resembles your actual tooth structure no need for grooves or pins to hold it in place.
- 85 to 95% of your tooth’s original strength.
- Are set within a few seconds as opposed to a few days.
How are cosmetic fillings placed?
First the dentist will remove the layers of tooth decay and bacteria, down to the enamel or below the dentin. The area in which the filling will be placed is then numbed and a primer substance is applied. This will help open up the pores of your teeth, creating a stronger bond.
Once the substance has hardened it will be ‘cured’ or hardened with a special bonding light. Once the ‘curing’ process is complete, the filling is applied in thin layers. This will slowly form the complete tooth filling. Once applied the filling is then smoothed and polished; so that it matches and is comfortable when the patient bites down. It may need to be adjusted to find a perfect fit.
