For many years, dental fillings were made from metal amalgam, a combination of metals. Today, fabrication materials have advanced to the point that white fillings are now as strong and durable as metal fillings. They can be used to fill any cavities affecting your teeth. This is good news for anyone who requires a filling, as well as patients who need replacement fillings.

Whether you have a new cavity that needs to be restored or old metal fillings you want replaced, Dr. Daniel Dufera and his staff provide beautiful tooth-colored fillings in one easy appointment. Contact Silver Spring Smiles to learn more about white fillings, Silver Spring, MD at 301.588.5400.

Dental Fillings

Fillings are perhaps the best-known dental treatment, as cavities are one of the most common medical/dental conditions affecting Americans. Nearly everyone will experience some level of decay at some point in their lives, and therefore most people are familiar with the process of getting a dental filling.

Why are fillings necessary? All human mouths contain bacteria that feed upon the plaque and food residues found on teeth. When bacteria feed, they produce acidic excretions that dissolve tooth enamel and weaken the mineral structure that forms the outer layer of the tooth. Over time, when minerals are leached from a tooth, a small hole is formed. Once a cavity is present, there is nothing your body can do to heal the tooth. Only a dental filling can restore the tooth and prevent the decay from deepening and spreading. Now that white fillings are available, no one needs to know that you have had cavities. The restoration will blend in harmoniously with the natural color of your teeth.

Metal Fillings vs. White Fillings

There are several differences between white fillings and metal fillings. However, the one that matters the most to patients is the fact that white fillings are not as noticeable when you laugh, speak, and smile. Patients who are concerned with the appearance of their smile are usually happy to learn that white fillings are now a standard substitute for the standby metal fillings of yesterday.

The materials that fillings are composed of are another significant difference. Metal fillings are made from an amalgam of several materials, generally silver, tin, copper and mercury. While the American Dental Association has determined that the mercury in fillings does not pose a threat to one’s health, many patients prefer to avoid them due to the environmental implications of mercury disposal. White fillings, on the other hand, are made from a substance called dental composite. This is a mixture of fine particles of plastic, glass, and minerals, which are held together in a resin matrix. This material is known to bond better to the tooth, which makes the tooth stronger than it would be with a metal filling.

The Average Lifespan of Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are not made to last forever. Most fillings have an average lifespan of about eight to 12 years, give or take. They may last for several years after this point without showing signs of failure, depending on their size, location, and how they are used. However, it’s always a good idea to have old fillings checked by your dentist to ensure they are not losing their effectiveness. When fillings begin to fail they can cause pain, become dislodged, or open the door to secondary decay. If you have old fillings made of metal, you may be due to have them replaced. If this is the case, white fillings can be applied to make your teeth stronger and more attractive than before.

Learn More About the Benefits of White Fillings

When you visit Silver Spring Smiles for routine dental appointments, we will check your fillings for signs of failure to make sure your teeth stay properly protected and restored by their fillings. If we find problems, we will discuss the issues with you. Call our dental office at 301-588-5400 to learn more about white fillings, Silver Spring, MD.