Dental fillings are common dental restorations that repair minor cavities or lesions on the surfaces of a person’s teeth to restore strength, appearance, and biting and chewing function. Dental filling procedures are extremely straightforward, consisting of the application by a dentist of a quick-drying cement to the damaged spot on a tooth.
Fillings can be comprised of a range of materials. The material used for a filling generally depends on the extent of the damage to the tooth and the tooth’s visibility, based on its location in the mouth. Fortunately, for individuals requiring repairs to highly visible teeth, tooth-colored fillings are an excellent option for restoring aesthetics as well as function!
What Materials Are Tooth-Colored Fillings Made From?
Tooth-colored fillings are popular in cosmetic dentistry for their ability to restore a tooth’s natural look within an individual’s smile as well as its form and function in the mouth. Tooth-colored fillings typically consist of a mixture of glass or quartz and composite resin. Though composite resin is less durable than the amalgam used for fillings in less visible teeth, its ability to be shaded to match surrounding natural teeth makes it very popular for filling prominently located teeth. Porcelain is another excellent option for tooth-colored fillings, offering durability and aesthetics. It is worth noting that porcelain tends to make for one of the most expensive dental filling options.
How Long Do Dental Fillings Last?
A typical dental filling can last between a few years and multiple decades. This range is due to several general and case-specific factors, such as the type of material used, a patient’s dietary and dental hygiene habits, and the original level of damage to the tooth.
Generally speaking, silver amalgam fillings have the longest lifespan, frequently lasting two decades or more. Also at the high end of the longevity range are gold and ceramic, each typically lasting 10-15 years or more. Among tooth-colored options, porcelain offers the greatest longevity, with a lifespan of up to 15 years with proper care. Composite resin tooth-colored fillings, meanwhile, tend to last 5-7 years before requiring retreatment.
Consult with your dentist to determine the type of filling best suited to your needs.
Top-Tier Cosmetic, Preventive, and Corrective Dentistry in Eagle River, AK
If you’re in the Eagle River area and looking for a dental practice with the experience and expertise to guide you through all of your dental care needs, from routine tooth-colored fillings to dental emergencies, contact me, Dr. Brett Kocherhans and the friendly and knowledgeable Alpine Family Dentistry team to schedule a consultation!