Tooth-colored fillings offer a better way to restore teeth damaged by tooth decay. The dentists at Comprehensive Dental Care in West Hartford, CT, discuss the advantages of the fillings.

What are tooth-colored fillings?

Tooth-colored fillings are made of composite resin, a flexible, plastic-based material that is tinted to match common tooth shades. Although composite resin is soft and pliable, it becomes as hard as your tooth enamel when it's exposed to a curing light. Tooth-colored fillings offer several benefits that the old silver amalgam fillings don't, such as:

• Better Appearance: Because composite resin fillings match your tooth color, the filled area isn't obvious when you smile or laugh. Tooth-colored fillings are an excellent choice whether you have a new cavity or need to replace old silver amalgam fillings.
• Stronger Teeth: Teeth become a little weaker after they've been filled. Because the first step in the filling process involves removing the decayed area and a margin of healthy tooth structure, some weakening is unavoidable. Weak, fragile teeth are more likely to crack or fracture, resulting in the need for crowns, root canal therapy or even extractions. Unlike silver amalgam fillings, tooth-colored fillings bond to your teeth and actually strengthen them. They also require the removal of a smaller area of healthy tooth structure, which results in less weakening of teeth.
• No Discoloration: Silver amalgam fillings aren't just noticeable on the surface of teeth. You may notice that your tooth looks a little darker than surrounding teeth if you have a particularly large filling. Discoloration may also occur if an old amalgam filling begins to leak into your enamel, making your tooth appear gray. Since composite fillings match the color of your teeth, these problems aren't a concern when you receive tooth-colored fillings in our West Hartford office. 

Protect and enhance your smile with tooth-colored fillings. Call the dentists at Comprehensive Dental Care in West Hartford, CT, at (860) 233-7514 to schedule your appointment.