New Baltimore, MI
Schedule APPOINTMENT
Did you know that the average American has three or more dental fillings? A filling is considered the least invasive dental restoration that is applied to a damaged tooth resulting from decay or injury. Poor oral hygiene, frequent consumption of simple sugars, and the vulnerability of the tooth enamel are conducive to the development of tooth decay.
At Great Lakes Dental Excellence, our dentist removes demineralized (disease-affected) tooth tissues and places a filling in its place to keep the entire structure intact. A number of different materials can be used as tooth fillings, but our first choice is white dental fillings, which beautifully imitate the natural tooth.
Interestingly, until the 1950s, dentists used grayish or yellow cement to fill cavities. Relatively recently, the American scientist M.G. Buonocore discovered the technique of etching tooth enamel with acid, obtaining the perfect adhesion. Because of this invention, it became possible to use more aesthetic materials to fill the teeth than cement with an uninteresting, conspicuous color. White dental fillings focus on durability, discretion, and elegance.
Dental fillings have evolved over the years to enhance aesthetics and ensure the durability of fillings. Amalgam was a classic filling used in the past. The older generations probably still remember the black and silver fillings in the teeth. Today, the most popular dental filling is composite restoration. Unlike amalgam, composites (white fillings) can be bonded or supplemented, allowing for more preventative treatments without the need to remove previous fillings and prepare large tooth surfaces.
White dental fillings are made from composite materials, and they can be both chemically-cured or light-cured fillings. These dental restorations have a similar structure to tooth tissues. Among the many advantages of white fillings is that they can match the shade of your teeth perfectly. In addition, they have excellent adhesion to your enamel – they simply stick into the tooth. Composite fillings enable quick reconstruction of your teeth, such as rebuilding teeth after grinding for prosthetic crowns, as they are highly resistant to crushing.
White dental fillings are applied in layers, and they are carefully sculpted to fit your tooth’s natural shape before we cure them with light. White dental fillings are incomparable to other filling options on the market, and our dental team at Great Lakes Dental Excellence is happy to share our thoughts about each available restoration.
White dental fillings also differ in terms of materials, where their advantages and characteristics will always be related to the quality of materials used during treatment, and quality usually goes hand in hand with a higher price.
At Great Lakes Dental Excellence, in our daily work, we use the highest quality composite materials from the world’s best manufacturers while maintaining their affordability. What are some of the advantages of using white dental fillings?
While other dental fillings, such as amalgam consisting of metal alloys and mercury, are highly conductive and may cause substantial hot and cold sensitivity, that is not the case in composite fillings. White dental fillings cause little to no sensitivity while consuming hot or cold foods and drinks.
The composite fillings are incredibly moldable, allowing them to adhere precisely to the tooth tissues, preventing bacteria from developing underneath.
White dental fillings are one of the most durable restorative materials, which are rarely damaged. Temperature fluctuations do not affect composite fillings, and they are characterized by resistance to breaking or chipping, which signifies their safety.
Patients like the fact that composite fillings can match the color of their existing teeth. After the treatment, the teeth look natural, and the fillings are virtually invisible. These types of fillings perfectly match the shape and color of the tooth being replaced. White dental fillings are characterized by a “chameleon effect,” which creates a very discreet appearance and is indistinguishable from a real tooth.
When shaping the filling, we do not have to remove a large part of your tooth to fit the applied material.
Dentistry utilizes several types of lamps that may differ in many features, including the source of emitted light. There are halogen lamps, which are currently one of the most commonly used lamps, but many dental offices also use xenon, LED, laser, or argon lamps.
The mechanism of polymerization lamps on composite fillings is complicated. A beam of light radiation in contact with the composite material induces a cascade of complex photochemical reactions, resulting in the light-curing of composite particles. It consists of combining individual molecules into long chains with an ordered structure, making the filling hard and cohesive.
Light-cured fillings provide patients with freedom post-treatment, allowing them to consume all types of foods without the fear of damage. You might be advised to avoid eating and drinking until the anesthesia subsides. Light-cured materials are more resistant to mechanical damage, protecting you against abrasion or breaking fragments of your filling.
Our digital X-rays and impressions are designed for the comfort of our patients.
No dental insurance? No problem. Dental care is affordable with our interest-free financing options.
Our digital scans eliminate unpleasant, goopy impression material while increasing accuracy.
Your records are safe at our digital, paperless, and eco-friendly dental office. Protected health information is guaranteed.
Our team is made up of caring, helpful, and knowledgeable individuals that offer gentle dental care. Customer service at its finest.
Our team is trained to not only treat oral health problems but also provide top preventative services.
Unlike amalgam, composites can be joined or supplemented. This allows dentists to perform more conservative treatments without having to remove previous fillings and prepare large tooth surfaces. Although amalgam fillings are very durable (they can last up to 20-30 years), they are less aesthetic and more visible than composite ones.
White fillings increase the cosmetic aspect of a smile, which is confirmed by numerous opinions by various patients and professionals. Amalgams do not provide such beautifying effects.
