While most of us would have had a tooth cavity filling done at some point in life, for many of us it would have been silver fillings or a semi-tooth-coloured filling. Today, we have modern materials that not only look better but are also functionally excellent.
What are tooth-coloured fillings?
Tooth-coloured fillings or composite fillings are made up of a material known as composite resins. These are white in colour and come in different shades.
Why do they have multiple shades?
Teeth possess unique characteristics that make them vary in saturation. Quite simply put some teeth are whiter while some are darker than others. Having multiple shades enables a skilled cosmetic dentist to replicate and match your tooth perfectly including all the minute details.
Is getting a tooth-coloured filling done a painful procedure?
No, a tooth-coloured filling is a minimally invasive procedure. With advancements in dentistry, the extent of drilling required for a tooth-coloured filling is significantly lesser compared to other materials.
How is it done?
Your dentist will first prepare your cavity to remove all the bacteria followed by surface treating it and applying a kind of glue to it. Then your dentist will use a special light to make it set. The appropriate shade of tooth-coloured filling material is then added and sculpted in layers to make it look natural. Your dentist will then polish and adjust it till your bite feels comfortable.
Who is a cosmetic dentist?
A cosmetic dentist is a dentist who has undergone additional training in the field of cosmetic dentistry and is skilled to carry out cosmetic dental procedures such as teeth whitening, teeth veneers, smile makeovers and natural-looking tooth-coloured fillings.
How long do tooth-coloured fillings last?
The average life span of a filling varies between 3- 8 years. This does not mean the filling will fall off after that time period. Over time there is wear and tear and it is advised to replace fillings ideally after 3-6 years.
Why Smile Craft?
Dr Schuyler Pereira is rated as one of the top cosmetic dentists in Margao- Goa. He is a member of the Indian Academy of Aesthetic and Cosmetic dentistry and has undergone additional training in the field of cosmetic dentistry at New York University’s College of Dentistry in the USA.
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio
