Tooth Colored Fillings in Ballwin MO

There are several different materials you can choose for a filling. Most are designed to look and function like real tooth material.

Many dental patients are familiar with the old style of fillings that used to be the only option available – an amalgam of metal, resulting in a glinting smile and often extra tooth sensitivity due to rapidly conducted temperature changes.

Today, there are several different materials you can choose from, and most are designed to look, feel, and function as closely as possible to real tooth material. These new materials range from inexpensive (but correspondingly less durable) to those with a higher up front cost but the potential to last many years.

Lab Fabricated Gold Fillings

Gold fillings are the strongest, longest lasting, and most durable restorative material, as well as the most expensive. May people choose these fillings for back molars, where the filling is less visible and the chewing surface experiences the most stress.

Advantages

• Is the most compatible with & least irritating to gum tissues
• Wears more like natural tooth structure
• Is well suited for larger cavities
• Resists stains better then more porous materials

Disadvantages

• Takes 2 appointments to complete the filling process
• Can show metal, especially on teeth closer to the front of the mouth.
• Requires temporary filling between appointments

Lab Fabricated Tooth Colored Fillings

A lab fabricated custom filling is the second best choice in terms of lifespan, strength and durability, but has the added advantage of better aesthetics, particularly in cases when the filling will be readily visible, and also bonds more readily to the tooth.

Advantages

• Presents a natural looking appearance, with no metal showing
• Is very compatible with and non-irritating to gum tissues
• Wears very similarly to natural tooth structure
• Is well suited for larger cavities
• Resists stains better than composite materials

Disadvantages

• Takes 2 appointments to complete the filling process
• Requires a temporary filling between appointments
• Has a shorter life span than gold inlays

Composite “Instant” Tooth Colored Fillings

Simple, direct tooth colored fillings are created from composite materials, and can be applied immediately, with no need for the lab to customize the filling. These are the least expensive tooth fillings, but will require periodic replacement.

Advantages

• Has a natural appearance, with no metal showing
• Require only one appointment
• Bonds well to the existing tooth structure
• Is well suited for small fillings and front teeth

Disadvantages

• Is the weakest dental material available
• Wears out quickly
• Stains easily
• Has the shortest life span

Dr. Kevin F. Postol can help you decide which type of filling is best for you, depending on your long and short term dental care plan, which tooth is being treated, and your financial situation. Contact us to schedule my appointment today!

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