As children, they may have been your worst nightmares. Worse, even, than the monsters that you were certain lurked beneath your bed — cavities and fillings.
As adults, we understand that cavities are the unfortunate but preventable consequence of unchecked tooth decay. And that fillings prevent bacteria or plaque from filling those cavities and causing more serious or widespread infections. Even better, a well-maintained filing reinforces a tooth weakened by decay and those cavities.
Traditionally, the most common filling material used by dentists in Hunters Creek has been an amalgam of metals including mercury, zinc, silver, copper, and tin. Those metal fillings are often called amalgam or silver fillings. They have been effective solutions for cavities for decades, but have the distinct disadvantage of being rather unsubtle. Depending on where they’re located in your mouth, a silver filling can appear garish and entirely unnatural. Thanks to advances in dental materials, you have an option that is much more discrete and subtle, and just as effective — you can choose composite fillings in Orlando.
What are composite fillings?
Composite fillings are made from resins of ceramic and plastic compounds. Those resins are compounded to imitate the appearance of your natural teeth so that they blend in naturally. You’ll often see composite fillings referred to as white or, more accurately, tooth-colored fillings. Although composite fillings can take longer to build and are more expensive than amalgam fillings, they offer three advantages over silver fillings.
First, the bonding of the composite materials to your tooth can actually strengthen the tooth. Second, many people experience less tooth sensitivity with composite fillings in Orlando compared to metal fillings.
Finally, and perhaps most significantly, a dentist in Orlando can provide composite fillings that perfectly match your natural teeth. No one needs to know you had a cavity filled.
How long do composite fillings in Orlando last?
The odds are quite good that — no matter what that filling is made of — any filling you receive will have to be replaced at some point in your life. Your mouth is a very dynamic place and fillings can sometimes crack or fall out, or the filled tooth might show further signs of tooth decay that suggest a different filling is required. There are several tips for prolonging the life of your fillings, and we’ll come to them shortly.
You can expect that your composite or white filling will last for seven to 10 years, though there are a large number of factors that can affect that lifespan. By following some easy steps and avoiding some bad dental habits, you can prolong the life of your composite fillings for over a decade.
How to prolong the life of a white filling
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Brush your teeth two or three times daily, for approximately two minutes each time
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Floss between each tooth and between each tooth and your gums once daily
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Attend dental checkups twice a year and have your teeth professionally cleaned annually
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Avoid hard and sticky foods that can put too much pressure on your teeth. That toffee from the state fair should probably be a pass.
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Curb bad habits like biting your nails and chewing on ice
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If you have symptoms of sleep bruxism — clenching your jaw and grinding your teeth as you sleep — tell your dentist in Orlando and ask how they can help
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If you’re an athlete, wear a mouthguard while participating in sports that may involve contact
If you suspect you have a cavity that needs filling or a filling that needs some attention, contact a dentist near you for an assessment of your oral health and to have those issues solved. Ask if you and your particular tooth are good candidates for discrete and durable composite fillings.