What is an aesthetic tooth filling?
Aesthetic filling is a type of tooth filling done at the dental office to regain the natural look of the tooth using filling materials that are compatible with the person’s original tooth color.
Composite fillings are the most commonly used type by most dentists around the world. They depend on the chemical bond to the tooth being hardened by using a dental curing light device (halogen or LED) to cure the composite and get it to set.
Why should an aesthetic filling be done?
- Repairing decayed and damaged teeth.
- Correction of permanent discoloration of teeth.
- Treatment of diastema, which means the closing of gaps between teeth.
- Creating a personalized smile design to change the shape and color of teeth using composite veneers.
What are the types of aesthetic tooth filling materials?
Since dentists nowadays all agree that amalgam tooth fillings are non-aesthetic, unpleasant to most patients, and can’t be used for anterior teeth, the use of more appealing materials has widely increased, giving both the dentist and the patient a variety of materials that suit every case.
Composites
are the most widely used materials for aesthetic tooth filling. They are considered the ideal solution given that their color can be easily matched with the natural color of the tooth. They have high durability that matches the enamel of the tooth.
Ceramics
Ceramic fillings are generally made of porcelain and are more stain-resistant and durable than other methods.
Glass Ionomer
These fillings are a mixture of a special kind of glassy particles and an acrylic resin matrix. Its durability is not as high as that of composites, so it can’t be used for extensive tooth damage treatment. They are ideally used for the restoration of deciduous teeth, minor temporary work, and the work done on root surfaces below the gumline. They can be also used as intermediate restorations for people with high caries index before finally placing composite fillings due to their fluoride releasing properties that can control the further progression of caries lesions.
How is aesthetic filling done?
➥ Initial assessment: During your routine dental check-up, your dentist will examine your teeth and may take x-rays to identify the areas of decay. If a cavity is found or an old restoration is deteriorating, your dentist will recommend a composite filling to restore the affected tooth’s integrity.
➥ Numbing the area: Before proceeding with decay removal, the dentist will use local anesthesia to numb the area so that you’ll feel little to no discomfort during the procedure.
➥ Removing the decay and tooth preparation for filling: After numbing the area, your dentist will start removing the decay using special tools and creating a clean and stable foundation for the composite filling. And in the most conservative way, the preparation of the tooth for composite filling preserves the most structure.
➥ Etching and bonding: After preparing the tooth, your dentist will apply an acid etch followed by a bonding agent to the tooth surface. Using a dental curing light, your dentist will cure the bonding agent to adhere to the tooth surface.
➥ Composite resin placement: Your dentist will now apply the composite resin to the desired area layer by layer, then carve to give the exact anatomy of the original tooth. Using the dental curing light, your dentist will cure the composite to harden it and get it to set completely.
➥ Finishing and polishing: Once the filling is done, it’s time for the final touches of finishing and polishing to ensure the ideal shape of the filling. Using special burs and tools, this procedure gives the filling a smooth, natural feel, prevents its staining, and improves its longevity. Your dentist will also check your bite to ensure proper alignment and make any necessary modifications.
What are the advantages of aesthetic tooth fillings?
- They restore the natural shape and color of the tooth.
- They are compatible with the color and texture of the tooth, making them indistinguishable from the outside.
- They can be applied to all age groups without restrictions.
- They have high durability and can last for many years with proper care.
- They don’t cause sensitivity to hot or cold drinks when applied properly.
- They require a minimally invasive procedure to be placed.
- They are fast cosmetic results that can be done in one visit.
How is tooth care done after a filling?
On the day of the filling, your mouth will stay numb for a few hours, so you need to be careful when chewing on that side to avoid biting your tongue, lips, or cheeks.
Routine tooth care is done directly after a filling. You need to brush your teeth with toothpaste regularly and use dental floss to clean the spaces between teeth.
The use of a hard toothbrush and toothpaste containing abrasive materials is not recommended.
The tooth may be sensitive for a few days; stay away from hot or cold beverages or food until it no longer feels that way.
Why choose Al-Alem Dental Center for aesthetic tooth fillings?
- The long experience of Dr.Mohamed Al-Alem in the fields of aesthetic dentistry and digital smile design.
- The use of the highest-quality dental materials and most recent technologies.
- Flexible and long working hours that suit everyone.
- Before and after pictures of cases done at the center are available on the website.
FAQs
They last for years as they have high durability and a long life span, depending on the quality of the material used, the technique of caries removal, and the dentist’s experience.
No damage is done to the tooth surface during the application of the filling, and the preparation of the tooth is minimally invasive and highly conservative to the tooth structure.
Sometimes discoloration occurs in the composite filling due to many reasons, such as:
- Inadequate polishing and finishing to the composite.
- Breaking of the restoration and its separation from the tooth surface can lead to leakage of fluids beneath the filling and thus causing its discoloration.
- Staining due to excessive drinking of coffee and tea.
- Mouth dryness, which is caused by some medications or diseases.
- Inadequate tooth brushing.
Teeth whitening will not affect the shade of composite fillings, so it’s advised to have your teeth whitened prior to any aesthetic tooth filling.
