When you have tooth decay, removing the affected part can leave your tooth vulnerable to bacteria and infections. Fillings help protect your teeth, but it’s understandable if you don’t want them to be noticeable. Fortunately, cosmetic fillings offer a more natural coloring that blends in well compared to metal fillings. If you’ve experienced tooth decay, contact Dr. Mimi Yeung at M.Y. Dental Spa, in New York City for cosmetic fillings.
Why do I need dental fillings?
Tooth decay occurs when bacteria accumulate on your teeth, causing them to erode. You need to have these teeth treated to lower the risk of infections or tooth loss. When you have teeth treated for decay, Dr. Yeung places dental fillings in them to keep bacteria out.
What are cosmetic fillings made from?
Traditional dental fillings are typically made from gold or silver amalgams, which make them highly visible. Cosmetic fillings are white composite fillings made of quartz resin, which look natural thanks to a light-sensitive agent.
What are the benefits of choosing cosmetic fillings?
Cosmetic fillings offer a few critical benefits over metal fillings. They’re much harder to see since they’re made to blend in with the surrounding tooth.
When you have cosmetic fillings toward the front of your mouth, which is a highly visible area, you don’t have to worry about others seeing them. These filings are also known for being very durable, which helps them last for a long time before needing to be replaced.
What happens during the cosmetic filling process?
Dr. Yeung removes tooth decay from the affected teeth first, then prepares them for fillings. Doing so involves cleaning the area and applying a bonding agent for the fillings.
She then places the cosmetic fillings in the affected teeth, carefully shapes them so that they look as natural as possible, and uses a curing light to harden them.
How long do cosmetic fillings take to harden?
Cosmetic fillings only take seconds to harden, which makes them a more convenient option. Other filling materials can take much longer to harden fully. You’ll also end up with teeth that have most of their natural strength back once the cosmetic fillings are set.
How do I care for cosmetic fillings?
You don’t have to take special care of cosmetic fillings beyond brushing and flossing as you normally would. These fillings should stay in place, especially if you’re lowering your risk of decay through good oral hygiene and routine dental cleanings.
If your fillings do crack or become loose, you should let Dr. Yeung know as soon as
If you think cosmetic fillings might be right for you, please contact M.Y. Dental Spa to schedule an appointment with Dr. Yeung.