Did you know that dentists rarely provide metal fillings anymore? In most cases, white fillings are the default treatment when tooth decay has left you needing a filling. In fact, most of the people who still have metal fillings in their teeth are 35 or older. Look around at your younger family members or colleagues; with the exception of baby teeth that have been crowned with metal, there is very little metal being used in fillings today.

If you are looking for a fast way to improve your appearance and shave years off your smile, Dr. Abbey Lee can safely replace all your metal fillings with tooth-colored ones. Visit Smiles 4 Grant Park to learn more about Grant Park white fillings. Call us at 404-328-7177 to make an appointment.

Grant Park White Fillings

Tooth-colored fillings are made from dental composite resin. This is a combination of microscopic particles of glass, plastic, and minerals held together in a resin matrix. Dental composite is extremely durable, and best of all, it blends in harmoniously with your natural tooth enamel.

If you have metal fillings, you may think they are “hidden” at the back of your mouth, but the truth is that your friends and family can see them when you laugh, talk, and sing. Chances are good they have been noticed by anyone you’ve interacted with for more than a few minutes. Replacing them with white fillings can make your smile less distracting, so people pay attention to you—not the metal in your teeth.

How Long Do Metal Fillings Last, Anyway?

If you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, you may be in need of new fillings anyway. Many people think fillings are forever, but they actually have a finite period of efficiency. Metal amalgam fillings’ average life span is about 12 years. You should have your fillings replaced if they are more than 12 years old because metal amalgam has a tendency to expand as it ages. This can lead to teeth becoming damaged or cracked by expanding metal and can lead to secondary decay. Even if the tooth looks and feels perfectly fine, it’s always safer to have old fillings replaced.

If your fillings are past their predicted lifespan, you may be able to have all your fillings replaced and have it covered by your insurance provider. When you call our office to make an appointment, give us your insurance information and we’ll look into your policy to find out what the estimated cost will be.

How Long Does It Take?

Tooth colored fillings can often be provided in a single visit. If you have many metal fillings, it may take two office visits, but getting new fillings does not take very long. The process is similar to getting your initial fillings, only you won’t need new drilling done, in most cases.

1. We will take x-rays and examine the teeth, to check the condition of your tooth decay and filling(s).
2. Lee will remove the old filling and check the tooth for damage or secondary decay.
3. Composite resin is applied to the tooth.
4. A special curing light is used to harden the composite.
5. The filling is buffed and polished, so it fits in comfortably with your bite.

When you leave the office, your smile will look younger, your teeth will be better protected, and you will feel more confident in your appearance. Call us at 404-328-7177 to learn more about Grant Park white fillings.