If you had a cavity resolved with a filling years ago, you might have received a metal filling. Since then, dental technologies and practices have improved, so you now have bonded fillings as an option to consider when you need a filling on your tooth.
Here are the main differences between bonded fillings and metal fillings to show you how they compare.
- A more natural appearance: The most noticeable difference between a metal and bonded filling is the appearance. Metal fillings can be obvious any time you smile, while bonded fillings are designed to look natural and blend in with your teeth instead of standing out.
- A different material: Unlike metal fillings, bonded fillings are made of stronger bonding materials. We use a tooth-coloured resin and a special light to cure the resin and bond it to your tooth for a more secure attachment. We can then check on this bond and the overall filling any time you come in for a checkup to inspect for any damage, leaks, or issues.
- More versatility: When metal fillings were the only solution, they could only be used to fill a cavity. Bonded fillings are more versatile and can be used to replace old metal fillings and fill cavities but also fill in chipped teeth or gaps in your teeth. They can also help to cover and protect the root of a tooth in the case of a receding gumline.
Give us a call if you would like to learn more.