Tooth-colored Fillings Lifespan and Aftercare By James Stein on May 01, 2015

Tooth-colored fillings are among the many outstanding high-quality dental treatments available at the cosmetic and restorative dentistry practice of James M. Stein, DMD. Like most of the treatments we offer, tooth-colored fillings combine the artistry of aesthetic medicine with the science of restorative medicine. The result is a treatment that is strong and durable while giving patients beautiful, healthy smiles.

Dr. Stein and his team are proud to use only the finest, most surpassing-quality materials in all of the procedures they perform. As a result, patients can expect their restorations to last for years with proper at-home oral hygiene and regular visits to our dental practice. Indeed, our tooth-colored fillings will last approximately as long as their silver amalgam counterparts while blending seamlessly into virtually any smile.

Still, even the best-made tooth-colored fillings do not last forever. Their lifespan depends on several factors, including how well patients care for them after they are placed. Dr. Stein is careful to explain everything that patients need to know about tooth-colored fillings, including their lifespan and aftercare, during consultations at his Boston office. This way, they can do their part in ensuring that they get the most out of their restorations.

What is the lifespan of tooth-colored fillings?

Modern tooth-colored fillings rival silver amalgam fillings in terms of their durability and longevity. This has not always been the case; at one time, tooth-colored fillings were not recommended for placement in the back teeth because they could not withstand the pressures of chewing like metal could. Nowadays, the composite resin material used in tooth-colored fillings is as hard-wearing as metal. Any dental professional who advises against tooth-colored fillings in favor of silver amalgam is either misinformed or using inferior quality resin. On average, modern tooth-colored fillings last for eight years; many last for a decade or longer. In some cases, they outlast silver amalgam fillings.

How does one care for tooth-colored fillings?

Both tooth-colored and silver amalgam fillings can fail if they are not cared for properly. Once your tooth-colored fillings have been placed, you will want to use common sense in terms of your oral hygiene regimen and the foods you consume. Obviously, a tooth with a filling, no matter how well crafted, will not be as strong as a perfectly healthy natural tooth. However, by following these guidelines, you can help to ensure that your tooth-colored filling lasts for many years:

Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, as recommended by the American Dental Association.
Floss and use an antimicrobial mouth rinse in addition to brushing.
Visit our office twice a year for thorough oral exams and professional cleanings.
Do not chew on ice, pen caps, and other hard objects.
Limit your consumption of chewy, sticky, and crunchy foods.
If you are a smoker, investigate ways to quit smoking.
If you grind your teeth, ask us about treatments for chronic bruxism.