Composite Fillings vs. Amalgams: The Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings

For more than 150 years, tooth decay and other types of dental damage were treated with an amalgam of metals, including silver, mercury, copper, tin, and other trace elements. While these types of fillings, commonly called amalgams, were sufficient for restoring damaged teeth, they came with a number of drawbacks. Today, composite resin fillings (often called white fillings or tooth-colored fillings) are the preferred restorative method for teeth that have succumbed to cavities, minor cracks, and injury. At Smile by Design in Virginia Beach, VA, Dr. Stephanie Santos and Dr. Vinita Folck offer a variety of natural-looking, long-lasting restorative dentistry options, including tooth-colored fillings.

Why Choose Tooth-Colored Fillings?

Tooth-colored fillings have rapidly become the restoration method preferred by both patients and dentists for a variety of reasons. One of the most obvious is their aesthetic appeal and their ability to blend seamlessly with the enamel of a patient’s natural dentition. While amalgam fillings are dark and shiny, composite resin fillings are carefully color-matched to the surrounding tooth structure. The result is a beautifully restored smile that looks completely natural.

The benefits of tooth-colored fillings extend far beyond their cosmetic appeal. While the metals in amalgam fillings cause them to adversely react to extreme temperatures, composite resins maintain their original shape and size for improved stability over time. You don’t have to worry about the strength of the seals between your fillings and your teeth, and there’s no risk of leaking or microfractures as there can be with amalgams. In addition, tooth-colored fillings are more conservative than their metal counterparts. This means that less of your natural tooth must be removed in preparation for a tooth-colored filling as compared to a metal filling. As with all of our cosmetic and restorative services, we will do everything we can to preserve as much of your natural smile as possible while offering the most effective treatments available.

A Healthier, More Natural Smile

If you currently have amalgam fillings and you’re interested in the possibilities afforded by composite resin fillings, we invite you to contact us today to schedule an appointment with Drs. Folck and Santos at Smile by Design. Our advanced technology, comforting amenities, and years of experience have made our practice the premier destination for dental care in Virginia Beach, VA. We look forward to helping you and every member of your family achieve lasting oral health and beautiful smiles for life. Our warm, welcoming dental office proudly serves families from throughout Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, Fort Story, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and beyond. 

What is Halitosis? Bad Breath Treatment in Virginia Beach, VA

More commonly known as bad breath, halitosis is a condition that affects approximately 80 million people on a daily basis. Sufferers of chronic halitosis find that their condition negatively impacts their daily lives, leading to embarrassing social interactions and extreme self-consciousness. At Smile by Design in Virginia Beach, VA, Dr. Santos and Dr. Folck offer a comprehensive range of general and family dentistry services, including diagnosis and management of chronic bad breath.

Causes and Treatment for Bad Breath

While nearly everyone experiences bad breath after consuming certain foods – including onions, garlic, and dairy products – chronic halitosis is caused by accumulation of volatile sulfur compounds, or VSCs, on the tongue near the back of the mouth. These compounds are the result of countless bacteria in the mouth and can often be difficult to eliminate with regular home hygiene. If periodontal disease (a common cause of bad breath) is present, the infection must be treated in order to prevent further gum damage. Our doctors offer customized periodontal therapy treatment plans to help patients suffering from this common condition, thereby improving their oral health and stopping halitosis in its tracks.

Chronic halitosis is most effectively treated at your dentist’s office, but there are some things you can do at home until you are able to schedule an appointment at Smile by Design. Brush and floss at least twice per day, and rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash each time. Use a tongue scraper to remove as much bacterial buildup as possible, and try to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Sugar-free gums and mints can help to alleviate bad breath following snacks and meals. Drs. Santos and Folck are happy to discuss your concerns and expectations regarding treatment so that we can develop a plan that best suits your needs and lifestyle.

Schedule Your Visit Today

Don’t spend even one more day worrying that your persistent bad breath is noticeable or offensive to others. Contact our office in Virginia Beach, VA today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Folck, Dr. Santos, and our friendly, experience team. Our state-of-the-art technology and genuinely caring approach make our practice your premier destination for general and family dentistry solutions in the Virginia Beach area. We are also happy to serve communities in the surrounding areas of Portsmouth, Sandbridge, Norfolk, Fort Story, and beyond. We look forward to becoming your trusted partners in your journey toward fresher breath and a healthier smile overall.