Modern Fillings Are Nearly Invisible

Not too many years ago, getting a filling in a tooth meant living with a silver-colored amalgam material in the tooth for years afterward. These fillings, although durable for the most part, were very visible. Over the past few years, however, dental professionals have begun using tooth-colored composite material for fillings. This type of material gained popularity quickly among dental patients for obvious reasons – imagine a filling that was nearly invisible!

Although tooth-colored composite material was much more attractive than the old amalgam fillings, it did have one drawback: In order to harden a composite filling, it had to be exposed to light, and this process was often very time-consuming and uncomfortable for the patient. Recently, however, a new material was developed that could change all that.

Researchers at the Vienna University of Technology, working in conjunction with the company Ivoclar Vivadent, have developed a new Germanium-based photoactive material that hardens much more quickly than previous composite materials. The advantages for dental patients are obvious. Now, not only can you enjoy the benefits of nearly invisible fillings, but the procedure involved will take much less time than it did when other composite materials were used.

If you’re wondering what filling material would be best for you or your child, ask your dentist for his or her recommendation. Your dental professional can explain the benefits and drawbacks of different types of filling materials and what might work best for you and your family.

Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/04/140430121110.htm