Composite vs. Amalgam: The Shift toward Tooth Colored Fillings

There are many choices available when it comes to getting a filling, which has created a debate between the best material choices. Amalgam and composite fillings are among the most popular filling types, but which one do you choose for your dental cavity?

Amalgam fillings or silver fillings consist of a mercury, silver, tin, and copper mixture that bond together to create a durable filling. Amalgam fillings are cost effective, long-lasting, and efficient but fall short on their appearance.

Now there has been a shift toward composite resin fillings, which are made up of a ceramic and plastic mixture that mimics the color and structure of natural teeth. Tooth colored fillings are rising in popularity due to their cosmetically appealing qualities, but may not be as long-lasting as their silver counterparts.

So Which Do You Choose?

The filling you receive will depend on the size and location of the cavity, as well as your cosmetic concerns. Technology has greatly improved the longevity of composite fillings, allowing them to last many years and maintain the overall appearance of the teeth. Many patients are also concerned about the mercury content of amalgam fillings, although the ADA has noted mercury levels in amalgam fillings are completely safe.

The best way to determine which type of filling is right for you is to consult with your local dentist. Your dentist will be able to consider you overall dentition, medical history, and cavity location and decide upon best way to restore your tooth.

Call Us Today!

At Windcrest Cosmetic Dentistry, we provide composite fillings for patients experiencing a dental cavity. If you would like more information about the services we provide, or to schedule a consultation with us in San Antonio, please contact us today!

5 Things You Didn’t Know About Cosmetic Dentistry

An attractive smile has many benefits that can help you feel better about the way you look. If you have issues with your smile, a cosmetic procedure may be able to help. Although many think of cosmetic procedures as narcissistic treatments, there are many other benefits to receiving cosmeticdentistry services that you may not know.

Cosmetic dentistry makes you look and feel better: A smile with cosmetic issues can take a toll on your self-confidence and keep you from interacting with others. With a cosmetic procedure, you can feel comfortable showing off your teeth and thus feel better about how you look overall.

Cosmetic dentistry can eliminate pain: Many dental issues come with jaw pain or TMJ issues. Cosmetic treatments such as braces or other TMJ remedies can improve the look of your smile while also eliminating any pain associated with crooked teeth or a misaligned bite.

Cosmetic dentistry improves your oral health: A straight and white smile is a healthy smile. By straightening teeth, food debris is less likely to harbor in gaps between teeth and cause cavities. Likewise, ridding teeth of the decay and infections that dull teeth can enhance the brightness of a smile.

Cosmetic dentistry can give you more confidence: Along with an enhanced appearance, cosmetic dentistry can help boost confidence and make you feel better about the way you look. Those who have enhanced their teeth with cosmetic dentistry no longer shy away from smiling or laughing; they know that they look their absolute best!

Cosmetic dentistry creates better first impressions: Many people believe that a healthy-looking smile is an important asset when it comes to interacting with others. If you have white and straight teeth, you are more likely to be associated with good oral hygiene and a healthy lifestyle. Cosmetic dentistry can improve the way you come across to others and improve your appearance!

Call Us Today!

At Windcrest Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer a variety of cosmetic procedures that can improve the appearance and health of your smile. For more information about our cosmetic dentistry services or to schedule an appointment with us in San Antonio, contact us today!

What Do I Do If I’ve Chipped or Knocked out a Tooth?

Accidents happen, but sometimes they can have harmful effects on your teeth. Car accidents, sports injuries, falls, and hard foods can all lead to a tooth being knocked out or broken. When a tooth is avulsed, it is important to see your dentist right away as this is considered a dental emergency. But as your make your way to the dentist’s office, there are a few steps you can take to preserve the avulsed tooth and tend to your mouth.

Only touch the crown of the tooth

If your entire tooth falls out, it is important not to handle the roots of the tooth and only touch the crown portion. Touching the roots of a tooth can lead to possible nerve damage and make the tooth less likely to be salvaged.

Store the tooth

To lessen the chance of contaminating the avulsed tooth, place it either in your mouth – between your lips and gums or back in its socket – or place the tooth in a storage container with a bit of milk.

Do not try to clean the tooth

Trying to remove any debris or cleaning the tooth with liquid solutions risks damaging the tooth and its roots. Once the tooth is knocked out, store it in a container and deliver it, as is, to your dentist’s office. Your dentist will have a better chance of fixing your avulsed tooth if it is free of any contamination.

Apply a cold compress

It is normal to experience pain when your tooth breaks or comes loose. To alleviate any discomfort, apply a cold compress to your mouth or gums as needed.

Use gauze

Take a generous amount of gauze and apply it to the tooth socket. This will help control any bleeding until you can receive proper care at your dentist’s office.

Call your dentists in San Antonio!

If your tooth has been broken or knocked out, or if you are experiencing another type of dental emergency, do not hesitate to contact Dr. Craig Wright and Dr. Andy De la Garza at Windcrest Cosmetic Dentistry!

5 Great Ways to Gain a Brighter Smile

Your smile says a lot about you, and now more than ever people are beginning to recognize the importance of a bright smile. Your dentist can provide you with many teeth whitening options, but before you make an appointment, read up on some of the at-home remedies available that can help you gain that white smile you’ve been looking for.

Brush, Floss, and Rinse

The key to a bright smile is good oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing teeth regularly will help keep staining bacteria at bay. You can also use a whitening mouthwash, which will sweep out any bacteria leftover after brushing and flossing. Each plays a part in the whiteness of your smile.

Snack on Fruits and Veggies

Chewing on natural foods like fruits and vegetables will help produce more saliva, which cleanses your teeth of any bacteria. Eating these foods throughout the day will keep plaque from sticking to teeth and contribute to a whiter smile.

Eliminate Staining Liquids

If you are trying to achieve a brighter smile, you should considering eliminating liquids like coffee, black tea, and red wine. Tobacco use can also lead to a dull or yellow smile, so try kicking the habit if you can. If you must have that morning cup of coffee or a glass of red wine, consider drinking it through a straw so that the liquid doesn’t touch your front teeth.

Try an Over-the-Counter Whitening Kit

Although they cannot whiten in the same capacity as a professional whitening procedure, an over-the-counter whitening kit can give you the quick fix you’re looking for. You can target front-facing teeth with whitening strips and achieve a whiter smile.

Schedule a Teeth Whitening Appointment with Your Dentist

The most effective way to whiten teeth is to schedule an appointment with your local dentist. A professional whitening procedure targets each tooth and can lighten teeth more than any other whitening treatment available. Patients can either opt for take-home whitening kits or chairside procedures and can expect quick results.

Call Today!

If you are interested in a teeth whitening procedure or any of our other cosmetic dentistry services, contact San Antonio dentists, Dr. Craig Wright and Dr. Andy De la Garza, today. We would be happy to discuss the teeth whitening options available. Call us and schedule a consultation!