Yes, fillings can change the shape of your teeth.
When a dentist places a filling, they remove the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth. This creates a cavity, which is then filled with a restorative material like composite resin, amalgam, or gold.
To ensure a proper fit and prevent further decay, the filling needs to be shaped to match the contours of the tooth. This can sometimes alter the overall shape of the tooth, especially if the cavity was large.
The extent of the shape change depends on:
- The size and location of the cavity: Larger cavities require more tooth structure to be removed, leading to a more noticeable shape change.
- The type of filling material: Some materials, like composite resin, can be sculpted to closely match the natural tooth shape, while others, like amalgam, may be more noticeable.
- The skill and experience of the dentist: A skilled dentist will carefully shape the filling to minimize any changes to the tooth's appearance.
While fillings can change the shape of your teeth, they are a necessary and effective way to restore damaged teeth and prevent further decay. Modern filling materials and techniques minimize the impact on the tooth's appearance, and dentists strive to create fillings that blend seamlessly with the natural tooth structure.