Tooth Colored Fillings

Get The Facts About Tooth-Colored Fillings

A tooth-colored filling is a plastic and glass composite mixture that is used to restore decayed teeth. Composites can also be used to improve the aesthetics of a smile by changing the color of the teeth or reshaping a disfigured tooth. While all general dentists place fillings, the dentists as SLO Smiles use tooth-colored composite fillings to improve the esthetics and health of your mouth.

Traditional Fillings vs. Tooth- Colored Fillings

Traditional fillings are done using amalgam, which is a mixture of metals including mercury. Amalgams are easily visible in the mouth. With fillings made of composite, your restorations are more discreet since they are shaded to match the color of the tooth. This is especially important when front teeth are being restored.

Unlike metal fillings, the composite material bonds to the tooth structure, which provides further support to the tooth. Furthermore, composites have increased versatility as they can be used not only as a filling for decay but also to repair chipped, broken, or worn teeth.

Typically, less tooth structure has to be removed to accommodate tooth-colored composite fillings compared with amalgam fillings, lending to a more conservative approach towards tooth restoration. In addition, metal fillings tend to contract and expand due to temperature changes in the mouth and can lead to bacterial leakage around these fillings over time.

The Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings Include:

• Metal Free
• Looks Like Your Natural Teeth
• Stronger Bond to Teeth
• Versatility in Tooth Repair
• Less Tooth is Removed
• Blends in Better than traditional metal fillings

How is a tooth-colored filling placed?

Composite fillings, or tooth-colored fillings, are placed much like a traditional filling. To fix cavities with fillings, the tooth is usually anesthetized to ensure complete comfort throughout the procedure. The composite is then applied in layers, using a curing light designed to harden the material after each application. After the layers of composite have been applied, it is shaped for esthetics and to fit the bite. The composite is then polished to prevent staining and early wear.

If you think that you may need dental treatment to fix a cavity with a filling, call SLO Smiles
today to schedule a visit.

Call (805) 541-0550