Tooth-Colored Fillings

To provide our patients with the most up-to-date solutions, Schneider Family Dental offers tooth-colored fillings. Proven scientific studies and clinical experiences show these fillings offer a safe, reliable, long-lasting solution to address tooth decay. They also offer the added bonus blending in cosmetically with your remaining teeth.

What are tooth-colored fillings?

Dental fillings are used to fill holes in a tooth commonly created by decay or chipping. At one time, the only solution was to use metal filling (dental amalgam) to address this problem. Silver fillings were incredibly noticeable and distracting.

Tooth-colored fillings are made of a blend, or “composite,” of plastic resins and silica fillers. Aside from their aesthetic appeal, these materials also mimic many of the qualities of natural tooth structure. They’re both translucent and wear-resistant, which are critical advantages when dealing with the daily stress of chewing.

What is the procedure like?

The procedure for composite fillings is almost the same as metal fillings. There is, however, one significant difference. Once the area around the tooth has been anesthetized and the tooth itself is cleared of decay, metal fillings require an extra step.

Metal amalgam fillings often require a series of “undercuts” in order to create a strong structural bond. Undercuts shape the tooth and help hold the material in place. This is because amalgams do not bond with the tooth, but only rest on it and provide a degree of protection. The cutting process means healthy tooth material will be lost, leaving less of the natural tooth structure intact. This may cause issues over time such as structural weakness and cracking.

In contrast, undercutting isn’t necessary for composite resin fillings. They create a strong physical bond with the prepared tooth. They not only look natural but act natural too, allowing bite stress to pass through the tooth while receiving biting force.

Are tooth-colored fillings right for me?

We recommend composite fillings for patients with small to moderate-sized restorations. Composite resins are durable, fracture-resistant, and are able to withstand chewing pressure. The procedure is also quick, and depending on how much of your tooth needs to be restored, the process may be completed in just one visit.

The best way to determine whether tooth-colored fillings are right for you is to contact us at our Dublin office today. We’ll walk you through the best way to achieve a healthy-looking smile!