Say Goodbye To Obvious Silver Fillings!
Tooth-colored fillings have become the preferred choice for patients who value natural-looking results. These composite restorations repair decay while maintaining the authentic appearance of your smile, so nobody will know you had work done. If you’ve been putting off getting a cavity filled because you don’t want obvious dental work showing when you talk or laugh, this modern approach offers the best of both worlds. Read on to learn more.
What Makes Composite Resin Special
Embarrassed that people will notice you’ve gotten a filling? You don’t need to worry about that if you choose a composite filling. Nobody will ever notice because we mix the composite material to perfectly match your natural tooth enamel for a restoration that’s virtually invisible. Even people standing close to you during a conversation would have difficulty spotting the repair.
The benefits of tooth-colored fillings go deeper than just looks. Composite resin bonds directly to tooth enamel, creating a strong seal that prevents bacteria from entering the treated area. This seal maintains the integrity of your tooth and may extend the lifespan of the filling compared to traditional alternatives.
Here’s something you’ll appreciate: the material we use for a composite filling requires us to remove less healthy tooth enamel than with a metal filling, for a more conservative treatment approach that maintains your tooth’s structural strength while effectively eliminating decay.
The Procedure: Quick & Comfortable
You can easily get a filling in a single appointment. We begin by numbing the area to ensure your complete comfort throughout the procedure. Once you’re comfortable, the decayed portion is gently removed, and the remaining cavity is thoroughly cleaned to prepare it for the filling.
Next comes the artistry of matching the material to your unique tooth color. We select or create the perfect shade to ensure a seamless match with your tooth enamel. The resin is then carefully applied in layers, with each layer hardened using a special curing light. This layering technique allows for precise shaping and contouring to match your tooth’s anatomy.
After placement, we shape and polish the surface to ensure it feels comfortable when you bite down. Many patients are pleasantly surprised by how quickly they forget they even have a filling.
Benefits Beyond Aesthetics
Looking natural is great, but there’s more to love about these restorations:
- Mercury-Free Composition: The resin contains no mercury or metal elements, making it an excellent choice for patients with metal sensitivities or concerns about metal components in their dental work
- Versatility in Application: Composite fillings can repair cavities in visible front teeth as well as molars subjected to everyday chewing, making them a versatile solution for various needs
- Less Temperature Sensitivity: Unlike some metal fillings that conduct hot and cold temperatures, composite materials provide better insulation, potentially reducing sensitivity after placement
The material also supports the remaining enamel, helping to prevent cracks that might occur with age or pressure. Many patients report feeling more confident knowing their dental work remains private, not visible to others during conversation.
Long-Term Care & Maintenance
Taking care of a composite filling is easier than you’d think. They require the same good oral hygiene practices you are already practicing. Regular brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and daily flossing will help preserve your enamel and restorations, significantly extending the life of composite fillings.
Regular checkups keep everything in top shape. Professional cleanings every six months allow us to monitor the condition of your fillings and address any concerns before they develop into larger issues. We can polish them if necessary to maintain their luster and appearance. With proper care, composite fillings typically last five to ten years before requiring replacement.
Repair Cavities Discreetly Today
Tooth-colored restorations offer the perfect balance of function and aesthetics, allowing you to address decay without announcing your dental work to the world. The results blend so seamlessly with your smile that you might even forget which tooth was treated.
Schedule an appointment at our office located in Spotswood, NJ, today to learn how composite fillings can repair your cavities discreetly while maintaining your confident smile.
