Tooth-Colored Fillings

Serving Dallas, TX and the Surrounding Areas

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According to the American Dental Association, approximately 91 percent of adults will experience at least one cavity in a permanent tooth at some point. The good news is that tooth-colored fillings can restore your smile's health and function with seamless results. Our team at Illinois Family Dentistry is committed to using the best available filling materials for long-term healthy smiles.

What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings?

Tooth-colored fillings, also known as white or composite fillings, are becoming increasingly popular as an aesthetic alternative to traditional silver amalgam fillings. They are made from a composite resin material that we can match to the color and texture of your teeth, delivering beautifully natural results.

In the past, tooth-colored fillings were primarily used to repair small to mid-sized cavities in the front teeth. The composite material has come a long way, with today's modern fillings ideal for restoring any teeth, even the molars exposed to considerable chewing pressure.

What Are the Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings?

Tooth-colored fillings offer numerous benefits, including the following:

They Look Natural: Tooth colored-fillings are made to look just like your natural teeth, delivering beautiful smiles.
They Preserve Your Tooth Structure: Composite fillings require the removal of less healthy tooth structure than traditional fillings, maintaining the overall strength and integrity of your teeth.
They Are Versatile: Aside from treating cavities, composites can repair chipped, worn, severely discolored, misshapen, or otherwise flawed teeth and can also replace old amalgam fillings.
They Bond to the Tooth Structure: White fillings bond to the tooth structure, providing support and reducing the risk of cracks or fractures.
They Do Not Expand or Contract: Composite resin fillings are metal-free, so they don't contract and expand with temperature changes, which helps prevent damage to the tooth structure.
They Are Mercury-Free: While the American Dental Association considers amalgam fillings safe, some individuals prefer mercury-free, tooth-colored restorations.

What Is the Tooth-Colored Filling Procedure?

Thanks to today's local anesthetics, the tooth-colored filling procedure is quick and comfortable. After numbing the area, we will remove any decayed areas of the tooth, clean the site, and place the filling material in layers. We use a special light to cure and harden the material. The last step is polishing your filling and making adjustments to ensure optimal comfort and function. Your restored tooth will look and function just like any of your natural teeth.

Caring for Teeth with Tooth-Colored Fillings

Teeth with white fillings do not require special care. Continue to brush and floss regularly to lower your risk of new decay, and visit Illinois Family Dentistry for your routine dental exams and cleanings. We will monitor your oral health and fillings to ensure they stay in tip-top shape.

Other things you can do to protect your smile include avoiding biting down on hard foods or candies, which can damage your filling material and tooth enamel. If you grind your teeth in your sleep, we recommend wearing a custom night guard to prevent damage to your teeth. Caring for your teeth will ensure you enjoy long-term healthy smiles.