Keep Your Natural Look with Tooth Colored Fillings

Despite your best efforts, sometimes cavities strike. But, when they do, you do not have to sacrifice the look of your smile with a mouth full of metal. Composite fillings, also referred to as tooth colored fillings,  can preserve the natural look and strength of your smile when repair is necessary. Our composite resins are composed of ceramic and plastic compounds that are strong enough to withstand the pressures of chewing, biting and grinding. These tooth colored fillings are blended to match the exact shade of your tooth for a seamless smile. Composite fillings can repair portions of teeth that are routinely exposed to preserve your shiny, white smile.

What Are Tooth Colored Fillings Used For?

Tooth colored fillings, also called white fillings, are dental fillings that are used to achieve a natural appearance.  They work to restore the functionality, health and esthetics of teeth that have fractured, decayed, or sustained injury.  Tooth colored fillings cosmetically restore or improve the size, color and shape of your teeth.  Tooth colored fillings, or white composite resin is also helpful for closing gaps between teeth and repairing chipped teeth.  

Advantages of Composite Tooth Colored Fillings

Both amalgam (silver fillings) and composite (white, tooth colored) fillings have advantages and disadvantages. Depending on where you are choosing to place the filling can dictate which filling is preferred. Here are some of the reasons why the majority of our patients choose to have composite, tooth colored fillings placed instead of the silver, amalgam fillings:

• Achieve better color and appearance. Tooth colored fillings closely resemble natural tooth color and appearance.
• Avoid mechanical retention. Composite resin bonds to tooth structure chemically so the don’t necessitate the placement of slots, grooves or pins in healthy tooth structure
• Increase tooth strength.  Research shows that after white fillings are bonded to your teeth, between 85 and 95 percent of the original tooth strength is restored to the tooth.
• Benefit from quicker processing time.  Composite resin technology allows the filling to completely harden in seconds rather than the days it takes other materials.
• Experience less tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity as a result of filling material is minimal and of shorter duration with composite resin.
• Maintain your natural look.  Tooth colored fillings can be used on both the front and back teeth without altering the look of your smile unlike the use of silver fillings.

Am I a Candidate for Tooth Colored Fillings?

When deciding if you are a good candidate for composite, tooth colored fillings, Dr. Murri or Dr. Willey will assess the size of the area needing restoration, the strength needed for the filling material, your esthetic goals, and the amount of time you desire the restoration to last. Some patients will find that, for their cosmetic goals, porcelain inlays or onlays will serve their needs more than composite fillings.

Non-Tooth Colored Options

Although composite, tooth colored fillings are the most common form of dental restoration material, there are non-tooth colored alternatives for you to consider such as gold inlays and dental amalgam. Gold inlays aren’t as widely used because of their high cost, multiple visits, and the need to have them fabricated in a dental lab. Dental amalgam is also very strong, but the high mercury content has made them less desirable. They are not recommended for patients under 6 years of age, but are still FDA compliant. Counsel with one of our Family and Cosmetic Dentistry of the Rockies dentists to help you decide which filling material is best for your needs and goals.  When it comes to choosing the best material for you and your needs, consultation with Dr. Murri or Dr. Willey is key.

Call for a Consultation to Learn More About Tooth Colored Fillings

Know your options.  When it comes to the kinds of material available for your restoration, we guarantee the best.  After a comprehensive examination, and discussion with you on your goals, we can work together to determine if tooth colored fillings are for you. Whether you’re unsure about the right solution to fill your cavity or concerned about financing and insurance, our office wants to hear from you. Call our Fort Collins office today at (970) 267-0993, and our patient liaison will be happy to answer your questions or place an appointment at your request. You can also send a contact or appointment request online using the form below at your convenience.