Composite Fillings (Tooth Colored)

Dental fillings are considered a part of reconstructive, or conservative, dentistry. Fillings are used to repair and restore slightly decayed or fractured teeth. Instead of the old, unsightly, amalgam fillings that you may be familiar with, our dental practice uses the more modern, tooth colored, composite fillings.

The most common problem that results in the need for fillings is the damage of enamel either due to erosion, fracture or due to decay. Loss of tooth enamel is unsightly and may also result in your tooth becoming more sensitive or even painful.

By filling the fracture or cavity with a composite tooth filling material, we are able to repair the damage and return the tooth its previous level of strength as well as alleviate any pain or sensitivity that you may have been experiencing prior to the treatment.  This type of treatment is fast, pain free, inexpensive and is usually done the same day as your examination.

In order to preserve aesthetics, we carefully match the shade of the bonding material to your natural teeth. This results in a seamless restoration. Most patients are unable to tell where their tooth ends and the restoration begins. 

Dental Bondings

Bonding is an alternative to veneers, and can be used as a restorative procedure for teeth that are chipped, cracked, discolored or misarranged.

How does it work?

The tooth is prepared for the procedure by lightly etching the surface and applying a bonding liquid. Once the liquid sets, a plastic resin is applied and sculpted into the desired shape by the dentist. Once set, the resin is trimmed, smoothed and polished to a natural appearance.

Considerations

The bonding procedure can often be completed in a single office visit, and can improve the appearance of a tooth significantly. However, since the plastic resin used is not as strong as your natural tooth enamel, it is more likely to stain, chip or break than natural teeth. Bonding typically lasts three to five years before need of repair.