Why should you consider a composite “tooth-colored” filling?

July 1, 2018

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When it comes to dental fillings for cavities, you’re probably most familiar with amalgam (metal) or gold fillings. These are used traditionally to fill in the hole in a tooth left by a cavity and restore the tooth’s structure. A strong filling is extremely important for protecting the tooth from further decay and maintaining its structure, but unfortunately, fillings are often very obvious and take away from the appearance of your smile. Fortunately, more and more, dentists are using composite fillings, also known as tooth-colored fillings, to fill cavities in a way that keeps your smile white and natural.

We use composite filling for small to mid-sized fillings. Composite fillings are made of a combination of resins such as plastic and glass. As the name suggests, they provide a much more natural look because they blend in with your tooth in color and consistency. These “tooth-colored fillings” can be a great choice because they lend your tooth the impression of being cavity-free. In the past, composite fillings were considered much less durable than gold or amalgam fillings, but technology has advanced to the point that they can now be used for both front and back teeth. Wherever we place a composite filling, it is actually very durable and keeps the structure of your tooth strong and free of fracturing.

One important difference between tooth-colored fillings and gold fillings is that tooth-colored fillings will take longer for your dentist to place. This is because we need to keep the tooth very clean and dry while the filling is inserted into the cavity. Afterward, we will polish down the filling so that it fits in with your tooth as naturally as possible. Although this procedure takes longer, the result is that your tooth will look like new.

Composite fillings are a relatively new technology in dental practices, so sometimes they aren’t fully covered by insurance like amalgam or gold fillings. It’s a good idea to call your insurance company to learn how much of the cost will be covered, so you can determine whether a tooth-colored filling is a good option for you.

Your teeth are a big part of your overall appearance, especially when you smile. If you’re self-conscious about your smile due to gold fillings or chipped teeth, come in and let’s speak about composite fillings. You might be surprised how much a uniform, natural smile can improve your confidence in every area of your life.