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Expert Care in Tooth Fillings
If you have a tooth that requires a filling, the dentist will first remove the decayed tooth material, then clean the affected area and fill the cleaned-out cavity with a filling material. This filling will help prevent further decay by closing off any cracks or spaces where bacteria might enter.
Tooth-colored resins, or tooth-colored fillings, provide good durability and resistance to fracture. They can be used on either front or back teeth, and are a good choice for people who expect their fillings to look more natural. Additionally, because they are bonded to the tooth structure they work to reinforce the filled tooth better than metal fillings do. For these reasons we exclusively use tooth-colored materials when restoring teeth with fillings.
Personalized Tooth Filling Options
We will work with you to determine which tooth filling material is best for you, depending on the extent of repair, the location of the filling and the cost. Each of the filling materials is briefly explained below:
Composite (plastic) resin fillings
Composite (plastic) resin fillings are custom-made to the exact color of the patient’s teeth, creating a more natural appearance. While these white fillings may be less noticeable than other materials, they usually only last between 3 and 10 years. They may not be ideal for larger fillings as they may chip or wear over time. They can also become stained from coffee, tea, or tobacco.
Porcelain fillings, called inlays or onlays
Porcelain fillings, called inlays or onlays, are created in a lab and then bonded to the tooth. They can be matched to the color of the tooth, they resist staining, and they cost about the same as gold fillings. A porcelain restoration generally covers most of the tooth, making the filling nearly undetectable.
