Composite Fillings
For some, the appearance of standard silver amalgam fillings is unattractive. They are noticeable when you smile and can cause your teeth to appear discolored.
If you need a filling but don’t want it to be visible, tooth-colored composite fillings are the perfect solution. We can also use composite filling material to restore chipped teeth or fill small gaps between teeth to give you a more even, appealing smile.
What Is a Composite Filling?
Composite fillings are a mixture of resins, glass particles, and colorants that impart a translucent appearance similar to tooth enamel. The composite is applied to the tooth in layers and hardened using ultraviolet light. Unlike silver amalgam fillings, composites placed by your dentist match the color of your natural teeth and provide a seamless tooth repair.
Since the composite bonds directly to your tooth, these fillings require less removal of the healthy tooth, which leaves more remaining tooth structure intact. Composite fillings are also less prone to cracking and chipping than amalgam fillings due to temperature changes in your mouth.
How Is a Composite Filling Placed?
To place a composite filling, the dentist numbs the area if necessary and removes any decay. The remaining tooth structure is then etched to create a rough surface to which the composite can bond.
Our dentist will match the shade of your natural tooth and mix a composite that they apply and harden in layers. Once built up, the filling will be shaped to accommodate your dental bite and look natural. The final step is to polish the filling, so it blends in perfectly.
We may use a semi-direct or indirect filling for areas needing larger repairs. This process involves a composite built up inside the mouth and then removed for curing or a filling manufactured outside of the mouth and cured. This allows for stronger curing and a more sturdy composite filling. Once the composite material is cured, it is bonded to your natural tooth.
Why Choose Composite?
While tooth-colored fillings are usually more expensive than silver amalgam fillings, they offer a better aesthetic than metal fillings. The filling material also acts more like a natural tooth, helping to avoid fractures due to uneven stress when biting.
Contact our office today to make an appointment so we can answer all your questions about tooth-colored composite fillings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Unlike amalgam fillings, tooth-colored fillings are a custom-mixed resin composite. The composite mixture is matched to your tooth color and bonded directly to the tooth. This usually results in a filling that is nearly indistinguishable from your natural tooth.
OUR TEAM
Dr. Loveland
Dr. Daniel Loveland brings a unique combination of scientific expertise and personal understanding to his dental practice. His comprehensive educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from Brigham Young University, a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, and advanced training through the Advanced Education in General Dentistry program at New York University Langone.
A Personal Understanding of Patient Care
Dr. Loveland's path to dentistry was shaped by his passion for science and health and his extensive personal experience as a dental patient ...
Composite Fillings Technology
Intraoral Cameras
What if you could see exactly what your dentist sees? You'd probably find it simpler to make informed decisions about your oral health!
Intraoral cameras allow you to do precisely that. Using a small digital camera embedded in a wand, the dentist can move it around your mouth and transmit the images instantly to a chairside monitor. This allows you to clearly see everything the dentist describes, including damage to the teeth and signs that might indicate periodontal disease.
Testimonial
If you’re looking for a dentist who truly goes above and beyond, Dr. Loveland is the one!
Dr. Daniel Loveland is hands down one of the best dentists I’ve ever been to. From the moment you walk in, the staff is friendly, welcoming, and professional. Dr. Loveland himself is incredibly knowledgeable, gentle, and genuinely cares about his patients’ comfort and dental health. He takes the time to explain everything clearly, answers any questions without rushing, and ensures you feel at ease throughout your visit. Whether it's a routine cleaning or a more involved procedure, he brings a level of care and precision that’s hard to find. I can’t recommend him enough—if you’re looking for a dentist who truly goes above and beyond, Dr. Loveland is the one!
-Sandra