Tooth Colored Fillings

A filling is a dental restoration that restores a tooth to its standard shape, size, and function after it has been affected by cavities or other forms of damage. At Smiles of Midtown, we use white or tooth-colored fillings to match the natural appearance of teeth and make the restoration less noticeable and more seamless. 

Tooth-colored fillings are also known as plastic fillings. While traditional silver amalgam fillings were the only option in the past, today’s modern dentistry offers a much better solution thanks to tooth-colored fillings. This material can be used to close spaces between the teeth and restore damaged surfaces of teeth. The material can be matched to the natural shade of your teeth so that they are not easily noticed by others when you speak or smile.

The Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings

Tooth-colored fillings are made from a composite resin material that can be matched to the natural color of your teeth, making them virtually invisible when applied. The composite material is bonded to the teeth, creating a solid and durable restoration that is perfectly safe and functional for everyday use. 

Unlike silver amalgam fillings, there is a much lower risk of cracking a tooth with a tooth-colored filling. Silver amalgam fillings expand and contract at different temperatures than natural enamel, leading to teeth cracks that can negatively impact your long-term dental health.

The procedure for tooth-colored fillings doesn’t take long to complete, and the composite material bonds with your tooth’s enamel to create a strong seal that protects your tooth from future damage or decay. Composite resin is also flexible when cured, enabling our dentist to distribute the material more equally throughout the cavity to ensure a more thorough tooth repair.

The Procedure for Tooth-Colored Fillings

Before placing a tooth-colored filling, our dentist will first remove the decayed portion of the tooth. Then, they will clean and polish the tooth to ensure no debris remains on its surface. The dentist will also X-ray the tooth to ensure the decay hasn’t progressed into the nerve. 

Afterward, they will apply the composite resin to the cavity to “fill” the remaining space. Finally, the dentist will finish by shaping and polishing the filling to match the rest of your tooth structure.

Getting tooth-colored fillings can be a great option if you wish to fill in small cavities on one or more of your teeth. To learn more about tooth-colored fillings, contact Smiles of Midtown at 3600 San Jacinto St, Houston, TX 77004, or call (713) 523-6848.