Tooth-Colored Fillings – West Seneca, NY

Procedure for Tooth-Colored Filling

To apply a tooth colored filling, your dentist first removes any decay from the affected tooth. Composite resin requires a completely dry surface to bond properly. Your dentist dries its surface and then applies a special solution to aid in secure bonding. Then the composite resin is placed, sculpted, and dried under the UV light. After your filling is dry, you bite down on a special paper to test its fit, and your dentist reshapes the composite resin as needed.

Compared to silver fillings, composite resin actually bonds directly to the surface of the tooth to restore almost all of its strength after decay or damage.

Benefits of Composite Resin

What is the difference between a silver and a white (or tooth colored) filling? The one you will notice the most is the way they look. Composite resin is customizable to blend flawlessly with the shade of your surrounding tooth enamel. But beyond the cosmetic benefits, tooth colored fillings also offer a safe, natural alternative to their silver counterparts.

Biocompatible composite resin is made out of smooth plastic and glass particles. Although the use of dental amalgam has been approved by the FDA, the potential for mercury exposure with silver fillings is an increasing concern for many people. And because composite resin is more resistant to heat and cold, your white filling causes less sensitivity.

Applegate Dental performs filling replacement as needed or desired. Broken or leaking fillings require replacement -- but people may also choose to have their tooth colored fillings switched out with white ones to reduce the risk of mercury exposure or to remove the dark spots from their tooth enamel. You and your doctor can further discuss the process for elective filling replacement.

Cosmetic Applications

In addition to filling new cavities, the same composite resin can also correct the minor dental flaws that take away from the appearance of your smile. Typically completed in just one visit to your dentist’s office, cosmetic bonding can repair chipped or broken teeth, close gaps between teeth, and improve the color of stained or discolored teeth. It is a painless, non-invasive procedure that does not require the use of local anesthesia. Tooth bonding offers a more affordable alternative to more costly cosmetic procedures, like porcelain veneers.

Contact Applegate Dental Today

If you would like to discuss tooth colored fillings, cosmetic bonding, or filling replacement, please get in touch with Applegate Dental. We are pleased to offer this natural, effective, aesthetic option for patients of all ages. Request an appointment today!