Tooth-Colored Fillings/White Fillings

Dental Services

Tooth-Colored Fillings/White Fillings

For generations, cavities were the most common problem treated by dentists. Today, simple cavities can be treated and further decay can be stopped with natural looking, tooth-colored fillings. These fillings provide a durable, functional, yet cosmetically-appealing result.

What are Tooth-Colored fillings?
Tooth-colored fillings, or sometimes called composite or white fillings, are made from a composite resin, which is placed in the prepared cavity and then cured/hardened using special lights or lasers. The composite can be colored in different shades so your filling can match your specific tooth color and can conveniently be performed in just one office visit.

Advantages of Tooth-Colored Fillings

Look more natural and aesthetic than earlier metal or amalgam fillings.
Today's new composite fillings' adhesive requires less tooth structure to be removed in order to bond and secure the filling in place.
New composite materials are very durable, and can even strengthen tooth structure.

Tooth-colored fillings are a great solution for many situations. However, for a tooth or teeth with more significant decay and less existing tooth structure, porcelain inlays or onlays or crowns may be recommended.

Questions About Tooth-Colored Fillings

What are tooth colored fillings?
Tooth colored fillings are a metal-free and natural-looking alternative to traditional metal fillings. Our cosmetic dentistry team provides our patients with tooth colored fillings and porcelain inlays and onlays to create beautifully natural smiles.

What are tooth colored fillings made from?
White fillings are often referred to as composite or white fillings and are made from a composite resin. The dental resin is very durable and functions in the same manner as your normal teeth.

Fillings may also be created with dental porcelain. Porcelain fillings have the same benefits as fillings made from dental resin. The porcelain can be colored matched to your teeth and are as strong as your tooth's enamel.

How is a tooth colored filling performed?
The cavity the needs the filling is prepared, and the dental resin is placed inside the cavity. Once the cavity is filled, the dental resin is hardened with a special light. The hardened filling is durable and can withstand the normal pressure of everyday chewing and speaking. The dental resin can be colored to match your tooth so the filling is unnoticeable. Las Vegas Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Tomaro can perform your tooth colored filling in just once visit to his dental office.

Why are tooth-colored fillings a better choice over metal fillings?
Tooth-colored fillings look natural and do not detract from the overall appearance of your smile. A metal filling stands out and often looks unsightly and unhealthy.

A metal filling is packed tightly into the cavity of the tooth and often starts to add too much outward pressure inside the tooth. This outward pressure weakens the tooth over time and may eventually crack the tooth. The shape of the cavity holds the metal filling in place. This means that extra tooth tissue must be drilled and filled away in order to properly hold the filling in place. In contrast, a tooth colored filling is bonded to the tooth and an inward pull is exerted that holds the tooth together and makes it stronger. This preserves the tooth adding more protection.

Metal fillings also expand and contract with heat and cold temperatures. The constant change in temperature with each food you eat slowly weakens the tooth and makes it susceptible to cracking. Tooth colored fillings do not expand and contract with temperature changes and they remain stable.

Metal fillings have a tendency to darken the surrounding tooth over time. Your smile will look darker and be harder to fix with tooth whitening the longer the metal fillings are in place and you may need porcelain veneers to fix the discoloration. Tooth colored fillings do not alter the color or brightness of your teeth and they help maintain a brighter smile.

Can traditional metal fillings be replaced with tooth colored fillings?
Metal fillings can be replaced with tooth colored fillings. We recommend that all your old metal fillings be replaced with this healthier option. Your smile will be healthier and be more aesthetically pleasing with tooth colored fillings.