Tooth Colored Fillings
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Tooth-Colored Fillings for a Natural Look
Transform Your Smile with Tooth-Colored Composite Fillings!
Traditional silver amalgam fillings can detract from your smile due to their noticeable appearance, often leading to a discolored look for your teeth.
For those seeking a more aesthetically pleasing option, tooth-colored composite fillings are an excellent alternative. These composite materials not only blend seamlessly with your natural teeth but can also be utilized for minor reshaping of chipped teeth or filling small gaps, enhancing the overall appearance of your smile.
What Is a Composite Filling?
Composite fillings are typically created from a blend of resins, fillers, and colorants. They are applied in layers to the affected tooth and then "cured" to harden.
In contrast to silver amalgam fillings, composite materials can be customized to match the shade of your natural teeth, resulting in a more discreet and natural-looking restoration.
Because composite fillings bond directly to the tooth structure, they necessitate less removal of healthy enamel, preserving more of your natural tooth and enhancing its strength. Additionally, they are less prone to cracking or chipping due to temperature fluctuations in your mouth compared to amalgam fillings.
How Is a Composite Filling Placed?
To place a composite filling, the dentist will first numb the area if needed and remove any decay present. The remaining tooth surface is then etched to create a textured area that enhances the bond with the composite material. The dentist will select a color that matches your natural teeth and mix the composite, which is applied in layers, curing each layer before adding the next. After building up the filling, it will be shaped to align with your bite and achieve a natural appearance, followed by a smooth polishing.
For larger cavities, a semi-direct or indirect filling technique may be employed. This involves using composite material that is either built up directly in the mouth and then removed for curing or a filling made outside the mouth and cured separately. This method ensures a stronger curing process and results in a more durable composite filling. Once cured, the filling is securely bonded to your natural tooth.