Seamlessly Protect Damaged Teeth with Tooth-colored Fillings

Tooth-colored fillings restore a tooth while looking completely natural. Unlike amalgam fillings, tooth-colored fillings contain no metal, and they bond to the natural tooth structure for a durable, lasting restoration. We apply tooth-colored fillings at our Corpus Christi, TX, dental practice to treat cavities and other minor dental imperfections. The entire procedure takes only a few minutes for each tooth and performed correctly, yields great results. Drs. Nicholas Perry Orchard and Alejandro Vilamil  believe in providing results that are as natural-looking as possible and prefer this treatment to traditional fillings. Schedule your appointment today to learn more.

About Tooth-colored Fillings

The material used for tooth-colored fillings is composite resin. Composite resin is made of a white plastic, tinted to match the enamel of the tooth being filled. Minute particles of ceramic embedded in the resin mimic the reflectivity of natural tooth enamel for a lifelike sheen. Additionally, composite fillings are metal-free which means they contain no heavy metals (such as mercury).

Composite fillings look so natural that many of our patients have difficulty seeing where they have been placed in the tooth. Tooth-colored fillings are also very durable and can endure the rigors of chewing, even on molars. Unlike metal, they expand and contract with the tooth, so that no excessive pressures are exerted. We believe so strongly in tooth-colored fillings that we offer them exclusively.

The Procedure

Before placing a filling, the damaged or decayed portion of the tooth must be completely cleaned. We usually administer a local anesthetic and, in some cases, nitrous oxide for optimal patient comfort during the procedure. The treated tooth is prepared by the dentist by removing decay and disinfecting the area. Then, custom-tinted liquid resin is inserted into the cavity and shaped for a proper fit.

Once the composite has been placed, a soft, cool curing light hardens the resin. The dentist will then assess your bite to make certain the upper and lower teeth fit together properly. If necessary, adjustments are made at this time. Once the bite is addressed, the tooth is polished to a lifelike shine. We can place multiple tooth-colored fillings in a single dental visit.

Replacing Metal Fillings

We usually replace amalgam fillings only if they have failed and require replacement. Though we are proponents of tooth-colored fillings, we also encourage conservative treatment. Oftentimes, removing an amalgam filling leaves a tooth structurally unsound. A tooth-colored filling may not provide sufficient structural durability in such a case.

If your smile is tarnished by old, metal amalgam fillings, and you would like to find out whether replacing them with tooth-colored fillings is possible, schedule a consultation with Dr. Orchard or Dr. Vilamil. One of our dentists can answer any questions you may have, evaluate your dental health, and educate you so that you are able to make informed decisions regarding your treatment goals.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Restorative dentistry and cosmetic dentistry come together with all-white, natural-looking fillings and crowns. If you have a toothache, know that you need a cavity filled, or think your existing fillings may be failing, contact our dental office today. We serve patients of all ages and would be honored to care for you and your family.