Why So Many Patients Switch To Tooth Colored Fillings
Cavities affect almost everyone at some point, and the approach no longer has to leave a silver spot on your smile. Tooth colored fillings give patients a contemporary alternative to conventional metal amalgam fillings — blending with the authentic shade of your tooth so well that most people won't notice a restoration was ever placed.
At ClearWave Dental & Aesthetics, our team holds that essential dental work should never compromise how your smile looks. Caring for families throughout Coral Springs, FL, our dentists apply high-quality composite resin materials to fill damaged areas using a process that looks natural from the very first appointment.
Whether you have a tiny cavity on a visible tooth, or you'd like to update worn silver fillings which have started look obvious, tooth colored fillings could be exactly the answer. Read on to learn what you need to understand ahead of your a appointment.
What Are Tooth Colored Fillings?
Tooth colored fillings — sometimes referred to as composite fillings or composite resin restorations — represent a class of cavity treatment made from a combination of microscopic glass fibers and polymer resin. Unlike traditional amalgam fillings, which are composed of a mercury alloy, tooth colored fillings adhere closely to your existing tooth enamel. This chemical attachment requires less natural tooth having to be cleared before placement.
This filling material is applied in multiple increments, each one hardened rapidly with the help of a curing dental light. After each layer is set, your clinician sculpts and smooths the material so that it mimics the original form of your tooth with great accuracy. The result is a filling so well-matched it appears like part of your original tooth.
Apart from how they look, tooth colored fillings work quite effectively from a mechanical perspective. Because the composite resin adheres molecularly to the tooth, the material works to strengthen the surrounding healthy tooth enamel. Modern composite blends are considerably more wear-resistant than previous versions, making them a reliable option for anterior and posterior teeth.
The Key Benefits of Tooth Colored Fillings
- Invisible Look: The filling is shade-matched to the exact tooth shade, making the restoration virtually undetectable in everyday lighting.
- Minimal Tooth Loss: Given that composite resin adheres tightly to enamel, your dentist only needs to eliminate the compromised area, preserving more your healthy tooth structure.
- Free of Mercury Materials: In contrast to amalgam fillings, tooth colored fillings contain no mercury — an important distinction for patients who prefer health-conscious dental materials.
- Multi-Purpose Use: Tooth colored fillings work on cavities on front teeth across the board, and can also restore chips and worn enamel.
- Quick Setting Time: Every coat of composite hardens in a matter of seconds under the LED light, so the restoration is completely set by the time you walk out the office.
- Thermal Expansion Similar To Natural Teeth: Composite resin responds to temperature in a way that aligns with real teeth, minimizing the chance of micro-cracks over time.
- Easy to Repair: If a tooth colored filling becomes damaged over time, a dentist can typically be repaired without completely redoing the treatment — saving time and expense.
- Instant Results: Nearly everyone can eat comfortably within a short time of the procedure, as composite cures completely during the visit.
The Tooth Colored Fillings Treatment: What to Expect
- Full Evaluation and Diagnosis — At the start of treatment, your dentist assesses the area of concern with the aid of advanced imaging plus a visual inspection. The process helps confirm the extent of the damage while confirming that a tooth colored filling is the ideal solution.
- Shade Selection — Using a dental shade guide, your dentist picks the composite resin color that most closely matches your surrounding teeth. This process makes sure the final filling looks natural into your teeth.
- Numbing and Getting Comfortable — A local anesthetic is placed near the treatment site so you feel little to no discomfort while we work. A large number of individuals find themselves amazed that treatment is manageable today's procedures are.
- Clearing the Decay and Tooth Preparation — The decayed tissue is carefully removed using a handpiece or occasionally using air abrasion. Because tooth colored filling material bonds directly, only the decayed area must be removed — surrounding tooth structure is preserved.
- Composite Application — The tooth-matched material is built up through multiple layers. After every layer, a specialized curing light hardens harden the material in just seconds. The incremental technique builds in superior durability and a precise final shape.
- Shaping, Contouring, and Polishing — After every the material is in, the provider shapes and polishes the composite to match your tooth's natural bite. A careful check takes place to make sure your bite feels even and comfortable.
- Completion and Care Recommendations — Before you leave, your dentist walks you through aftercare tips in the first day or two following treatment. Any sensitivity that may occur is typically temporary and minor.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Tooth Colored Fillings?
Tooth colored fillings are a great choice for a large group of patients. Patients who have a minor to moderate cavity — regardless of whether it's located a back molar or a back molar — is usually considered an strong candidate. Those who want a mercury-free philosophy about dental restoration frequently prefer composite options. Past fresh decay, tooth colored fillings are also ideal for patients who upgrade older metal fillings which have begun to fail or simply become unsightly.
Both younger patients and older patients are good candidates for tooth colored fillings, and the specific treatment plan depends on things such as cavity size, where the tooth sits in your mouth, as well as your broader dental picture. Those dealing with very large cavities, severely compromised teeth, or teeth that take on heavy chewing loads could be better served by an alternative restoration in place of a standard filling. Your dentist is always ready to walk you through all choices so that you are fully informed before treatment begins.
Keep in mind that patients with active gingivitis may need periodontal treatment beforehand, as healthy gums are critical for long-lasting restorations. During your evaluation, the professionals at ClearWave Dental & Aesthetics take time to review your full dental health prior to offering any treatment suggestions.
Tooth Colored Fillings Frequently Asked Questions
How long does placing the composite filling require?A typical single tooth colored filling can be completed in 30 to 60 minutes from start to finish. More complex cases or situations where multiple teeth are being treated could require more time, and your clinician will give you a clear time estimate at the evaluation.
Do tooth colored fillings involve discomfort?Local anesthesia gets placed ahead of the procedure, so the majority of individuals don't feel anything while the process. Once the numbing fades, brief sensitivity or soreness in the area is completely expected which usually fades within a day or two. Over-the-counter pain relief is usually all that's needed if soreness occurs.
How long do tooth colored fillings stay in place?Given good care and maintenance, tooth colored fillings typically last well over a decade — sometimes longer depending on factors like your bite force, brushing and flossing habits, and where of the tooth in the jaw. Consistent six-month cleanings with our team let our providers monitor your fillings and identify any wear or issues at an early stage.
Are composite fillings an insured procedure?A number of insurance policies cover tooth colored fillings in part, however the amount often differs depending on the insurer and which tooth location. A few insurers may cover composite fillings at the same level as amalgam, whereas others may require additional cost for the tooth-colored material. Our billing specialists confirm your insurance details prior to your appointment.
Can I replace my existing amalgam fillings with tooth colored fillings?Many individuals opt to update their old silver fillings with tooth colored fillings for combined cosmetic and and health-related purposes. If your old amalgam filling shows cracks, begun to leak, or just looks unsightly, swapping it out with a tooth colored restoration is a common treatment. A short exam will confirm if the old amalgam is ready for replacement.
Tooth Colored Fillings for Local Patients
Coral Springs, FL is home to a wide mix of homeowners, students, and lifelong community members, a lot of whom make the drive to ClearWave Dental & Aesthetics from neighborhoods like Eagle Trace and Wyndham Lakes. Those driving in from along Wiles Road appreciate how the practice is centrally located and typically offers same-week scheduling whether you're a new or existing patients. With the Coral Springs Museum of Art alongside the Coral Springs Medical Center anchor an area our practice is honored to serve.
If you live or work close to the Athletic Complex neighborhood or on Coral Ridge Drive, you're a quick trip from receiving the dental treatment that you deserve. The professionals at ClearWave Dental & Aesthetics is committed to making every visit as efficient and painless as we can, from the moment you walk in to your final step. Tooth colored fillings form just one of the many services through which we care for our patients here look and feel their best.
Schedule Your Tooth Colored Fillings Appointment Now
There's no reason to live with a cavity or teeth showing dark metal fillings now that a quick and aesthetically superior alternative is right here. Our office can help you get more info achieve the dental treatment your smile deserves with tooth colored fillings that hold up beautifully for many years to come. Call our Coral Springs office to schedule your visit — our providers are available to answer your questions and get you moving toward to a healthier, more beautiful smile.
ClearWave Dental & Aesthetics | 8894 Royal Palm Boulevard | Coral Springs FL 33065 | (954) 345-5200