Tooth-Colored Fillings – Ann Arbor, MI
Keeping Smiles Natural-Looking
At Dina H. Cocco, DDS, PC of Ann Arbor, we’re proud to offer our patients an effective and attractive solution to the common cavity: tooth-colored fillings! Just like the name implies, these fillings look just like real tooth enamel; in fact, they’re made from composite resin, which comes in several different shades that can be matched to your existing smile. The results are so natural in appearance, that once the filling has been placed, you won’t even be able to tell where it is. For more information or to schedule an appointment, do not hesitate to contact our Ann Arbor, MI, office for assistance!
What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings?
A tooth-colored filling is a type of restorative dentistry that is used to repair a cavity-stricken tooth. It helps restore tooth structure so that it will remain healthier for years. The tooth-colored fillings used in our dental office consist of composite resin, which is a putty-like mixture that combines ultra-fine plastic and glass particles. Since they contain no metal, they might be safer than the alternative.
Tooth-colored fillings can be easily shaded to match your existing tooth enamel shade, which cannot be accomplished with traditional amalgam.
The Process of Getting a Tooth-Colored Filling
One of the benefits of receiving a tooth-colored filling is that it only requires a single dental appointment, so you don’t need to worry about driving back and forth to our office.
Dr. Cocco will begin by numbing the area of your mouth that will receive the filling. She will then remove the decayed portions of tooth enamel before sanitizing the space and applying the color-matched composite resin to the tooth. All the layers must be filled to ensure all lost enamel is fully restored.
After filling in the tooth, she will use an ultraviolet curing light to harden the resin layers, which should only take a few seconds, before reshaping the filling and removing any excess materials. With a final polish, you will have a new and improved smile.
The Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings
Although traditional metal fillings were once the only way to repair teeth plagued by cavities, tooth-colored fillings now offer greater benefits, such as:
- A more natural-looking appearance thanks to the color-matched composite resin that is used (eliminating the potential for any gray lines that metal can cause).
- Greater stability because the resin directly bonds with the tooth.
- Reduced tooth sensitivity because the resin protects the nerves inside the tooth. Metal fillings can expand when exposed to hot or cold temperatures, resulting in sensitivity.
- The ability to keep more of your natural tooth structure because the resin doesn’t require as much of the enamel to be removed.
- A suitable option if you are allergic to metal materials.
- A stronger tooth over time because there is no metal to expand and contract, effectively weakening the tooth.
- A restoration that can last a decade or longer with regular maintenance.