Tooth-Colored Fillings Aurora
Fillings That Blend Right into Your Smile
For several decades, having a cavity meant that you had to sacrifice the aesthetic appeal of your smile and get a filling made of amalgam, or a mix of various metals like silver. Over time, these fillings left a noticeable gray mark on your tooth that could mar your smile. Fortunately, these days there is a much better alternative – tooth-colored fillings in Aurora. These fillings can be color-matched to your existing tooth enamel so that they do not stand out in your smile. Contact us today if you have a cavity that needs filling.
What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings?
Tooth-colored fillings are made of a material called composite resin, which is actually the same substance used in cosmetic bonding. This material, comprised of a blend of ceramic and plastics, is highly malleable, allowing it to fit right into your cavity in Aurora without removing any natural tooth structure to make room. Once your tooth-colored filling is placed, no one but you should be able to tell that you have had dental work done.
The Process of Getting a Tooth-Colored Filling
First, your dentist in Aurora will remove any decayed material from your tooth. Then, he will apply the composite resin material in layers until the cavity is entirely filled. Finally, he will use a special curing light to harden the filling into place, and voila! The whole process should take about an hour per tooth. Although the process is slightly longer than that of traditional amalgam fillings, it will be worth it to have a filling that doesn’t stand out in your grin.
Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings
Besides being more aesthetically desirable than their metal counterparts, tooth-colored fillings in Aurora offer a whole host of benefits, including:
- Less tooth enamel must be removed to make room, since composite resin fillings bond directly to the tooth.
- Metal fillings expand and contract when exposed to hot and cold stimuli, meaning they can wear down the tooth and eventually cause breakage. Resin fillings remain the same size despite the temperature.
- Metal fillings can stain the enamel surrounding them, while resin fillings blend right into the enamel.
- Composite fillings contain no metal, soothing the concerns of anyone worried about mercury in metal fillings.
- There is generally less post-treatment discomfort associated with tooth-colored fillings.
Maintaining Your Tooth-Colored Fillings
The great news is that taking care of your composite resin fillings is quite similar to caring for your teeth without fillings. Be sure to brush your teeth twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste and floss at least once daily. Also, come visit us every six months for a professional teeth cleaning and checkup to let us evaluate how your tooth-colored fillings are holding up.
Tooth-Colored Filling FAQs
If you’re looking for a biocompatible, natural-looking solution to treat cavities, tooth-colored fillings may be an option for you. Your dentist in Aurora can restore the health of your tooth using a mercury and metal-free treatment. It will blend in with your enamel, so no one will know it is there. Although you’ve heard about their benefits, you might still have a few concerns. We’ll explain everything during your appointment. While you wait for your visit, here are the answers to a few of the most common questions patients ask us about composite fillings.
Who can get tooth colored-fillings?
Tooth-colored fillings are safe for patients of all ages, including children, teens, and adults. We can create generations of healthy smiles by treating tooth decay early without the risk of mercury exposure or metal sensitivity.
Can composite fillings preserve more of my tooth?
When compared to traditional metal fillings, those made of a composite material can actually preserve more of your tooth’s structure. We don’t need to cut wedges into your tooth to support the filling. As a result, only damaged tissue is removed when placing it.
Are tooth-colored fillings durable?
Tooth-colored fillings aren’t made using any metals. As a result, it’s normal to be concerned about their durability; however, composite fillings are equally durable. In fact, they are proven to last for a decade or longer with the right aftercare, like maintaining your oral hygiene at home and visiting our office regularly. We’ll check your filling at each appointment to ensure it’s undamaged and functioning as intended.
Can I whiten my tooth-colored fillings?
If you don’t practice proper oral hygiene habits, smoke, or consume darkly pigmented foods and drinks regularly, your filling can discolor. Not to mention, if you use a whitening treatment, the filling may no longer match your enamel. Unfortunately, even professional whitening treatments won’t restore the appearance of your filling. Thankfully, your dentist can easily replace it to ensure it blends in with the color of your enamel.
How much does a tooth-colored filling cost?
There isn’t a set rate for tooth-colored fillings because the cost is based on your specific treatment plan. We’ll provide you with an estimate during your consultation and discuss the fees associated with it. We’ll help you find the solutions you need to enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile without draining your wallet.
Can I use my dental insurance?
Every insurance policy differs, but most plans offer coverage for tooth-colored fillings. By paying your monthly premiums, you have access to comprehensive benefits that can be used to help offset the cost of common treatments, like fillings. A member of our team will work on your behalf with your dental insurance to file the necessary claim forms, so you have one less thing to worry about. We’ll help you maximize your coverage to lower the amount you need to pay out-of-pocket.