Service - Tooth Colored Fillings

tooth colored fillings - santa cruzToday, more patients ask their dentists about tooth colored fillings because they want their teeth to look natural when they laugh, talk and smile.  Luckily, advances in modern dental materials and techniques increasingly offer new ways to create more pleasing, natural smiles that can also stand up to the constant wear and tear in the mouth.  

Tooth colored fillings, also called composite or resin restorations, are made from tooth colored materials that restore the natural appearance of a decayed or previously filled tooth.  There are many advantages to using a resin restoration:

- Extremely esthetic (mimic the natural appearance/shade of the tooth)

- High wear resistance (can be used in the front and back of the mouth)

- Minimal removal of healthy tooth structure

- Good bond strength (adheres well to enamel and dentin)

- Requires only one visit

Although resin restorations can be used in many circumstances to restore a decayed tooth and are often preferable for obvious cosmetic reasons, we may recommended another type of material (such as porcelain or gold) or a different type of restoration (such as an inlay, onlay, or crown) depending on the clinical situation.  Examples may include a tooth that has been root canal treated, a tooth with a very large amount of decay, or a tooth subjected to heavy forces during chewing.  Our team of experts will carefully discuss all of your options so that you can make an informed decision prior to beginning treatment.  

Should you have any additional questions or concerns, please feel free to contact our office at any time.