Fillings
For some, the appearance of standard silver amalgam fillings is unattractive. They are noticeable when you smile and can cause your teeth to appear discolored.
If you need a filling but don’t want it to be visible, tooth-colored composite fillings are the perfect solution. We can also use composite filling material to restore chipped teeth or fill small gaps between teeth to give you a more even, appealing smile.
What Is a Composite Filling?
Composite fillings are a mixture of resins, glass particles, and colorants that impart a translucent appearance similar to tooth enamel. The composite is applied to the tooth in layers and hardened using ultraviolet light. Unlike silver amalgam fillings, composites placed by your dentist match the color of your natural teeth and provide a seamless tooth repair.
Since the composite bonds directly to your tooth, these fillings require less removal of the healthy tooth, which leaves more remaining tooth structure intact. Composite fillings are also less prone to cracking and chipping than amalgam fillings due to temperature changes in your mouth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Unlike amalgam fillings, tooth-colored fillings are a custom-mixed resin composite. The composite mixture is matched to your tooth color and bonded directly to the tooth. This usually results in a filling that is nearly indistinguishable from your natural tooth.
How Is a Composite Filling Placed?
To place a composite filling, the dentist numbs the area if necessary and removes any decay. The remaining tooth structure is then etched to create a rough surface to which the composite can bond.
Our dentist will match the shade of your natural tooth and mix a composite that they apply and harden in layers. Once built up, the filling will be shaped to accommodate your dental bite and look natural. The final step is to polish the filling, so it blends in perfectly.
We may use a semi-direct or indirect filling for areas needing larger repairs. This process involves a composite built up inside the mouth and then removed for curing or a filling manufactured outside of the mouth and cured. This allows for stronger curing and a more sturdy composite filling. Once the composite material is cured, it is bonded to your natural tooth.
Why Choose Composite?
While tooth-colored fillings are usually more expensive than silver amalgam fillings, they offer a better aesthetic than metal fillings. The filling material also acts more like a natural tooth, helping to avoid fractures due to uneven stress when biting.
Contact our office today to make an appointment so we can answer all your questions about tooth-colored composite fillings.
Our Team
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Dr. Jeremy Berger
Dr. Jeremy Berger has been a dentist since 2016 and co-founded Bluffside Dental in 2018 after purchasing the practice of Dr. Gary Erickson, a long-time dentist in Red Wing. Together with his team, he brings dedication, passion, and a patient-centered approach to his practice.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from St. Olaf College and then received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree with Distinction from the University of Minnesota.
Dr. Berger's decision to pursue dentistry stemmed from his love of science and desire to build meaningful, personal connections with patients. Since ...
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Fillings Technology
Digital X-Rays
Modern digital dental x-rays benefit patients in a number of ways:
- Digital x-rays expose patients to considerably less radiation than conventional film x-rays.
- Digital x-rays require almost no time for development, reducing time spent waiting in the dental chair.
- Digital x-rays allow for incredibly precise and accurate images for timely diagnoses.
- Digital x-rays are securely stored in your digital file and can be securely sent to your insurance company or specialists, when necessary.
Because no chemicals are needed for developing and no space is needed for film storage, digital x-rays are better for the environment.
Testimonial
Our family has had great experiences with the staff there.
I highly recommend Bluffside Dental! Our family has had great experiences with the staff there. Dr. Berger was so great with my daughter when she had to have a filling. He took time to make her feel comfortable and even entertained her throughout the procedure. She is excited to go to the dentist every time!
-Katie