Tooth Colored Fillings
Burbank, CA
Tooth Colored Fillings provided by Lawrence Toomin, DDS
and Mark Bieber, DDS
in Burbank, CA at Toomin & Bieber Aesthetic Comprehensive Dentistry
Cavities and minor tooth damage are more common than most people realize, and the way they are treated has changed significantly in recent decades. At Toomin & Bieber Aesthetic Comprehensive Dentistry tooth colored fillings are the standard of care, offering a dental restoration that blends with natural enamel while protecting the tooth from further harm. Whether you are dealing with a new cavity or looking to replace old metal fillings, our dental team is here to help you understand your options and make confident decisions about your dental health.
Why Tooth Colored Fillings?
The name says it all: these fillings are designed to match the color of your natural teeth. Unlike traditional amalgam restorations, tooth colored fillings do not leave a dark gray shadow on your smile. For a practice centered on aesthetic and comprehensive dentistry, this matters. Our doctors believe that every aspect of dental care, including something as routine as a filling, should contribute to a smile that looks and functions at its best. Tooth colored fillings allow us to treat decay and damage without compromising the appearance of your teeth.
Benefits
Tooth colored fillings offer several advantages that go beyond aesthetics.
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Natural appearance that blends seamlessly with surrounding enamel
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Bonds directly to tooth structure, which can help preserve more of the healthy tooth
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Does not contain mercury or metal alloys
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Less sensitivity to temperature changes compared to metal alternatives
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Can be used to repair chips, cracks, and worn edges in addition to cavities |
Purposes
While tooth colored fillings are most commonly associated with treating cavities, their applications extend further than many patients expect.
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Restoring teeth affected by decay
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Repairing minor chips or fractures
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Closing small gaps between teeth
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Rebuilding worn tooth surfaces
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Replacing older amalgam fillings for patients seeking a more natural look |
Materials
Tooth colored fillings are made from composite resin, a blend of fine glass or quartz particles suspended in a plastic matrix. The material is carefully shade-matched to your existing tooth color before placement, ensuring a result that is virtually indistinguishable from natural enamel. Composite resin bonds directly to the tooth, which allows our doctors to remove less healthy structure during preparation. Some patients may also be candidates for ceramic or porcelain inlays and onlays, which are lab-fabricated restorations used when a larger area of the tooth requires coverage. During your consultation, our team will recommend the material best suited to the size and location of the restoration.
Filling Procedure
Getting a tooth colored filling at Toomin & Bieber Aesthetic Comprehensive Dentistry is a straightforward process typically completed in a single visit. The appointment begins with an examination and, if needed, X-rays to assess the extent of the decay or damage. Once the treatment area is numbed with a local anesthetic, our doctors will gently remove any decayed material and clean the tooth thoroughly. The composite resin is then applied in thin layers, with each layer hardened using a special curing light. After all layers are in place, the filling is shaped and polished to match the natural contours of your tooth and ensure a comfortable bite. Most patients find the experience comfortable and are able to resume normal activity immediately following the appointment.
How Long Do Fillings Last?
A common question patients ask is whether tooth colored fillings last as long as traditional metal ones. The honest answer is that it depends on several factors, including the size of the filling, its location in the mouth, and how well it is maintained. Composite resin fillings placed in low-pressure areas tend to perform exceptionally well over many years. In high-stress areas, such as the back molars where chewing forces are greatest, larger restorations may benefit from ceramic alternatives that offer added durability.
Amalgam fillings have historically been marketed for their longevity, but composite resin has improved significantly in strength and wear resistance over time. With proper care, tooth colored fillings routinely last a decade or more. Regular dental visits allow our doctors to monitor existing restorations and address any signs of wear before a small issue becomes a larger problem. The key to longevity is not the material alone, but how well the restoration is placed and how consistently it is maintained.
Caring for Your Dental Filling
Caring for a tooth colored filling is no different from caring for the rest of your teeth. Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste, floss at least once a day, and keep up with your routine hygiene appointments. Patients who grind or clench their teeth may benefit from a custom nightguard, as excessive pressure over time can shorten the lifespan of any restoration. Avoiding habits such as chewing ice, biting fingernails, or using your teeth to open packaging will also help protect your filling. Composite resin can be susceptible to staining from coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco, so moderating these and rinsing with water after consumption can help preserve the appearance of the restoration.
Signs to Watch For
Fillings are durable, but they do not last forever, and it is important to recognize when one may need attention. A filling that does not fit correctly may cause your bite to feel uneven or create pressure on a particular tooth when chewing. Sensitivity to temperature that lingers after eating or drinking can also indicate that a filling is not seated properly or that decay has developed around its edges.
As a filling ages, it may begin to crack, chip, or pull away slightly from the surrounding tooth, creating a gap where bacteria can enter. You might notice a rough texture when running your tongue across the tooth, or visible discoloration around the edges of the restoration.
In some cases, a filling may come out entirely. If this happens, keep the area clean, avoid chewing on that side, and contact our office as soon as possible. A lost filling leaves the underlying tooth exposed and vulnerable, and prompt care helps prevent further damage.
Restore Your Smile With Confidence
Tooth colored fillings are one of the most versatile and patient-friendly restorations in modern dentistry, and they reflect the kind of care our practice is built on: thorough, thoughtful, and attentive to how your smile looks and feels. If you have a cavity, an older filling that needs replacing, or a tooth that could benefit from conservative repair, our team is ready to help. Contact Toomin & Bieber Aesthetic Comprehensive Dentistry today at (818) 748-9998 to schedule your appointment.
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