Tooth-Colored Fillings | Dentist in Reno, NV

Tooth-Colored Fillings for a Seamless Smile

Have you ever felt self-conscious about flashing a smile because of a noticeable silver filling? You’re not alone. Traditional amalgam fillings can be an eyesore, but the good news is that there’s a more aesthetically pleasing option. At West Side Dental Studio, our experienced Reno, NV dentist, Dr. Chelsea Dean offers tooth-colored fillings as a seamless solution to repair teeth affected by cavities, cracks, or wear.

If you’re interested in achieving a seamless smile with tooth-colored fillings contact us today by giving Dr. Dean a call at(775) 686-6029.

What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings?

Tooth-colored fillings are a natural-looking alternative to traditional amalgam fillings. They come in two primary types: composite resin and porcelain. Both options provide excellent durability and strength while blending seamlessly with your existing teeth, giving you a beautiful, worry-free smile. These dental filling materials are a great choice for those seeking a more aesthetically pleasing option.

Composite Resin Fillings

Composite resin fillings are a popular choice for their affordability, versatility, and ability to mimic the natural tooth color. They are composed of a blend of plastic resin and powdered glass filler, providing good durability and fracture resistance in small to mid-sized restorations. When compared to traditional amalgam fillings, composite resin fillings require minimal tooth preparation, thanks to their unique bonding capabilities.

Porcelain Fillings

Porcelain fillings are often used for larger cavities or areas with higher bite pressure due to their enhanced durability and resistance to staining. They are made of ceramic porcelain material and are applied to the tooth as inlays or onlays, which are created in a dental laboratory and offer a more natural appearance than silver or composite fillings.

Benefits of Tooth Colored Fillings

Tooth-colored fillings offer many benefits beyond their aesthetic appeal, including:

Aesthetic Appeal: The primary advantage of tooth-colored fillings is their natural, tooth-like color that provides a cosmetic advantage over silver amalgam fillings.
Durability and Strength: Tooth-colored fillings, whether composite resin or porcelain, are known for their durability and strength.They can handle moderate chewing pressure and provide greater strength than traditional metal fillings, with a considerable lifespan when properly maintained.
Minimal Tooth Removal: One of the most significant advantages of tooth-colored fillings is the minimal removal of the natural tooth structure required during the procedure. This means that a greater amount of the healthy, sound tooth structure remains intact, leading to a more conservative approach to dental restoration.

Smile Makeovers

Consultation

Need a smile makeover? The first step is to contact Dr. Dean for a consultation. She will assess your smile and oral health, and discuss which procedures may be right for you.

Treatment Plan

After your appointment, Dr. Dean will develop a custom treatment plan that may involve cosmetic treatment, restorative care, and even orthodontics depending on your case.

Results

Just come to WestSide Dental Studio for the procedures outlined in your treatment plan. By the end of your smile makeover, you’ll have a beautiful, healthy, and natural smile.

Process for Tooth Colored Fillings

Preparing the Tooth

The first step in the tooth-colored dental filling procedure is preparing the tooth. Your Reno dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area, ensuring that you remain comfortable throughout the process. Next, they will remove any decay present in the tooth, using a dental drill to eliminate the decayed area and clean the cavity.

With tooth decay removed, Dr. Dean will shape the cavity and refine its edges to create space for the filling material. This step is crucial for ensuring a strong bond between the filled tooth and the filling material, as well as a comfortable fit.

Placing the Filling Material

With the tooth prepared, the next step is to insert the filling material. The selected material, whether composite resin or porcelain, is inserted in layers. Each layer is hardened or cured prior to the addition of the subsequent layer, ensuring a strong and stable restoration.

This layering process allows the filling material to bond securely with the tooth, providing additional support and durability to the restored tooth. The adhesive used in the process also helps to safeguard the filling from potential damage or dislodgement.

Finishing and Polishing

Completing the tooth-colored filling procedure involves the following steps:

Assessing and correcting the shape of the tooth
Utilizing a step-by-step set of tools with diminishing abrasiveness to refine the form
Smoothing the restorative surface

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do tooth-colored fillings last?

Tooth-colored fillings, also known as composite fillings, typically last between 5 to 15 years. However, their lifespan can vary depending on factors like oral hygiene practices, the location of the filling, and the amount of wear and tear it undergoes.

Are tooth-colored fillings safe?

Yes, tooth-colored fillings are considered safe. They are made from a composite resin material that is free from harmful substances like mercury, which is found in traditional amalgam fillings. Additionally, composite fillings bond directly to the tooth, providing a strong and durable restoration.

Are tooth-colored fillings more expensive?

Tooth-colored fillings tend to be slightly more expensive than traditional amalgam fillings. This is because the composite material used in tooth-colored fillings is more costly to produce. However, many people find the natural appearance of tooth-colored fillings to be worth the slightly higher cost.

Can tooth-colored fillings be used for all types of cavities?

Tooth-colored fillings are versatile and can be used for many types of cavities, including those on the front and back teeth. However, in some cases, such as large or deep cavities, your dentist may recommend alternative treatments like dental crowns or inlays/onlays for added strength and support.

Tooth-Colored Fillings In Reno, NV