If you have a cavity or damaged tooth, you don’t have to sacrifice appearance for strength. That’s why at Smiles for Miles Dentistry, Dr. Salm prefers tooth-colored composite fillings.
Theyrestore the health of your teeth while keeping your smile looking natural and confident.
Why Choose White Composite Fillings?
While silver amalgam fillings have long been used for their durability, they can be highly visible and may even weaken the surrounding tooth structure over time.
Composite fillings are one of the most popular choices in dentistry. People value the fact that they blend in with a natural tooth.
Other reasons to choose white composite fillings:
- Aesthetic Appeal – White dental fillings closely match your tooth color. As such, they offer a more natural appearance than metal restorations.
- Long-Lasting – Tooth colored materials in composites resist wear. They hold up even under constant stress and moderate pressure.
- Minimally Invasive – Requires less removal of healthy tooth structure compared to other options.
- Mercury-free – A safe, biocompatible alternative to silver amalgam fillings or older amalgam fillings.
- Convenient treatment – The entire dental filling procedure is completed in one visit.
These reasons and more are why your dentist may recommend composite fillings.
What are White Composite Fillings?
Composite resin fillings are made from a mix of chemical compounds and glass particles. They’re often called white composite fillings in dentistry.
They are nearly invisible since the material can be customized to the shade of your natural teeth. These special white fillings give them a far more natural look than silver or gold fillings ever will.
Additionally, white composite fillings are versatile. As a result, they can be used for various types of dental restorations, including:
- Dental fillings
- Veneers
- Inlays
- Same Day Crowns
How White Composite Fillings Protect Your Teeth
With composite fillings, white resin material is used to repair chipped and cracked teeth. Dentists place this composite material in cavity fillings when decay-causing bacteria damages a tooth.
The composite resin material then works to stop tooth decay from spreading.
These resin fillings restore decayed teeth and make worn teeth stronger. They bond directly to the tooth structure. And this bond helps preserve enamel and protect your existing teeth.
They also lower the risk of early gum disease like gingivitis. In turn, they help prevent future tooth loss. Lastly, white fillings protect your teeth and blend in with your smile.
Other Dental Filling Materials
Your dentist may offer several choices when it comes to filling materials. Here’s more about them.
Gold Fillings
Gold fillings are more expensive than other filling procedures. But you do get what you pay for. They’re durable and can last 20 years or more. They typically require a two-visit process in a dental laboratory.
Ceramic Fillings
Ceramic fillings are made from porcelain and can last up to 15 years. They are not used as often as other fillings since they cost more than most other options. They also require two visits to complete.
Dental Amalgam Fillings
Amalgam dental fillings were the most commonly used type of filling for many years. Today, they’re still widely used in many parts of the dental field.
These dental fillings consist of mercury mixed with silver and other metals like tin and copper.
Dental fillings made from this silver mixture have long been valued for durability. On the downside, they can be highly visible. They can also weaken the surrounding tooth structure over time.
Health Concerns About Amalgam Fillings
Concerns about mercury and possible mercury vapor exposure during placement or removal of amalgam fillings are often raised.
However, numerous public health agencies report no evidence that mercury used in this way harms patients. The American Dental Association considers amalgam safe and effective for most people.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) takes the same stance. The FDA does caution against its use in certain higher-risk groups.
People at greater risk include:
- Pregnant women and their developing fetuses
- People planning pregnancy within the year
- Breastfeeding mothers and their newborns
- Children, especially under age six
- Individuals with neurological conditions
- Those with sensitivities to mercury
Furthermore, the FDA does not recommend removing existing amalgam fillings in high-risk patients. If the restorations are in good condition, they should be left alone.
Removal can release more mercury vapor than leaving them in place.
Allergic reactions to amalgam are very rare. Fewer than 100 cases have been reported. Symptoms may include a skin rash or itching.
These reactions are usually linked to patients with known metal allergies. In such cases, dentists can use another restorative material instead.
Considering Replacing Old Silver Fillings?
Many people feel self-conscious about metal fillings. Silver fillings can show when you smile or laugh. Dr. Salm can replace them with modern white composite fillings.
This change improves the look of your smile. It also lowers risks linked to old amalgam restorations, such as cracking or leakage.
Direct vs. Indirect Fillings
Direct dental fillings are placed immediately into a prepared cavity in a single visit. These are the most common filling options for treating everyday cavities.
Examples include:
- White Composite Dental Fillings
- Silver Amalgam Dental Fillings
- Glass Ionomer Dental Fillings
Indirect fillings are created outside the mouth, usually in a dental laboratory. They are then bonded to the tooth during a second appointment. Dentists choose indirect fillings for larger areas or when extra strength is needed.
Examples include:
- Inlays
- Onlays
- Gold Dental Fillings
- Ceramic Dental Fillings
Fillers for Teeth: How Dentists Decide Which Option Works Best
Your dentist will consider several factors before recommending which dental filling treatment to use. The following factors often play a role in the choice of dental filling materials they will recommend:
- Your cosmetic preferences
- The size of the cavity
- The location of the tooth
- Chewing force the tooth endures
For instance, small cavities in visible front teeth are often best treated with tooth colored dental resin composites. These work well for appearance. Depending on the tooth’s location, composite materials may be more prone to chipping or wear.
Also, larger areas of tooth decay in back molars may need a stronger solution such as an amalgam fillings. Your dentist may choose that approach or even use indirect dental fillings like inlays and onlays.
Your dentist may also consider whether the filling is expected to serve as a final restoration or a temporary measure before more advanced work.
By reviewing your options together, you and your dentist can choose the type of filling that balances appearance, longevity, and cost.
Who May Be a Candidate for White Composite Fillings?
Patients with tooth decay or recurrent decay are often good candidates for tooth colored composite resin. These fillings can be used to fill cavities or repair cracked enamel.
They may also act as the last restoration step when further decay is a risk.
People who want to avoid the appearance of dark-colored dental fillings when they smile or speak are also good candidates for white filling materials.
About Dental Insurance for White Composite Fillings
Dental insurance coverage is another factor to consider. Many plans help pay for composite fillings. Some only cover the cost of a silver amalgam dental filling on back teeth.
In these cases, you pay the difference if you choose a white filling instead.
Work closely with your dentist to review your plan. Your dentist can also submit a pre-authorization request to confirm coverage before treatment begins.
The White Composite Dental Filling Procedure
Receiving white composite fillings are fast, safe, and comfortable.
Here’s how the procedure works:
- Local Anesthesia – A local anesthetic such as Novocaine is used to numb the tooth and keep you comfortable during treatment.
- Sedation Dentistry Options – We want you to be at ease during your time in the dental chair. Dr. Salm offers nitrous oxide (laughing gas) as the primary option to help you stay calm.
- Decay Removal – Dr. Salm removes any decayed or damaged tooth material.
- Shade Matching – The composite resin is precisely matched to your natural tooth color.
- Application – The resin is applied in layers, shaped, and molded to match your tooth structure.
- Removing Excess – Your dentist will trim off excess material from the filler.
- Curing – A special light hardens the material within seconds.
- Polishing – The filling is smoothed and polished for a flawless finish.
Once placed, your filling will look and function just like the rest of your tooth.
White Dental Composite: A Modern Standard for Restorations
Composite fillings were once seen mainly as a cosmetic choice. Currently, they are used as the standard material for many dental restorations.
Advances in Strength and Durability
In recent decades, advances in composite chemistry have improved their strength. Better bonding techniques also make them more resistant to wear.
For this reason, dentists trust them for both front teeth and posterior composite restorations that handle strong chewing forces.
Bonding and Tooth Preservation
Older filling materials rested inside a cavity. White composite fillings bond directly to the tooth structure. This bond reinforces the tooth and protects it.
Dentists can also use a tooth sparing preparation. That means more healthy enamel and dentin stay in place instead of being removed.
Versatility of Resin Composites
As mentioned, modern resin composites are quite versatile. Dentists use them to rebuild chipped edges. The material can also be layered for cosmetic reshaping.
In some cases, it works with indirect methods to restore large cavities.
Natural Appearance and Safety
Being tooth colored, composite blends in better than metal. Patients don’t face concerns about mercury exposure from older amalgam dental fillings.
The result is a polished, natural smile without the metallic shine of older options.
Dental Care For Tooth-Colored Fillings
To maintain composite resin fillings long-term, you should follow good oral hygiene practices. That includes visiting your dentist regularly for cleanings.
Routine dental checkups go a long way toward protecting oral health and keeping dental fillings in good condition.
At home, you can follow simple oral hygiene practices. These include brushing with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing each day.
With proper care, composite fillings can last for many years. They will continue to look and function like your natural teeth.
Ready To Restore Your Smile?
Don’t let metal fillings hold you back. Here’s why you should trust Dr. Salm and our caring team to restore your smile with strength, function, and natural beauty using white composite fillings.
📞 Call us at (262) 548-3555 or schedule your visit online. We’re here to help you smile confidently—with dental restorations that no one will notice!