Tooth-colored composite
Blends with your enamel and bonds directly to the tooth. Used for both new cavities and replacing old fillings.
Cosmetic & restorative
Composite fillings that repair a cavity or chip while matching the color of your natural tooth, so the repair doesn't announce itself.
The basics
When a cavity forms, the decayed portion of the tooth has to be removed and the resulting space filled in to restore strength and prevent further decay.
A tooth-colored filling uses a composite resin that's shaded to match your enamel, instead of the dark metal amalgam fillings used in the past.
Composite restorations that match your tooth color — for fillings that don't announce themselves.
Materials
Blends with your enamel and bonds directly to the tooth. Used for both new cavities and replacing old fillings.
Very durable, but visibly dark, and can expand and contract with temperature over time.
What we use
For new fillings and for patients who want to replace old metal fillings with a tooth-colored option.
Why it matters
Which fits
A filling repairs a small area of decay. A crown is different: it covers the entire outer surface of the tooth, for cases where decay is extensive or a previous filling has failed. If your exam shows more than a filling can address, we'll explain why and walk you through our same-day crowns.
At your visit
01
Numbing.
The area is numbed so the procedure is comfortable.
02
Decay removed.
The decayed portion of the tooth is carefully removed.
03
Filled and shaped.
The composite is placed, shaped, and polished to match your bite.
Common questions
Yes. Composite fillings are shade-matched to your natural enamel before they're placed.
The area is numbed first, so most patients feel pressure rather than pain.
Yes. If you'd like your amalgam fillings replaced with tooth-colored composite, we can talk through that option at a visit.
New patients can start with a first visit, or contact us with questions first.