Tooth-Colored Dental Fillings

What are Tooth-Colored Fillings?

A tooth-colored filling is used to restore your tooth’s function and strength to a tooth that has been damaged by decay. A filling prevents further breakdown of the tooth and helps keep the tooth healthy in the long-term. In contrast to a metal amalgam filling, tooth-colored fillings are made of composite resin material that is a mixture of specially made dental-grade glass particles and ultra-fine plastic. This means tooth colored fillings are 100% metal-free and can be matched to the shade of your surrounding teeth exactly.

Replacing existing fillings

Metal or amalgam fillings were the standard treatment to fill cavities for many years. However, the materials in metal fillings have many unwanted and unnecessary side effects. Amalgam fillings contain mercury, even though it is a small, safe amount, many people like to avoid exposure to this chemical element. Sensitivity can also occur due to the metals used, especially to hot and cold temperatures. Most importantly, metal fillings can be very unsightly and can cause a less attractive smile. Tooth-Colored fillings can solve all these issues.

Why the Need for Tooth Fillings?

Fillings are among the most typical dental procedure used to treat the most common teeth.

Materials used in fillings

Your dentist has a few options for materials to use when it is necessary to fill a tooth.

Gold and alloys

A gold filling will last for more than 20 years and is also referred to as an inlay. It is made from a mixture of gold with other metal alloys.

Dental amalgam

As the FDA states, dental amalgam fillings are made from powdered copper, silver, and tin which is mixed with liquid mercury. These silver fillings are often used in larger back fillings.

Glass ionomer

Powdered-glass fillings match the color of your teeth. The dentist applies the filling and the material chemically bonds with your tooth.

Composite

Composite fillings are tooth-colored fillings that are made from glass and resin. As with glass ionomer fillings, they look far more natural than metal fillings. Composite fillings can stain in the same way that natural teeth do.

Porcelain

Porcelain inlays are made in a laboratory and then bonded onto the tooth. Porcelain is resistant to stains and matches the tooth color.

Why do tooth-colored fillings take more time?

Tooth-colored fillings typically take longer than metal fillings for two reasons. First, the layering process requires more steps than a metal filling, and a special light is needed to dry and harden the surrounding area around the filling.

A tooth-colored filling must be built up in multiple layers for a proper and natural fit in the cavity. For metal fillings, the alloy is melted into place, which is a far quicker process.

To fill a tooth, the dentist or dental hygienist will apply a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth. A laser or air abrasion instrument is used to scrape away the decayed area and then the dentist or hygienist will prepare the space for the filling by cleaning the cavity of bacteria and debris. In some cases, your dentist or hygienist will apply a liner for your tooth called a glass ionomer to help protect your tooth and nerve before it is filled. After the filling is complete, many dentists or dental hygienists will polish the tooth to feel smooth and natural.

Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings

Because the tooth-colored filling is custom shaded to match your enamel, you can expect that your filling will maintain a natural appearance that won’t stand out in your smile. Additional benefits of tooth colored fillings include:

Directly bonding to the teeth, ensuring a more stable attachment
Far less enamel needs to be removed (or at times none), which helps preserve more of your natural tooth structure
Ideal alternative for those who are allergic to metals
Significantly less dental sensitivity as compared to metal fillings
Healthier in the long-term since they do not expand and contract when exposed to extreme temperatures (metal fillings can cause the natural enamel to separate and crack)
Can last just as long as amalgam fillings, approximately 10 years when consistent at-home care is practiced
Requires no special maintenance to keep the filling healthy

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do composite fillings last?

They last around 7–12 years depending on location, bite force, and oral hygiene.

Will the filling match my natural tooth?

Yes. Composite resin is carefully shade-matched to blend seamlessly.

Are tooth-colored fillings safe?

Yes. They are metal-free and biocompatible.

Can composite fillings replace old metal fillings?

Absolutely. Many patients choose to replace old amalgam fillings for cosmetic or comfort reasons.

Why is my tooth sensitive after a filling?

Mild sensitivity is normal and usually fades within a few days.

Get in Touch with Us

If you’re looking for quality dental care in Lowell or surrounding communities such as Dracut, Chelmsford, Tewksbury, Billerica, Tyngsborough, or Methuen, contact Smiley Dental Lowell today at 978-999-9000. Our team is here to help you achieve a smile you’ll love.